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Project Description
In 1999, CST opened a shelter at Namakkal for neglected and disadvantaged girls between 12 and 21 years of age. This shelter, conducted with financial assistance from the Directorate of Social Defense, was created as a means to develop and empower young women with no other access to assistance.The girls who are selected are those with parents who are unable or unwilling to support them, girls who are abandoned, on the street or whose families are affected by AIDS. For at least one year they are provided with nutrition, accommodation, medical assistance, counseling, education and vocational training in small arts. 46 girls have been admitted to the home, of which 26 have been discharged. These girls succeeded in self-sustainability by learning either tailoring, screen printing or card making.
Cultural program by half-way home children. The chief guest presents gifts at the Annual Day Celebration In order to coordinate and assist the Half-Way Home, a subcommittee has been formed. Also, once a month, a parents' meeting is conducted. On 28/01/01, Home Day was celebrated to commemorate the completion of one year, and the girls put on a cultural program. Representatives of CST and the Inspector of Namakkal were present as well as the parents and relatives of the students.
The progress of the Half-Way Home is presented in the following table.
Indicators
Amount
of which
amount
#of admitted girls
46
Discharged
26
In home
20
#of educated girls
45
Learned tailoring
4
Learned screen printing
2
Learned card making
20
Type of Parentage
46
Vulnerable parents
15
Deserted by parents
21
Divorced parents
5
Orphans
5
"You gain strength, courage and confidence when you stare fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do." --Eleanor Roosevelt