Mustard Seedlings transforms lives in Kingston with service, support

Motivated by a deep-rooted belief in the value of service, nurtured through early lessons in Indian religion at Bal Vikas Jamaica, a group of dedicated students at Campion College and Hillel Academy have made a profound impact on their community. Their commitment to giving back led to the founding of Mustard Seedlings, the youth arm of the Mustard Seed Communities, in September 2021.

Through a series of innovative projects, these young leaders have provided critical support to underprivileged children, teen mothers and individuals affected by disabilities and AIDS, demonstrating the power of youth-driven service initiatives to transform lives.

The brainchild of four students – Tarini Khemlani, Rhea Chatani, Nitya Kripalani, and Shamitha Chindepalli – Mustard Seedlings began with a mission to support underprivileged children, including teen mothers and those affected by disabilities and AIDS. Their first major project involved partnering with Mary’s Child, a home providing residential care for marginalised teenagers who are victims of abuse.

Initially, interactions with the teen mothers at Mary’s Child had to be done virtually due to the restrictions of the pandemic. The team made use of Zoom calls to introduce themselves, play games, and share recipes, creating a supportive and fun atmosphere.

The organisation’s first major initiative was a medical camp held in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Jamaica, a team of Indian doctors, and the Satya Sai Organisation. This event, which took place at Mustard Seeds’ Jerusalem facility, provided medical check-ups and free medications to more than 120 residents with physical and mental challenges. The success of the camp was a significant milestone for Mustard Seedlings, bolstering their confidence and strengthening their relationship with Mary’s Child.

Responding to a request from the teen mothers, Khemlani spearheaded the task of refurbishing their common area. The team, along with the residents of Mary’s Child, designed the interiors and planned the budget. A bake sale at Campion College raised $250,000, which was used to upholster sofas, purchase a playpen, and add motivational decals to the space. The project culminated in a team effort to set up the newly decorated area, bringing joy and a sense of positivity to the teen mothers and their children.

Building on the trust that had been established, the team was invited to undertake another project aimed at enhancing the well-being of the residents. This time, the goal was to create a meditation garden space in the backyard. Khemlani proposed painting a mural on the blank wall facing the garden, symbolising strength, resilience, and peace. With the invaluable guidance and support of their art teacher, Fiona Godfrey, they organised brain-storming sessions with the club members and the young mothers at Mary’s Child to develop the mural’s concept, design, and colour schemes.

‘Active involvement’

Godfrey’s mentorship was crucial in helping Khemlani lead the project and coordinate the efforts of the club members throughout the Christmas holidays. They spent this time sketching, painting, and outlining the mural’s design.

“The most rewarding aspect of the project was the active involvement of the young mothers at Mary’s Child. Each of them contributed by designing and painting a butterfly, making the mural a deeply personal and collaborative creation,” said Khemlani, president of Mustard Seedlings.

She added, “The week spent at Mary’s Child, painting and interacting with the residents, was a profoundly enriching experience for my team and me. This project not only beautified the space, but also strengthened our bonds with the young mothers, leaving us with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment.”

After three years of successful initiatives at Campion College, Mustard Seedlings is ready to expand to other schools. With the support of the Mustard Seed Communities’ management team, the programme aims to sensitise students to the importance of service, leadership, and giving back to the community, while providing support and opportunities for the under-served.

For more information about Mustard Seedlings and their upcoming projects, please contact mseedlings@gmail.com.