German Ambassador to India visits OUAT Farm Gate Community

Bhubaneswar: Ambassador of Germany to India, Walter J. Lindner today visited the OUAT Farm Gate Community here. During his visit, Lindner interacted and engaged with children, women and youth of the community and inaugurated a Digital Learning Centre.

Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT), a not-for-profit organization founded by Dharitri Patnaik, has been working at the community since 2014. The HBT has been advocating for safe and healthy living conditions as well as upliftment of the socio-economic status of the communities living in poverty.

Upon his arrival, the German Ambassador was greeted by the women of the community in a traditional manner amid ululation and showering of flowers. He then visited the Children Play & Learning Centre ‘Ama Adda’ at OUAT.

Lindner launched the ‘Community Digital Learning Centre’ on the premises of the farm community. The centre would provide children the access to online platform to continue their learning and education during the pandemic and promote digital literacy. This was followed by the plantation of two pomegranate plants.

Dharitri Patnaik, the founder Chairperson of Humara Bachpan Trust informed how the organization works with children, adolescents and women to empower them by building their skills and making them leaders for change in their community.

In his address, Linder said, “It’s a very impressive model of living together here. The women and children of this community have set an inspirational example by aspiring for the best and breaking the stereotypes. I have the deepest respect and I leave this place with heartfelt regards for all who are present here. I can see what you have achieved here, with these difficult conditions. Be strong and continue doing so.”

Among others, First Secretary (Political) Sarah Hasselbarth, Additional Commissioner of BMC Laxmikanta Sethi, Zonal Deputy Commisioner South Zone Rabinarayan Jethi, Zonal Community Organizer (South Zone) Pratap Patnaik, Zonal Community Organiser (North Zone) Prasanna Rout, Ward Officer Kalu Patnaik and Humara Bachpan team members were present.