Home for ‘children living with HIV' cries for charity

[Guest guest]

Home for ‘children living with HIV' cries for charity

Staff Reporter. Tuticorin, October 30, 2010

Donor funding not enough, says manager

Charity begins at this Home. It comes as a big surprise in a significant

development to broaden the perspectives of the children living with HIV/ AIDS at

Heaven's Gate at Thailapuram in Sathankulam.

Operational since October 2006, the Home provides moral support with a blend of

parental affection to children abandoned by their parents. Eighty three children

, aged six to 22, at the Home set amid a lush green field are studying at

schools nearby.

With no government financial support, P. Sam Thangiah, who manages the home,

said that donor funding had not been enough to meet all the needs, especially

career, of the little ones.

To weed out social discrimination and resultant depression, the Home has a

facilitator to impart spiritual counselling and instil a sense of belonging.

Anti-retroviral treatment for the inmates was being provided by Government

Hospital periodically. The children were being encouraged to play a variety of

games including cricket, volley ball and taken for outings.

“Political leaders have already paid frequently visits here but they are yet to

pledge their support for development and maintenance.

Subisidised rice

Provision of subsidised rice from the government for the inmates has become

imperative,” Mr. Thangiah rued.

CEO visits

Chief Educational Officer P. Vishnu Prasad, who visited the inmates, insisted

upon the need for equality in society and said these children should never be

ostracised.

In a show of solidarity with them, he joined them for lunch following prayers.

Advocating the need for motivation, he shared varied experiences with them to

empower their inner spirits

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article858606.ece?\

css=print