Children get food for mind and body

Most of their parents are coolie workers, domestic helpers, laundrymen and cobblers. Many have fathers who are drunkards; it is because of their mothers’ grit and determination, many of these children are getting educated,” says Jaya.

“When we find a child is not showing interest in studies, we ask the parents and the school teachers to take them back. It doesn’t matter even if they are slow-learners, but we expect them to be sincere,” says Karpagam, secretary of the association.

Nearly 10 members of the association, aged between 50 and 80 years, make themselves available for the children every evening.

“One child who was autistic had problems in writing. He was referred to a physiotherapist, the expenses towards treatment were borne by the trust. His writing has improved a lot,” says Jaya. Along with education, these children also get wholesome food following the class. “Three to four days in a week, they get special delicacies. Yesterday, it was puri and potato curry. On days, when there is none to sponsor, the trust provides,” adds Karpagam.

“This is one of the important factors encouraging children to attend classes. The association has nearly 250 members, so there is someone celebrating birthdays or anniversaries and they make it a point to provide food,” she adds.

“We generally don’t buy food from outside. We have a kitchen and a cook here. We prepare the menu and give her the money for the ingredients,” says Parimila, while complimenting the cook Lalitha for maintaining a clean kitchen and for her tasty preparations. The cook also renders an honorary service. Her two sons attended the tuition classes during their school days. “At the time of joining college, the trust helped me financially. I’m obliged to the trust and I want to give back,” says Lalitha.

The members of the trust approach their friends and relatives seeking college admission for deserving students. “Whenever possible, we try to place them in jobs also,” says Jaya Shankar.

Sports and cultural competitions are conducted on Children’s Day.

“We provide uniforms and stationeries at the beginning of the academic year. We also try to collect clothes from people known to us,” says Vasantha Ganeshan, president of the association.

Those who want to donate books or stationeries or clothes or food can contact Karpagam at 98415 13151.