Marylands first lady in awe of talented NGO kid

HYDERABAD: A bunch of roses and smiling faces welcomed Catherine O’Malley, the first lady of Maryland at the Sphoorti Foundation on Tuesday. Wife of Maryland governor, Martin O’Malley, she is part of the delegation from the US state which here to sign ‘Sister State’ agreement between Andhra Pradesh and Maryland. The first lady, who has worked as a prosecutor, has been a strong advocate for rights of victims of domestic violence and child abuse. She was instrumental in successfully passing legislation to remove firearms from hands of domestic abusers in Maryland. Led by the children at the Hyderabad-based NGO, she visited their hostel rooms, classrooms for kindergarten kids, library, computer lab, music room and others. The delighted children also performed some dances on film songs to welcome the first lady. She was also gifted some art and painting works made by the children. O’Malley, after interacting with the children, patiently answered their queries regarding governance and about geography and aesthetics of Maryland. Thoroughly amazed by enthusiasm and talent of the kids she said, “I am enthralled with your dances. You guys are highly talented, smart and disciplined. I am amazed by the way they looked into my eyes while speaking.” She also had praise for teachers and mentors working with the children. The Sphoorti Foundation works for rehabilitation of children belonging to underprivileged sections including those abandoned and orphaned. The NGO currently houses 145 children including 65 girls and 80 boys in the age group of 4 to 14, in addition to sponsoring education for another 25 children from nearby poor families, according to Srivyal Vuyyuri, coordinator, Sphoorti Foundation. “Sphoorti provides basic amenities like food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare and recreation facilities. All children attend English medium school in the locality,” he said. The NGO also runs three children’s homes for kids below six years and two different homes for boys and girls in age group of 7 to 14.