Arul Anbukkudil is a warm and welcoming home for boys from the slums of Chennai and the villages around Katchur. Initially set up for 25 boys, it now houses 120 between the ages of 6 and 16. The boys often arrive with troubles, usually coming from abusive or neglectful situations, but over the course of months, they adjust and begin to feel safe and cared for. They attend Christ King School on the campus in Katchur, take responsibility for chores, and receive all necessary medical attention and clothing.

A typical day besides studies at school includes yoga and meditation,breakfast, duties like sweeping the common area, feeding the goats, or cleaning up after a meal, play, homework and supper. The staff does everything it can to help the boys succeed. Older boys assist the younger ones –acts of kindness that help everyone feel needed and welcomed.

Over the years many of the boys have grown up and become successful in many different occupations. Some have become respected drivers, tailors, or carpenters; a lucky few have gone on to college and are now successful businessmen. Through their enthusiastic greetings, it is clear that the boys are very appreciative of Stephen and Carmel for their tireless work and sincere belief in the possibility that they can succeed. Now operate only on voluntary donations.

Asha Bhavan began as a response to seeing the effects of poverty and dissolutionment on young girls in the slums of Perambur. With either no home or an abusive one, and no one to care for them, the girls were in danger of dying from infectious diseases and being sold into prostitution. Removal from their immediate environment seemed to be the best hope, and so the home was established in Chennai in 1985.

Originally a home for 10 girls, it now houses about 100. As with the boys home, Arul Anbukudil, the girls home, Asha Bhavan they live in Katchur on Share and Care’s campus, and attend Christ King School. Currently there is no need to go out and rescue girls—they arrive at Share and Care’s doorstep, having heard of the Home from others.

Like the boys, the girls are given shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care when necessary, and lots of love.

The impact of Asha Bhavan has been nothing short of miracle. Instead of extreme poverty and a sickly existence, or life of prostitution, the girls know their rights, can read, write, do basic math, and have a sense of independence.

They know what their options are, and go on to lead a healthy and useful life. Like Arul Anbukkudil, Asha Bhavan is funded by voluntary donors. However, after many years this funding stopped, and the home is now run on general funds from local donors.

Appeal:

Through the generosity of people like you, we have successfully changed the lives of many of those parentless and destitute children. Please contribute to all those young and deserving children and be a part of their journey.