Email content from February 11, 2021:

We just learned about an initiative by a group of young people in Nagaland a few days ago and wanted to share in case any of you would like to join with us in supporting them. Around 25 people are working together to renovate a road that connects 4 villages to the main highway. They’re calling it the “Road of Hope”. This severely neglected road serves 8,000 people. The government is not doing anything to repair the road, which is not surprising. The photo of the beautifully paved road on their poster (at right) was probably found online and looks like a US highway. This type of road is virtually non-existent in Nagaland due to corruption.

So we are thrilled that some young people are taking matters into their own hands, taking the initiative and doing something about their own problems, rather than sitting and waiting for the “government” to do something. We are planning to send some money to support their crowd-funded campaign to repair the road. Read the article below for more details (written by Lajü’s cousin, Rita, who is a local Kohima journalist and published author).  This road connects to Rita’s village (she is the sister of Esther, whom we assisted with their small church the last part of our time in Kohima).

The total budget goal for the road is less than $7000 total and they’ve raised about $1300 so far. We understand that many are struggling in major ways due to COVID repercussions. And we know that there are many, many great needs and causes to support right here in the US. We just want to share this initiative with you because our hearts are still yearning for ways we can support the neglected in Nagaland as well. 

Photos of the road to be rebuilt: