Valsalya Bhavan
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The girls come from all walks of life, & have been rescued from neglect, abuse or rejection & from dangerous situations in the city of Ernakulam, Kochi. Although under the umbrella of Don Bosco, Valsalya Bhavan (Home of Compassion), girls are cared for by the staff at Vimalalayam. Valsalya Bhavan Ammathottil is an orphanage for girls aged between 4 and 12 years of age. The building is provided by the local council. The home was established in 1997 to cater to the needs of girls in distress. Apart from formal education, the girls are provided with training in music, dance, drawing lessons, computer literacy and outings. Valsalya Bhavan Annex is a purpose-built home for teenage girls in need of shelter and protection and was established in 2013. The girls pursue their high school education according to their age, and they also have in-house training in tailoring, music, embroidery, arts and crafts and career orientation. These opportunities help to unlock talents they never knew they had, as well as boosting their confidence. All the girls have a better life than they would have had, and many have gone on to study at university, secure good jobs and have happy marriages. At present, 24 girls come from families at risk 4 girls were street children 7 girls had been abused 6 girls are orphans Kerala Crafts gives support to the homes by finding sponsors for each child. This financial help goes towards food, clothing and medicines as well as extra-curricular activities, which helps each child to realise her full potential. The following story is one of many that could be told: C” spends her whole life trying to be invisible. Her parents are from West Bengal, came to Kerala in search of work. Her own father sexually abused the child. There was nothing that she could do to stop her father from doing appalling things to her. She reported it to her class teacher, contacted the police and the abuser was arrested. The Child Welfare Committee placed her in Valsalya Bhavan Ammathottil. It was only when she came to the care of Ammathottil, that she could begin to build the trust and confidence lost due to abuse. She is continuing her education from the centre. Valsalya Bhavan is also providing her with therapy to overcome her trauma and to leave her past behind. Before arriving at the home the girls all had 'unhappy peaceless lives with struggles' - Sr. Shirley Don Bosco Boys Home Don Bosco Boys' Home is one of a number of initiatives for boys and young men supported at Sneha Bhavan, Palluruthy, Kochi. It is a leading non-governmental, non-profit organisation working for underprivileged and at risk boys and was established in 1977. Besides regular education, the boys are provided skill training and life skills education besides training in different sports and games, music and art in order to provide aptitude based multiple options for developing a career. Some of the boys have been state level champions in judo, boxing and sports events etc. At present, 19 boys come from families at risk 9 were street children 14 had been abused 13 are orphans Arts & Crafts Skill Development Project, Kerala, south India - 'Crafting Futures' Whilst academic achievement is crucial and Don Bosco has a strong commitment to academic development, there is a significant portion of the student population that struggles academically, limiting their future prospects for employment and financial independence. Recognising the need for alternative avenues for skill development and income generation, this project aims to address the existing gap by focusing on fostering the artistic and craft skills of academically poor students. Materials are mainly from the abundance of natural products e.g. coconuts. |
