Protecting children, Changing lives
Sugavaneshwarn who is in 11th standard at Kamarajar High School remembers his initial days at school ” I was very depressed because of my financial situation. I was not able to pay attention to my studies and wanted to give up. Not able to go to school in clean uniform added more pain and wanted to be alone – away from all the children”.
Through our CHAHA programme, we have changed Sugavanesgwaran’s life. We provided him educational materials, uniform and health care packages.
Sugavaneshwarn’s life changed and he became a hard working student. He secured second place in his 10th standard exam. His headmaster got him admission for 11th standard at Kamarajar High School which is a private institution.
This programmes envisions a bright and competitive future for the children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We support 450 children in Namakkal and Dindigul Districts in Tamil Nadu, India.
We have strong and continuous support from the community and Self Help Groups for this programme.
Through Foster a Child, we provide:
- Love, care and affection to overcome the trauma
- Counselling and refer the children suspected of HIV/ AIDS to ICTCs – Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre
- Awareness on HIV/ AIDS, other diseases through several workshops
- Special coaching and encouragement to excel in their studies and take part in extra curricular activities
- Self-confidence and self-esteem through the concept of Children Club
- Opportunities for the parents of the children to generate income to enhance their economic growth
Key Achievements:
- All 450 children are promoted to the next standard
- Sixteen children passed the 10th public examination
- Eleven children secured distinction in the 10th public examination
- Three children have been sponsored to study in Matriculation School
- Sixty four PLHAs – People Living with HIV/ AIDS receive continuous financial and other support from the local SHGs – Self Help Groups
- Seventy per cent of the SHGS and youth group members voluntarily underwent HIV tests
- Thirty eight People Living with HIV/ AIDS – PLHAs receive widow pension and 16 of them availed house pattas