MDM Children’s Home for Boys – Vellore

‘And Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of god belongs to such as these’”

The city of Vellore is known for serious problems such as child trafficking, labour, exploitation and street children. One reason for the high rate of street children is due to Vellore’s location as a railway junction. In addition, as the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh is only 40 km from Vellore, many children are trafficked to Vellore for work and begging. Vellore district is also among one of the highest Beedi (country cigarettes) manufacturing areas in India, and many children are involved in this cottage industry, which is one of main forms of employment in Vellore.

MDMC HOME

CHILDREN

As Tdh CORE Trust works for the welfare of needy children and to ensure the child rights, its presence in Vellore was more than necessary. The MDM Children’s Home for Boys started on 1 August 2007 in Vellore, with the aim to provide care and protection for needy children in a family atmosphere, to provide much needed education and vocational training and to rehabilitate / reintegrate them back into general society. Every year an average of 60 to 80 children are completely abandoned / parentless and are referred to Tdh CORE through the Police, government officials or NGOs. The Director of Tdh CORE has more than a decade of experience in relation to these issues through being involved as a chairman for the Child Welfare Committees for two districts, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai.

At present, 22 boys are receiving complete care and protection In the Home which operates from a rented building. A vast area of land has been purchased and a building is being constructed for the boys. All of the boys are receiving formal education, and also take part in other extracurricular activities such as practicing with an abacus every week to enhance their mathematical mind and calculation skills, a Karate master teaches them Karate, Yoga sessions are conducted and a vocational teacher teaches the children tailoring, embroidery and art.