A compassionate teacher committed to thoughtful service

An inspiring story of Judie Valladares (Khyaal Community Member)

“My name is Judie Valladares and I am 60 years old. I was born and brought up in Mumbai, specifically in Bandra, where I spent my childhood with my parents and three siblings, a brother and two sisters. I completed my B.Ed. in 1994. I worked in sales and marketing for about 8 to 10 years. However, I later switched to full-time teaching. I got married in 1991. I have been a teacher for the last 35 years, teaching at various schools and am currently working at Thakur Bhagwanidevi Musafir Public School.

Throughout my childhood, I have seen my parents helping the needy. My parents were members of an international organisation that works for the underprivileged children. My father believed that no child should go to school hungry. My parents would prepare meals for children in our neighbourhood and later would teach these children at home in the evenings. This early exposure to helping others left a lasting impression on me.

As I grew older, helping others became second nature to me. Eventually, I started taking care of children in my neighbourhood who were in great need. For example, there was a little boy in my neighbourhood whose mother had abandoned him and whose father was unable to care for him due to alcoholism. I started looking after him and making sure he had food and support for his studies. Over time, I also started helping two other children in similar situations and managed to find sponsors to put them in a boarding school. I work every day to give these children a chance of a better life. They now look up to me as a mother figure and that connection is very fulfilling.

I had joined a formal charity organization at one point, but the demands of my school schedule made it difficult for me to continue. Now I focus on helping others on a personal level and making sure I can directly help those in need. Over the years, I have dedicated about 60% of my salary to helping these children. I believe that God provides enough for our needs, not for our greed. Even after my husband passed away in 2002, leaving me with three children, I continued to prioritize helping others. My youngest son was only eight months old then and it was a very difficult time. However, my faith and commitment to serving others kept me going.

My involvement with the community, has allowed me to connect with many who need assistance. People know me as a generous person, willing to lend a hand wherever needed. I regularly visit old age homes to serve the elderly. I try to assist others in whichever way possible, sometimes through service and sometimes through financial support. During Covid 19, I borrowed my friend’s car and assisted people visit clinics and hospitals, shop for groceries, run errands for the elderly and distribute food to those in need. Helping others gives me a sense of purpose and joy. It gives me immense satisfaction and I feel it strengthens my connection to God. I do it not for any return or gratitude, but simply because it makes me happy.

One advice to my fellow seniors is: Do good and good will come to you.” - Judie Valladares (Khyaal Community Member)