NGOs and Orphanages in Nagapattinam (Part 1)

While I was in India I had a chance to visit various kinds of Orphanages/NGO operating right out of Nagai that is in direct result of the tsunami of 2005.


One day I went to a orphanage run by the Nagai District called Annai Satya Tsunami Rehabilitation Project where I had been to before when the tsunami hit five years ago and there were 102 children orphaned. During the last five years the numbers have gone up and down and now down to 72 children from the ages of 7 to 16. Most of them are girls as boys are taken to other orphanage after they reach 9 years old. Some of the girls had recognized me from five years back. Most of the girls are somewhat adjusted after loss of their parents and attending school right now. Few of them have extended family member living nearby and visit them on special holidays.

The facility I had seen five years ago was small and cramped and through the money I had raised we bought the children books and storage closets but never enough for anything substantial. Now they are living in a large building complex complete with all the necessary things and sharing rooms with girls of their own age. All children attend schools nearby and take their lunch to school and return in the evening and play, do their homework and watch TV. I am glad to see Indian Govt and Int'l agencies have made sure these kids don't get left behind and given priority for their wellbeing.

But the children could really benefit from having mentors as they have no one really to look up to or have time to spend with as they are on their own. There are caregivers in the orphanage but they are much older Gov't employees. Even though there are big girls in the group they themselves lack contact with someone in their age or a bit older to talk to. Nagai Gov't is committed to helping these children reach their full potential but these children lack direction and mentorship which is crucial to their survival wherever they end up. These children are not eligible for adoption, you can provide financial support (donation) directly to the Nagai Gov't to care of these children.

My second stop I visited the SOS Children's village. SOS Children's Villages is an independent, international NGO, which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children. It's one of the world's largest charity for orphaned and abandoned children and have been nominated 14 times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The first SOS Children’s Village was founded by Austrian born Hermann Gmeiner in 1949 in Imst, Austria. He was committed to helping children in need – children who had lost their homes, their security and their families as a result of the Second World War. With the support of many donors and co-workers, the organization has grown to help children all over the world - in many cities in India and now in Nagai.

There were 10 houses at this particular village and each housing 10 kids and a "mother" (24/7 caregiver) being their primary caregiver. The children grow in these homes with brothers and sisters of many ages and a "mother" taking care of them. All of these children are orphans as a result of Tsunami even though SOS provides home for orphans or abandoned children in many developing countries.

I was very impressed with these caregivers and the condition of the children. Most of the houses were decorated by the children from each house. During the day the children attend school and in the evenings children get back to the village and play with other kids and do their homework. At night they retire to their own home where they eat, play with their sisters, brothers and mother. At this particular SOS village in Nagai - Christian, Hindu, Muslim children live together in peace as it has been in Nagai all these years. The children from these villages looked happy and were well adjusted, thanks to Euros and Dollars pouring to this Int'l NGO. These children are not eligible for adoption, if you want to help these children you can sponsor a child and as each child has an international sponsor. Check out the link for more details and pictures..

http://www.soscvindia.org/charity/nagapattinam.php