Since 1994, Dr. Monika Golembiewski has been deeply involved in providing essential medical care to Santal communities in the rural areas around Bolpur. The Santals, one of the largest tribal groups in India, make up a significant portion of the tribal population in West Bengal. From the beginning, Monika lived within the Santal villages, building close relationships with the communities of Ghoshaldanga and Bishnubati. Through this close connection, she experienced firsthand the living conditions, customs, and challenges faced by the villagers.

Over the time, Monika´s son Nico and his now wife Silvia also became involved, contributing to the development efforts aimed at improving the quality of life in these communities. The focus has always been on sharing knowledge and resources that would enable better living conditions for the Santal people. 

The village work initially focused on preventive medical care for children and mothers, improving hygiene and nutrition, and spreading awareness through trained health workers and community-feeding programs.

Living in harmony with nature and away from urban centers, the Santals are often hesitant to seek medical help, largely due to a lack of awareness about the need for treatment. The challenges are further compounded by the difficulties in accessing healthcare, as the most vulnerable are often left behind in the Indian health system. These conditions led to the growing need for a healthcare facility that could bridge the gap between the rural areas and city hospitals, ensuring that the Santals feel welcomed and cared for.

In 2011, the St. Mary’s Child and Mother Health Care Clinic was established, providing preventive checkups for newborns and pregnant women, supplementary nutrition for malnourished children, and diagnostic services for individuals with anemia, infections, neurological issues, or suspected TB. For those requiring specialized care, the clinic staff accompany patients to referral centers and provide continuous follow-up until full recovery.

Today, Shining Eyes addresses five key areas of development: agriculture, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, and economic development. These interconnected pillars aim to break the cycle of malnutrition and poverty by emphasizing preventive care and sustainable development.

Building trust with the Santals remains at the core of our work. By raising awareness about health, nutrition, and the importance of seeking medical care, we empower the community to take action in addressing their health needs.