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DEWS Sweet Home
Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh
India
Fast Facts
78 Children
6 Children’s Homes
ICC in India
In 1996, Mrs. Lilly Kaligithi left her home in the United States and began an orphan home in her remodeled, two bedroom childhood home. Within a short time, the home was full to overflowing with 26 children. It was then that she contacted International Children’s Care (ICC) and requested assistance. In 1997 DEWS Sweet Home became part of the ICC family of projects.
This children’s village is situated on a small piece of land near the east coast of India. It takes a night’s travel by train to arrive there from either Hyderabad or Madras. One particular donor family took a great interest in this project. They were instrumental in providing the funding for additional land and the construction of five of the 6 children’s homes. These homes, made to comfortably house 10-12 children as well as house parents, form the centerpiece of ICC’s work with the children in India. Here they receive love and care within the loving environment of a real home.
Over the years, many children have been a part of the DEWS Sweet Home family. Educational opportunities are found in the FLAIS school. It is not unusual for the Sweet Home children to take top honors in their classes as Mrs. Kaligithi sets a high academic standard for the children. As well, vocational training classes are offered to the children in order to give them a means of self-support. A small agriculture program operates to teach the children about growing their own food and for providing fresh produce for the homes.
India’s Child
The following exemplifies the reasons children’ come to the DEWS Sweet Home in India. Names have been changed and certain story elements so as to protect the privacy of our children
Vijey, Kandi and Suvarna are three little girls in India. Their lives were haunted with serious trouble in the home. Perhaps because of poverty, their father and mother had terrible battles between them. In his desperation one day, their father poured kerosene on himself and lit a fire. He was badly burned, and even though he was taken to a hospital, he didn't survive.
The mother left them alone in the house, abandoning them to shift for themselves. Their old, sick grandmother took them in and tried to care for them, but she soon died of breast cancer.
In India, girls traditionally don't have much value, and the girls were separated among relatives who couldn't give them much more than a roof over their heads. But, worst of all, the relatives lived in separate villages. Vijey, Kandi and Suvarna, not only suffered the loss of their home and parents, but they desperately missed each other.
One day their uncle told Vijey, “Your mother is coming. Would you like to go and meet her and see if you recognize her?”
Vijey was anxious to go and did recognize her, but her mother brought her nothing, and only stayed for a month. As she was leaving she told them, “You won't see me again for a long time.” They didn't know why their mother left, they only knew they were abandoned and now orphans. But Vijey, Kandi and Suvarna longed to at least be together.
One day two men, probably family members, brought the little girls to our home for children, called Sweet Home. When they were ushered into the house their faces broke into smiles. At last they had a home, and they soon became part of the family. Our director, Lily, says that the girls are now bubbling with joy, are very obedient and fitting in with their new family.
Children all need the love and security of a home, and that is what they find when they become part of International Children's Care
The Latest News & Items of Interest
Letter from One of the Kids – May 24, 2007
Here is an excerpt from a letter sent to Lilly from one of the children who took examinations recently.
Dear Mom,
ICSE & ISC results are out. Guess what mom, every one passed without failing even in any one subject! I got 67%, very less I should say. But Mom, it's a real miracle for me that I have come school 1st. God is always a just. He is wonderful. Let all praises be to Him. I am leaving for Chennai this evening to write entrance examination. Please continue to pray for me Mom.
Much love from all the kids and staff & especially Xth std students.
Your Daughter
Tribal Children Find New Hope in DEWS Sweet Home
Seven children from tribal areas have made a new start in life at the DEWS Sweet Home. Each of them have experienced tragic circumstances – mudslide killing a parent in once instance and a tiger killing both parents in another instance. We welcome these new children but understand it will take some time for them to adjust to their new homes.
Mini Computer Lab
Volunteers from Australia have installed a mini computer lab for the children. This is helping them with their homework.
Get Involved
Click to visit the India’s “Gift of Love” shop for gift ideas that will benefit the children of the DEWS Sweet Home.
Click to sponsor a child from the DEWS Sweet Home
Click to make a recurring or one-time gift in support of the DEWS Sweet Home |
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