Jones Manikonda 

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My dear friends and well-wishers,

It gives me great joy to  share a journey that has filled my life with meaning, purpose, and hope. My name is Jones Manikonda, and I am blessed to be a social worker from Vijayawada.

When I look back, I see not struggles, but stepping stones. Every challenge I met along the way became a doorway to deeper joy. Every child I encountered, every family I served, became a teacher to me.

My journey began with two unforgettable childhood memories.

The first was among the Mutharasu tribal children. They were sent to the streets to beg, acting out stories that touched the hearts of passersby. To many, it looked like sadness, but to me, it became an awakening. Those little ones taught me to look beyond appearances, to see their resilience, their creativity, their courage. From them, I learned my first lesson in joy: when you truly see a child, you also see hope.

The second memory is from Pharsa Palli village. Children rushed to me, asking me to write their names on their palms. Such a small request, yet it revealed such a big truth: a child’s heart longs to be recognized, to be valued. That day planted a seed in me: education is not just knowledge—it is dignity, identity, and joy.

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that shaped these values. My father’s kindness, my mother’s discipline, and my aunt Sarah’s compassion for children all gave me the conviction that nurturing one child can nurture an entire society. From them I embraced my vision:
“A child for a better society, a better world.”

Equipped with education in teaching, sociology, and counseling, I began my professional journey. And what a joyful adventure it has been! At Navajivan Balabhavan, I worked with street children and discovered that social work is not in books—it is in smiles, in laughter, in shared meals, in little hands holding yours.

At the Dalit Bahujan Resource Center, I learned another truth: even in the face of injustice, communities carry a strength and spirit that can transform society. It brought me immense joy to stand beside them, not as a rescuer, but as a sister in their journey toward dignity.

Then came the pandemic. At first, like everyone, I worried for my family’s safety. But soon another thought gave me restless joy: how can we reach the children who depend on daily wages for food? Together with friends, organizations, and countless volunteers, we helped 65,000 migrant workers return home. We shared food, slippers, clothes, and comfort. Yes, the days were long and exhausting—but my heart was full. Because service is never a burden; it is a blessing.

And out of all these experiences was born Little Hope Trust. What started as one tuition center has now grown into a family of education programs, nutrition initiatives, and skill training for women. At first, communities hesitated—education felt strange to them. But slowly, joy entered their homes. Today, children read with pride, mothers sew with confidence, and families taste dignity for the first time.

Friends, this is what I have learned:

• Every child taught is a festival of joy.

• Every meal shared is a celebration of life.

• Every woman empowered is a song of hope.

This journey is not about me. It is about us. Real change may be slow and uphill, but it is also deeply joyful. Because with every small step, we see lives brighten, futures open, and hope multiply.

And yet, there is so much more joy waiting to be created. That is why I invite you—your hearts, your hands, your resources—to walk with us.

Together, we can turn “Little Hope” into great joy. Together, we can build not just a better society, but a happier, more compassionate world.

Thank you!

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2. Thondrangi Pawan Kumar 

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My name is Pawan Kumar. I have been living with Jones aunty in Jones Manikonda since I was six years old. She took me in when my parents were migrants, and my grandparents were unable  to raise me. This house became my heaven, my rescue shelter. Both my brother and I stayed with Jones aunty, and we studied here. My education started here, and my profession also began here. I learned the value of education deeply, especially when I think back to my roots.

 

At present, I am working in Novotel Hotel and studying for a bachelor's in hotel management. My life has turned out differently from that of my friends back in my village. They got addicted to alcohol, smoking, did menial labor works, and many got married early. But my brother and I broke that cycle. We are living a good life with a socially respectable position. I am a team lead in Novotel Hotel, earning while studying. I am happy to have been raised by Jones aunty and to be part of Little Hope Trust.

 

My brother, Venkat Ramana, successfully completed a GNM nursing course. He is preparing to go to the UK for bachelor's studies. When Jones aunty was struggling for funding, my brother and I with Vignesh anna– the boys raised by her – discussed how much she was doing without adequate resources. We told her we'd stand with her, and together we started Little Hope Trust. I want to serve poor children like me, rescue them from hardships, and help them have better lives. I want to become a social worker as well. I am a trust member in Little Hope Trust. I feel this is a very good opportunity to give back to society what I have taken. At present am not able to give much money but i do what i can and i physically serve and help aunty by vonuteering. Thank you so much.

 

Enhanced Impact

Through Jones aunty's care and our efforts in Little Hope Trust, I see a pathway to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to support causes that uplift those in need.

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