The tragic tidal wave of December 2004 took a heavy toll on lives and families around the Chennai coastal region. Many families lost loved ones and many children lost one or both parents, leaving them orphaned and with little hope of rescue from poverty, starvation and disease.
Eagles Wings, together with their Indian partner, Moses Prem Kumar, have put together a rescue package with other UK supporters, for at least 200 of these children by taking them to a purpose built children’s centre in Yelambakkam, about 50 km inland from the city and situated in two acres of countryside.

Land purchased for accommodation block
The children have been grouped together into family care units of about 30-40 children so that they are brought up in a caring and loving environment. As the children’s centre is developed and built, all of these groups will come together in one centre. At this stage, 100 of the children are living at Yelambakkam with 8 adult carers and cooks.

Two acres of land has already been purchased outright and the first two accommodation blocks for these 100 children, toilets, cooking and utility areas have already been completed. Building work has already commenced on the next accommodation block which will allow the transfer of other children to the Yelambakkam complex. We have fresh running water on site from a borehole, good water storage facilities and the land is firmly secured with a perimeter fence.

Financial help with school transport
We are financing a bus for school transport at about £250 per month, as the nearest school is several miles away, and fees are around £30 per child per term. Schooling has been subsidised by the Indian Government, down from £60 per term to £30 per term for the orphans, but to date we have not seen a single Rupee from any of the millions of British and world aid sent after the tsunami. In addition to this, each child must provide for himself a school uniform, daily packed lunch, school bag, his own books, and pay for daily transport. Not surprisingly, with no money from family or state, many children receive no education and have little hope of ever receiving any.

Changes for the better over 3 years
“I have seen a notable difference in the children since I first met them 3 years ago. They are cared for, look nice, are happy, have fun and enjoy school.” says Bruce. We have been able to give each child a mattress, blanket, travel bag, school bag, books, pencils, and toys of their own through the generosity of our UK friends at Eagles Wings. They now have their own clothes, a school uniform and we are just managing to keep them going with a balanced food diet.

I am delighted to say that a separate support group for the House of Hope at Yelambakkam has now been established in the UK and they are sponsoring many of the children through school and with their daily needs.
Any support is very welcome, either for the ongoing cost of food or to help with the school bus and education. Larger amounts will be used to complete the accommodation blocks and to initiate self sufficiency projects.