2016- 2017) for Your Kind Perusal

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

President’s Letter

We are pleased to present our thirtieth annual report (2016- 2017) for your kind perusal. Operating an NGO successfully over the last 30 years - a tremendous achievement indeed!! CFHC has carried out its activities hand-in- hand with the poorest, the downtrodden and the most vulnerable sections of children and women through a number of development projects and action-oriented interventions at the grass-root levels to promote health, education and social empowerment. We feel fulfilled every time we look back on our 30-year journey. I take this opportunity to express our gratefulness to the generous Donors and Supporters at the international, national as well as local levels; their generosity has helped us achieve the assigned goals within the stipulated time with accuracy and confidence. The entire team of CFHC deserves praise for the tireless toil to contribute at the highest level of performance in all the programs. We thank God for our new vocational training unit, the new “forever” families of our children, the renewed life bestowed upon our girls, and our children’s educational enhancement. We thank the other stakeholders and related authorities for cooperating with our initiatives and standing by us through all our hurdles and obstacles for achieving the desired results. This year has been a very challenging period, particularly with the advent of the “Vardha” cyclone; it brought about immense loss to the organization and compelled us to spend time and energy to build the capacity of our own team as the work load kept increasing. Moreover, the organization is now expected to improve the standard of its staffs and facilities and initiate capacity-building initiatives. Through all these, the satisfaction that our efforts yield is immensely elevating. Finally, I wish to reiterate that your continued encouragement and unstinted support motivates us to carry out our activities to the targeted groups at the maximum level with zeal and continued confidence.

Dr. Mrs. Maida Raja Founder/President

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Children’s Welfare

Children need an enabling environment that is secure and encouraging in order to achieve their fullest potential. Towards this end, CFHC has been providing its services to deserted children, single parent children and orphaned children. With an atmosphere conducive to learning at CHFC, the children here have improved their academic performances significantly. The CHFC project encompasses certain developmental programmes that include residential care and temporary shelter for children facing challenging situations. Amongst the main components, the focus is on life-skill education and vocational training.

Little Flower Girls Home Little Flower is a home for parentless and neglected girls. Located in Manapakkam (within the Chennai metropolitan area), this Home has a ventilated dormitory with bunker beds, attached bathrooms, a study hall, a library, a computer room and a playground.

Peace Garden Boys Home Peace Garden is a home exclusively for boys of the age group 6 to 18 years. It is located in Kumuli village, which is 11 km from Guduvancherry on the outskirts of Chennai. Besides other amenities, the Home has a cross-ventilated residency hall, bunker beds, study desks, a fairly large playground and a computer room to impart computer education.

The children of our homes are provided the necessary provisions with extreme care and attention. The children are nurtured physically, mentally and emotionally through Morning Prayer, evening play, adequate and timely food, clothing and special attention to their studies. We provide all the essentials for each child’s balanced growth as well as to cultivate an optimistic mind-set. We facilitate them to obtain a strong educational foundation and train them in a suitable vocation for self-support. Our homes housed 40 boys and 35 girls during the year.

Target beneficiaries

Children deserted by relatives, children of single parent, abused children and other children facing challenging situations (age group—6 to 18 years).

Education for the homes’ children

The children from Little Flower home receive education in primary and higher secondary school. Their safely on the way to school and back is ensured through pickup and drop facility.

The children attend special tuitions conducted with the help of volunteers who are staffs of corporate organizations including banks such as Barclays. Children in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades receive special coaching in maths, accountancy, English, physics and chemistry.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Residents of Little Flower (top) and Peace Garden (bottom) 3

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Public exam results of our children

We are delighted to report that the Home’s children have passed their exams with an average mark of 70%, higher than that of last year. Remarkably, two of our girls joined college to pursue their engineering degree (undergraduate). Interestingly, both of them are the first graduates in their respective families. Similarly, all our children who appeared for the high school public exam (10th grade) have also been promoted to higher secondary school and are continuing their studies.

From Girls’ home:

 Mohanapriya, Sabana and Prema passed their 10th grade with good marks.  Ranjitha and Pavithra passed their 12th grade and joined engineering college for higher studies.

From Boys’ home:

 Suriya, Vignesh and Aaron passed their 10th grade and are continuing their education at higher secondary school.  Career guidance class

In April 2016, we conducted a carrier guidance class for our children studying in the 12th grade in order to enable their capacity for optimal career choices. The key input (inform of presentations and discussions) during the class was on the options available after completing 12th grade, with focus on job-oriented courses, job opportunities that each of these promises, scholarship facilities, etc. They were advised to select a career that complements their interest, skills and values and significantly increases their chances for success and personal happiness.

Motivational lectures and Counselling

We counsel the children to address both their physical and mental characters. The girls attended several motivational lectures and underwent special counselling to help them cope with the challenges of adolescence. Extra care is taken to shield them from false enchantments by societal elements and secure their peaceful and happy life.

Computer Course and Spoken English Course

During this year, CFHC has undertaken a series of steps to improve English fluency and computer knowledge among the resident children. As a crucial step, CFHC has arranged for training in spoken English and computer skills, helmed by volunteers from Barclays. The classes were conducted every Friday for both the girls and boys at their respective homes. The computer course syllabus covers the fundamentals of computers, MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Internet concepts.

CFHC staffs took turns to train the students based on the lessons learnt during the training sessions to improve their skills.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Our children participate in various events

The homes’ children participated in various events including inter-orphanage competitions, talent competitions at their school and other events such as “Bhumi Nakshatra” and “Vivega” etc. Stress was placed on identifying and developing their skills and talents according to their interests. Volunteers from colleges and corporate organizations proved to be a tremendous support in preparing the children for these events. The children participated in the following events and won several prizes: Drawing, Newspaper Dressing, Oration, Group and Solo Dance, Singing, Pot painting, Mehandi, Rangoli, Chess and other sports events.

Special mention is due to employees of Barclays and Dot Org, students from St. Joseph Engineering College, Chennai and SRM College, Chennai and numerous individual volunteers, who had generously contributed with their talents and time to train our children.

CHFC Homes’ children display their medals and certificates Parents / Guardians Meet

CFHC has made it compulsory for the parents/guardian to visit their children at least once every month in order to ensure adequate bonding with their parents or extended families if any.

Children’s day celebration and Festivals

CFHC celebrated Children’s day programme on Nov 14, 2016. Children enjoyed the day participating in games and cultural competitions, and the winners of the competitions received prizes. It was a colourful program focused completely on entertaining the children. Apart from this, the children celebrated all the state and national festivals through the year, including Diwali, Pongal and Christmas.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Health Program

CHFC gives utmost attention when it comes to the children’s health. A doctor visits the Home once every two days. While the warden herself addressed minor health issues (cold, fever and first aid) among the children, the visiting doctor referred cases of severe illnesses to a hospital. The children receive dental and general health examinations every alternate month.

Students from Tagore Engineering College conducted a medical camp at the Home. On the occasion, they presented a short film on dengue before the Home’s children. The children found the film quite interesting, and it enhanced their awareness about the seriousness of the disease.

Blooming Buds

Blooming Buds is CHFC’s joyful and peaceful home that provides custodial care and rehabilitation services. We at CFHC consider it our foremost duty and responsibility to ensure that each eligible child is spared the absence of parents in their lives or the longing to belong to a traditional family. CFHC’s adoption services started in the year 1988. We facilitate adoption services to benefit abandoned infants and toddlers. “Christ Faith Home for Children” is our professionally managed adoption section. Its team comprises trained house mothers, qualified nurses providing round-the-clock support as well as a paediatric doctor and professional social workers. With endorsements from authorities in India as well as abroad (licensed), we facilitate the adoption of abandoned infants and toddlers with utmost diligence.

To ensure the children’s health, they were administered appropriate immunization. Children with minor ailments were treated within the CFHC premises, those with severe illnesses (viral infection, respiratory infection, septicaemia, anaemia, wheezy bronchitis, etc.). Our paediatrician Dr. Anbumani visited every alternate day and took ample care to ensure the health of the children and the care-givers. Monthly and annual examinations were held to benefit all the children, care givers and helpers.

Separate health examination records are maintained in the home. These are handed over to the families adopting the children.

In-country adoption license

CFHC is recognized and is permitted by the Government of Tamil Nadu to conduct in- country adoption (certificate no. 1/2016; valid till December 2019).

Inter-country adoption license

CFHC is recognized by the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), Delhi to undertake inter country adoption subject to valid state recognition.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Adoption Unit statistics

 New Admissions to the Adoption Unit: During this year we have received 18 babies from various cradle-baby reception centres located at the following districts of Tamil Nadu state: Kanchipuram, Cuddalur, Villupuram,  Dharmapuri and Perambalur.  In-country adoptions: During the year, we had placed 10 children for pre- adoption foster care within India.  Inter- country adoptions: During the year, we have placed 8 children in intercountry adoptions. Every child deserves a family! August and September 2016 had been a period of incredible blessing as our children joined their forever families, ending their long wait. It was especially so for our dear child Mangai who had been waiting for almost 11 years.

 Total children served: We had served 41 babies and toddlers through this unit.

Particulars Number of Admissions children

Beginning of the year 23

Babies received during the period 18

In-country adoptions 10

Inter-country adoptions 08

Deceased 1

Transferred 0

Handed over to biological parents 0

End of the year 21

Total 41

Cradle Baby Reception Centre - Data of Children Received

Vellore

Perambalur

Villupuram

Kanchipuram

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Reception Centres Children Received

No. of Children

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Adoption Success Stories

IN-COUNTRY ADOPTION

Cynthia was born in 2014. She found shelter at CFHC as a 6-day-old baby after being abandoned by her relatives. Following the prescribed legal procedure, she was first brought before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) before being admitted to CFHC on Nov 6, 2014. Later, on Feb 29, 2016, the CWC declared her free-for-adoption. This paved the way for adoption of the child by Mr. Menarche Sundaram and Mrs. Eswari. At present, the adoptive parents are leading a happy and satisfied life with their child.

The PAPs pour their heart out: Adoption Chart

12 “We are extremely happy to share our experiences since the 10

arrival of our sweet angel Cynthia in 10

our lives. She has brought with her 8

many new relationships to our home:

she is the granddaughter to our

parents, niece to our brothers and

sisters and in-laws and sister to our 6 brothers’ children. These

relationships have brought renewed 4

joy and energy into our home; the relationship with our parents and

2 sister has improved since the arrival

of Cynthia.

Earlier, when we attended 0

marriages and other functions, we

felt lonely without a child. We

In-country Inter-country

opted to skip such functions whenever we could. Now, with Cynthia’s arrival, we take pleasure in attending every function we are invited to. We enjoy Cynthia’s deeds during her interactions with our relatives and friends. We realize that we as parents are her role models; the fact that she is picking up our habits makes us more cautious about our own conduct and motivates us to cultivate good habits ourselves. We have become more responsible after the arrival of Cynthia in our life. All in all, the arrival of our sweet angel has enhanced our way of life and accorded a deeper meaning to it. Our special thanks are due to the Christ Faith Home for Children for nurturing our daughter Cynthia for nearly 1.5 years and cultivating good habits in her, which is very important for carving a bright future for the child. We also thank the Almighty for sending us our wonderful daughter Cynthia in our life at the right moment.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION

Story of Mangai

Child Mangai was born on Jul 14, 2005. She was found abandoned near Melmaruvathur bus stand as a 2-month-old child suffering from arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) involving all four limbs. Thereafter, on Sep 10, 2005, we received Mangai through the District Social Welfare Officer, Kanchipuram District and admitted her to CHFC, where she grew up to be a bright happy child. Mangai was 8 months old (March 14, 2006) when the CWC declared her to be legally free for adoption.

Mangai’s surgery

CHFC undertook efforts to complete necessary surgery that would address Mangai’s AMC condition. Mangai underwent the following two surgeries: 1. On Nov 20, 2006, when she was 1.5 years old, she underwent bilateral soft issue release foot under caudal anaesthesia. 2. On Oct 3, 2008, when she was 3 years old, she underwent corrective surgery for bilateral lower limbs. After the surgeries, child Mangai underwent regular occupational therapy. Her motor development is normal except for some restricted movements due to her orthopaedic problem.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Efforts for Mangai’s placement

CFHC initiated procedures to place Mangai in India. However, this was thwarted by her AMC and delayed definition with speech delay. We then obtained clearance for her intercountry adoption on Aug 28, 2006. CFHC continuously strove to find her suitable parents; her Medical Examination Report and Child Study Report were renewed every year in the hope of finding a family for little Mangai. After the surgeries, she was able to walk without support and soon began attending regular school. She was upset that her family had not yet arrived, and we strongly felt that being a special-needs child, this girl would grow better in a family atmosphere rather than under institutional care. Finally, by God’s grace, a good-hearted family came forward to accept her. Child Mangai was adopted by Mr. Aaron James Haycraft and Mrs. Sara Renee Haycraft through Children of the World. In Sep 2016, 11-year-old Mangai flew with her family to the USA. She now lives in Alabama with her “forever family”, whose members pour their love on her. Her brother Grant is her best friend.

From the parents of Mangai:

In September 2016, our family arrived at Christ Faith Home for Children in Chennai, India. This was the first time we were to meet our adopted daughter, Mangai. Mangai had recently turned 11 years old and had nearly given up hope of being adopted. Our family had searched for several years for the ideal child to adopt into our little family. It was an ideal match and as soon as we were united, we knew that Mangai was meant for us. Post- adoption, Mangai was renamed Grace. She quickly adapted to her new home, family and life. So many new things for her to learn and experience and she has handled each with determination and a smile.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Grace has the most sincere heart and positive outlook on her future. She truly is a vital part of the Haycraft family. Along with a father, mother and brother, she has pet dogs and cats. She also has grandparents, great Grandparents, an aunt, uncles and cousins that love her. We are so thankful to have Grace in our home, and we are so thankful for all of the love and care poured over her through the years by Dr. Maida Raja and the staff at Christ Faith Home for Children. The children in that home are truly loved and attended to by a selfless team.

Successful cleft-lip surgery of child Adhiyamaan

Baby Adhiyamaan was received by CHFC from Dharmapuri Cradle Baby reception on March 22, 2016, a week after he was born. Ten days later, he was taken to Ramachandra Hospital for surgery consultation. We were informed that the child should gain weight before he could be operated upon; he weighed just 3 kg. Five months later, the child was again taken to the hospital. This time, the doctor gave the fitness approval. Finally, on Nov 21 of the same year, he was admitted, and the cleft lip surgery was conducted the following day. Post the surgery, Adhiyamaan appears normal like other children and is a happy resident at our home.

Adhiyaman – before (left) and after (right) surgery

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Sanctuary - Home for Women

A sanctuary is a place of shelter and safety. Staying true to this definition, CHFC’s home named “Sanctuary” provides protection and rehabilitation for women and girls confronting social, economic and emotional challenges. These challenges can be traced back to family problems, mental stress, social ostracism, exploitation or such other causes, which subject them to moral danger, including forcing them into prostitution. At Sanctuary, we admit an average of 30 women residents and 5–7 children. Children accompanying mothers are permitted to stay in the Home till the age of 7 years, after which they are referred/admitted to other children’s Homes or provided foster care services.

Home Committee

The committee comprises a minimum of 7 members and includes a doctor, an advocate, a police officer and a social welfare board member. It meets once in 3 months to serve the women effectively by discussing the issues these women confront and devise proper solution to overcome them, including advocating these issues at appropriate forums.

During the year, 50 women and 10 children were admitted in the Home along with their children. Out of these, 20 women and 6 children were rehabilitated and reconciled with their families.

Present Month New Admission Rehabilitated Total

Women Children Total Women Children Total Women Children Total

Apr 2016 to 50 10 60 20 6 26 30 04 34 Mar 2017

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Sl. No. Discharge backgrounds Number of Residents 1 Self-employment 2 2 Restored to parents/family 14 3 Marriage 2 4 Reconciled with husband/in-laws 0 5 Others: 2 (a): Police custody : 1 (b): Transferred : 1 (c): Left with child : 0 TOTAL 20

Rehabilitation 2016 - 17

1 Self-employment

2 Restored to parents/family

3 Marriage

35% 50%

4 Reconciled with husband/in-

laws 5 Others:

5% 5%

5 (a): Police Custody :1

5 (b): Transferred : 1 0%

5 (c): Left with child : 0

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Finding hope after tragedy

“Let us pick up Empowerment through Education our Books and Formal education, whether academic or vocational, is often portrayed as a guarantee for Pens; they are transforming the lives of girls. “Education is one of the most important means of our most empowering women with knowledge, skills and self-confidence. Improving girls' access to education has been on the mainstream development agenda, and CFHC aims to powerful empower the girls through education.” weapons”. – Three girls of our Short Stay Home are studying B.Com, and another girl Miss Poonkodi Malala of the same home is studying the ANM Course. An active and intelligent girl, Miss Poonkodi topped her college in the first Semester and also won prizes in extra-curricular activities.

Miss K. Priya is in her final year B.com. She completed her internship training at Cemeyo Corporate Service Pvt. Ltd. The other two girls studying B.Com are in the second year.

Shelter

Empowerment Legal Assistance

Services

Medical Provided

and Education Psychiatric

care

Vocational

Training Counselling

Services provided by the VTC

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Inauguration of Vocational Training Centre

The vocational training programs of CFHC have played a vital role in providing skills and rebuilding the lives of the women at CFHC. Indeed, this year brought additional joy to our girls through the construction of the vocational training centre (VTC), which was completed and inaugurated on Jun 3, 2016. Thanks are due to Overseas Resource Foundation for its support in financing the construction. The VTC is a place where quality skills are imparted to vulnerable women and women exploited through violations and abuses. Many women do not have access to skills and a chance to rebuild their life. This VTC helps the women coming into the shadow of this home by enabling them to start a new life, a life of happiness and hope for the future”.

Vocational Training

To empower the women economically, we impart training through a rehabilitation officer. This had rejuvenated the residents immensely and strengthened them to stand on their own and confront the life with boldness and positivity. The women are trained in the following areas:  House-keeping  Care-taker training  Cooking  Montessori training  Beautician training  Fashion-jewel making  Fashion designing  Artificial-flower-making  Wool stitching  Cloth-bag stitching  Paper-quelling jewellery

At the conclusion of the rehabilitation process of several residents during 2016-17, we issued them wet grinders in order for them to earn their livelihood.

In the year, we conducted regular tailoring training sessions for the new residents admitted in our Short Stay Home. One of them, Ms. Gowri, is a very effective learner and quickly picked up various stitching skills. Even before she completed her training, she started practicing independently. Apart from stitching, we administered special 4-month coaching (Jun to Sep 2016) in Paper-quelling jewellery. The women are trained to make different types of jewellery, including earrings, rings and chains. Moreover, we were successful in raising income through this project. The residents Sumathi, Shri, Jancy and Gowri displayed exceptional ability to learn skills quickly and effectively. In Jun 2016, the team comprising all the residents trained in tailoring stitched our Homes’ children’s school uniforms. During Christmas, they stitched all the new dresses of our orphanage’s girls and the residents’ blouses.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Renewed life after tragedy – The story of Jaya

Jaya had begun her stay at our home 12 years back. A native of Andhra Pradesh state, she lost her parents early and was brought up by her uncle. The young girl grew up suffering torment by her uncle. So much so that one day, she escaped to a nearby police station, beseeching for her safety. The police rescued her and handed her over to CFHC for her better future. Jaya showed immense talent. She learnt all the skills taught at the VTC, including tailoring, handicraft works and jewel making, besides excelling in cooking and taking care of our home’s children. On Oct 17, 2016, Jaya was married to Mr. Marian Selvan in a grand occasion in a church in the presence of our founder Mrs. Maida Raja, CHFC’s staffs and Roopa’s relatives. The gathering blessed her and wished her the best.

Story of Roopa

Another resident, Ms. Roopa, stayed in our home for 8 years. She lost both her parents when she was small and was brought up by her grandmother. Weighed down by age, the grandmother could not take care of Roopa, and the girl joined our home for her better future. After being admitted here, her disinterest for studies was apparent. However, she took special interest in reading the Bible regularly. Furthermore, we trained her in tailoring and handicraft works. At the home, she contributed to the proceedings through cooking and caring for the small kids at the home. On Nov 17, 2016, Roopa was married to Mr. Neelakandan. From being a child at CHFC’s home, she took her first steps into her in-laws home. CHFC’s founder-mother sent her off with jewels, clothes, utensils, furniture, etc., to enable the couple to begin their life together. We express our heartfelt thanks to our founder Dr. Maida Raja for her love and individual Roopa with Neelakandan care for each child and woman who comes to our home.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Celebrations at CHFC

All the major festivals common to the region are celebrated at CFHC, particularly, the Tamil festival Pongal, which we celebrated at our home on Jan 14 in 2017. CHFC’s women residents cooked the sweet “Pongal” and a few snacks. A few of them teamed up to present a special dance to the tune of a Tamil folk song. One of our residents presented a speech on Pongal festival.

Women’s Day celebration

“International Women’s Day” is celebrated every year on March 8 across the world in order to encourage women’s achievements and contributions to the society. On Mar 10, 2017, Christ Faith Home of Children celebrated Women’s Day in our Home premises. The occasion brought together CHFC’s women beneficiaries and staff and the teachers of Emmanuel Nursery and Primary School. Mrs. Shobha gave a speech welcoming the special guest of the day Mrs. Grace Ragland and the others present including Rev. Manuel Sundarsingh, Vice President Mrs. R. Vasanthi, social worker Ms. V. Christy, the Rehabilitation Officer of the Short-stay Home for Women Mrs. S. Dorathy and the CFHC staffs and beneficiaries. This year, we focused mainly on protection of girls from sexual harassment and the creation of awareness among women to teach girls to protect themselves from sexual harassment.

Success stories at a Glance

Miss. Aruna, 21, came with depression. She had escaped from her parents and reached a state where there was none to care for her. She received regular counselling, and we engaged her in our primary school as a Trainee Teacher. After several counselling sessions, which were extended to her parents also, she expressed her willingness to be reunited with her family.

Mrs. Revathy, 29, is a native of Madurai. She was abandoned by her husband and reached our home with her son; she was also nine months pregnant. She bore a girl baby, and we named her Rosy. Revathy underwent regular counselling, and as part of the rehabilitation process, she underwent vocational training. Over the 3 years that she was with us, we searched for her husband Mr. Madhan Kumar, although unsuccessfully. At one point, her brother came forward to take care of Revathy and her children and arranged a house and a job for her. She then left the home, happy at the thought of joining her family, who had severed contact with her after her marriage.

Mrs. Chandra Kala, 25, was married and had two children (a girl and a boy) when we came to our home. Conflicts with her husband had prompted her to leave her matrimonial home. At the home, she was counselled regularly, while other staff searched for her husband. These efforts culminated in the reunion of the couple.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Mrs. Gowri, 17, is a native of Kancheepuram. She was admitted to the home through the CWC after being rescued from child marriage arranged by her family. During her stay at the home, she learnt several vocational skills. Both she and her parents were counselled. She left the home after she attained 18; this time, she had her parents’ promise of not marrying her off in haste.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Beneficiaries through our homes

(till date)

1650

700 Children

485 sheltered and cared for Babies

through specialised infant care

services.

We placed normal and

special-needs children

with families.

500 650

Elderly Women through pension scheme. through the shelter home.

450

Differentially-abled

through rehabilitation and surgery.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Beneficiaries through our various other programs

(till date)

12000 1000

Awareness Vocational

through various awareness programs. through vocational training.

5000 Marriages 8000

Relief

medical re-marriage

ceremonies treated through free arranged free-of- medical camps. cost.

500

through rehabilitation and

Crèche Counselling.

for children of working

mothers.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Educational Welfare

By the grace of our Lord Almighty, the academic year 2016-17 started with a little over 200 children from Pre-KG to Std. V. Our founder, late Thiru L. Sivalinga Raja, was duly commemorated on Jun 7, 2016. The school follows the syllabus prescribed by Tamil Nadu government, and the students are evaluated through weekly and monthly tests and terminal examinations.

Extra-curricular activities To help our children grow as confident individuals, we conducted regular yoga and karate classes. To train them to lead a disciplined and systematic life, we regularly conducted Cubs & Bulbuls classes. A one-day camp was organized on Jan 28, 2017 wherein Thiru K. Bakthavatsalu, Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) and Thiru K. G. Karunakaran, ALT exhibited their talents and guided our children on various aspects.

Computer and SMART classes All the children were taught only through Smart classes. These digitalised classrooms help children understand their lessons better as they are allowed to visualize the key aspects of the subject. Apart from these, television shows were regularly organized for the benefit of our kindergarten students.

National festivals The national festivals were observed in an apt manner with regular flag hoisting and distribution of sweets. World Thinking Day was observed on Feb 22, 2017 to commemorate the birthday of the founder of the Cubs & Bulbuls movement Mr. Baden-Powell.

FUNDAY Monday To beat the “Monday Blues” among the students at our school and ensure their attendance every Monday, we observed FUNDAY on all Mondays for the kindergarten classes.

Christmas Christmas was celebrated along with the families of the students. Coordinator Sunitha Joe conveyed a splendid Christmas message, and the children depicted different biblical characters.

Competitions Competitions were organized every month for the kindergarten classes to develop their vocabulary skills, and prizes were awarded. Festivals like Teacher’s Day, Onam, Deepavali, Children’s day and Pongal were also celebrated in a fitting manner with colourful dances, thought-provoking speeches by the students and above all, the bursting of crackers.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Awareness programmes Road Safety Week was observed on Feb 19, 2017. On the occasion, Thiru K. Yuvaraj, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic Investigation gave an illustrious and illuminating talk and administered an oath to the children coaxing them toward a safe life. A Skin awareness program was conducted on 11-1-2017. Distinguished guests visiting our school were suitably welcomed with welcome-claps by our Cubs & Bulbul students.

Annual Sports Day Annual Sports Day was celebrated on Apr 7, 2017. The first, second and third prize winners were suitably awarded with cups and certificates by our Correspondent Dr. Maida Raja. A large number of parents were present on that day and also participated in sports activities conducted for them by Mrs. Sunitha Joe.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Relief work after disasters Heavy rains battered Chennai in 2015. Our boy’s home was affected, and its campus was surrounded by stagnant flood-water. The flood severely damaged the ground floor dormitory, kitchen, computer room and compound walls. Adding to the distress, the re-construction work of the damaged parts of the building was affected by the cyclonic storm “Vardha” that lashed Chennai the following year (Dec 12, 2016); the high-speed wind and rain affected a large part of Chennai, including CFHC’s Peace Garden home for boys. Most of the trees in the home’s premises were uprooted, the compound walls were smashed and the boy’s dormitory walls developed cracks. The whole campus was laid waste by the cyclone. Special thanks go out from our hearts to our donors who supported us financially at this crucial juncture. Their timely support aided the reconstruction of the boys’ dormitory, kitchen and toilets.

Medical Care Regular medical examinations are offered to all our residents, and those requiring special attention are regular followed-up. In the beginning of the year, a resident Ms. Jayanthi underwent a dental operation to rid her of a sinus cyst in her right upper jaw, at SRM Dental College, Chennai. CFHC incurred expenses to the tune of INR 25,000. Our efforts paid off, and she now leads a normal life. The regular follow-up of her health by CFHC’s staff continues to this day. CFHC organizes free medical camps for the community and spreads awareness about health, hygiene and medical care.

Volunteering Volunteering is a chance to use one’s skill to make tangible contribution to those in need. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, skills and passion and does not require a special degree or prior experience. It is simply a willingness to help. Defined in broad terms, it is the contribution made by individuals in terms of quality time, specialized skills, fiscal support, etc. Our heartfelt thanks go to every volunteer for their participation in the development of our children. Significantly, Barclays had been involving their employees in tutoring our children five days a week at both the girls’ and boys’ home, which are on the outskirts of Chennai. They also administered a special Spoken English curriculum for the primary school students on a day every week. We also specially thank Truven from IBM.

Service to Elderly & Leprosy Patients As good stewards of God’s grace’ CFHC support the community by serving the elderly in the locality surrounding the institutions. The Home provides them material and financial allowances periodically to enable them to have a quality life at an age where they are unable to earn for themselves. With the belief that every person on earth “is God’s workmanship” (Ep 2:10) and that we are called to serve one another, CFHC regularly serves one such community with the Leprosy patients who have been looked upon as outcasts in the Indian society and have been confined to secluded areas to ‘feed the hungry and make the stranger feel accepted’

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Event Reports

Barclays Team Event - 2017

The staffs of Barclays, Chennai, located in the DLF campus, Porur, Chennai, have been regular sponsors of our organisation’s programs over the past 7 years. On Mar 22, 2017, the Senior Manager Mr. Hemanth accompanied by his team members from Barclays visited our Home to interact with our children. The students are perform well in their studies due in a large measure to the tuition classes conducted by regular volunteers from Barclays.

BHUMI NAKSHATRA Cultural Event - 2016

Bhumi Nakshatra Oriental Cultural Program was conducted on Oct 9, 2016 at Kumararani Meena Mutthiah Arts and Science College, Adyar, Chennai. Up to 11 homes participated in the program; fourteen children from our Home participated in the Event like Pot painting, Clay modelling, Junk Art, Solo Dance, Story writing, Zone Defense, Rangoli, Painting and Group dance competitions. Our children won prizes in Story writing, Solo dance and Painting and the 3rd prize in Group dance.

Children’s Day event - 2016

As a tribute to our illustrial leader Chacha Nehru and his love for children, we celebrated "Children's Day" at Christ Faith Home for Children on Nov 14, 2016. The theme for the day was “Love”. Programmes conducted on the day included informative play, fancy dress competition, enactment and songs. All the participants displayed their roles beautifully; they depicted different personalities and objects. The participants enthusiastically delivered speeches about Chacha Nehru in their mother tongue. The children were graded based on their costume, presentation and dialogue. Some of the characters they enacted were Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai, Angel from Heaven, Radha, Meera, Brahmin boy, and Chandramuki. The Fancy Dress competition was followed by Group Dance by our older children, which entertained their younger counterparts. The event became all the more enjoyable with the Bun-eating competition for the older children, with all the kids bursting into riots of laughter. Overall, it was a fun-filled day for the Christ Faith Home Children, a day they would cherish as fond memories.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Christmas Day celebrations – 2016

The students of Emmanuel Nursery and Primary School of Christ Faith Home celebrated the spirit of Christmas with Joy and Cheer! The festivities included Christmas carols, singing, Christmas dance and a delicious treat. The students and staffs participated in this celebration. The programme began with the Welcome speech by CFHC’s Coordinator Mrs. Sunitha Joe. Following this, children from the Nursery and KG classes explained what each of the nine letters in the word “CHRISTMAS” stands for in their own inimitable way. Then, children dressed as angels presented a dance with Santa Claus, followed by various group dances bye students of classes III to V. The primary class students were dressed with bright and colourful bells, stockings and stars. A group of teachers sang Christmas carols. The President of CFHC presided over the celebration. Christmas cakes and gifts were distributed among the students. Children and their parents had a great time participating in the celebrations. It was a day of sharing of God’s love and image and the true meaning of Christmas.

DAAN UTSAV – “Joy of Giving” Week

Celebrating India's Festival of Giving - Oct 2 to 8, 2016!

Daan Utsav (Joy of Giving Week) is India’s ‘festival of giving’. The festival is celebrated every year – commencing on Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2) and continuing till Oct 8. People from all walks of life come together during this week to volunteer with their time, money, resources or skills to give back to their society. They do this by creating and/or participating in events of their choice. A giving event could be as simple as a family taking out their maid’s children for an ice-cream party, or as large as ‘Gift Compassion’. Three stalls were allotted for Christ Faith Home for Children by CIOSA at Indian Oil petrol bunks to participate in Daan Utsav. We started as a group to connect and have fun. During our journey together, we realized that society could receive a lot from us at CFHC. We realized that the event’s key theme offers a means to find greater meaning in life. Wishes were collected from children and are fulfilled based on the patrons’ support. With the help of CFHC Staff members and volunteers (students from SRM College), the journey of Daan Utsav was successfully completed.

Wish Tree: the needs of our children were tagged on a Christmas tree with beautiful smileys to catch the attention of the public visiting the petrol bunks. Charity boxes were placed for donors to drop their contributions.

The weekend brought in very good response from the petrol bunk customers as most of them were accompanied by their families and children. The feedback from the visiting customers was encouraging. The volunteers enthusiastically explained about our organization to the visiting customers. We could meet numerous individuals with a genuine intent to help and care for orphan children and interested in participating in Daan Utsav every year.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

M.K. Stalin’s Birthday Celebrations by DMK Party Members - 2017

On behalf of the DMK Party Leader Thiru M.K. Stalin, party members celebrated his Birthday on Mar 1, 2017 in our premises. Our Guests of Honour were the DMK Party MLA of Nandambakkam Thiru. M. Subramanian and his team members. Furthermore, on Mar 4, 2017, the organisers sponsored food and gifts to be provided to the children of our homes. Thiru. M. Subramanian, Counsellor, party members and lady candidates including Mrs. Girija participated in the event conducted on Mar 1. The DMK members sponsored a special dinner for our homes’ children: a beautiful and royal-looking set of dining table and chairs were arranged for the children to have their dinner. Thiru. M. Subramanian, other party members and the CFHC President joined the children for dinner. The CFHC beneficiaries enjoyed the day, which filled their minds with good memories

Visitors from IBM - (Truven Health Analytics) – 2016

Truven Health Analytics from IBM conducted an event at CFHC on Oct 15, 2016. Our guests of honour were the MD of Truven Mr. Nayar and his staff members, who visited our home to conduct the event with the children. Mr. Nayar gave an excellent speech to the children. Up to 30 staff members from Truven participated in this event. Truven team participated in the games excitedly and enjoyed the games as the children burst with laughter and claps. At the end of the program, Mr. Nayar distributed Lion dates to all the children and women beneficiaries. The team also donated some medicines and groceries to the home. Truven Health Analysis is one of the companies who support our organization every year.

Lions Club Function – 2017

Lions Club function was conducted on Apr 8, 2017 at the FHC premises to commemorate the inauguration of three sewing machines sponsored to benefit the short stay home (for destitute women). Mrs. Gunaseeli, Senior Member of the Lions Club, who is a well-wisher of CFHC, recommended the Lions Club MD Mr. Gunaraja to sponsor and supply the sewing machines in order to enable residents of the short stay home to generate income and be self-reliant. Mr. Gunaraja visited CFHC along with her team to inaugurate the function. The women beneficiaries were very happy to receive the sewing machines from the Lions Club team. At the end of the day, group photos were snapped for memories.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Pongal Celebrations – 2017

A grand and colourful Pongal (festival) celebration was conducted in Emmanuel Nursery and Primary School on Jan 13, 2017 by the management, staffs and students. The students performed various dances, dramas and songs celebrating the harvest festival by wearing traditional dresses. The delicious Pongal was distributed among all the students, teachers and parents along with sugar cane pieces. Various cultural programmes were presented by our students. All of them came in their traditional dresses, boys in dhotis and khurtas and girls in long skirts. The celebration was wonderful, and all the students and staffs enjoyed.

Vivega Event - 2017

Vivega 2017 from Anna University conducted a cultural event on Feb 5, 2017 for children under the care of a selected few NGOs to exhibit their talents on stage. Our home was selected for participation, and our children were also invited to participate in the events. The events they conducted were Painting, Poetry writing, Singing, Maths puzzle, Art with waste, Memory game, Picture puzzle, Vivekananda quote and Dance. The programme was organized by the senior Mechanical Engineering students of Anna University. Several

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Chief guests were invited for the event. Each of them inspired the students with their speech. One of the VIP chief guests Dr. Ramakrishnan gave an excellent speech to the children and encouraged them to strive for their better future.

Our children participated in various activities like Art with waste, Paper dressing, Maths puzzle, and Group dance. Swathi, studying in 7th grade, participated in Art with waste; she very beautifully dressed Kalaivani with newspaper cuttings and won the 1st prize in the competition. Three other children participated for presenting Vivekananda quotes. It was a beautiful moment to listen to the quotes of Vivekananda in Tamil as rendered by our children; the auditorium filled with the claps by the audience. The children won the 1st prize for the group dance; certificates and medals were issued to the children for several other events. The chief guest Actor Mr. Arun Vijay distributed the prizes among the winners toward the end of the event. The children were very excited to receive the prizes from Mr. Arun Vijay.

VISIT OF THE ADOPTED CHILD

How awesome when our kids come back to visit us after several years! The CFHC family was indeed elated to welcome Rita, who was adopted on March 24, 2017, when she was two years old. Our heartfelt Thanks go to her wonderful family for their visit! We thank God for all our children and families being a part of our lives.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Restoration after Destruction

August 29 2016—indeed this day, CHFC’s Peace Garden home for boys returned to its state of happiness and peace, which had been washed away by the Dec 2015 rain and floods. On that day, the boys celebrated the inauguration of the newly built (with TAGDV’s support) compound wall by Mr. Muthumani, President, TAGDV, Assistant Professor, Translational Tumor Immunology Program, he is the eminent scientist who developed effective responses to infectious diseases such as MERS and CHIKV. Our heartfelt thanks also to all the friends at the Tamil Association of the Greater Delaware Valley for this generosity. It goes on to prove that even a small gesture goes a long way and truly makes a difference! Special thanks

to Mr. Jay Muthukamatchi for making this possible.

CFHC ANNUAL REPORT

Vocational Training Centre – Inauguration

` Women explore the factors that contribute to women' economic empowerment and examines three main approaches – financial, employment, and life-skills and social support strategies. CFHC wanted to see them growing in their self-esteem and confidence and to stand on their own feet as an example for the society and to create self-employment for women, increase the rate of literacy, reduce the rate of unemployment and help to provide jobs. CFHC wanted to reduce unemployment and needed a VTC (Vocational Training Centres) so we can train our women and make them a skilled person. This dream of CFHC came true on June 3, 2016, our dream project the Vocational Training Centre was inaugurated for the use in the service of destitute and deserted women at CFHC. Our heartfelt thanks to the Overseas Resource Foundation for making this dream come true!

Our special thanks to Pastor. Jerry Taylor and Pastor Dale from City Hope, for their special visit to Chennai and for the wonderful service rendered to the projects at the Leper Colony

On July 17, 2016, Mr.Pusharaj from Chennai arranged a special KFC meal for our kids on the occasion of his daughter's birthday. It was a pleasant birthday party dinner for our kids, and they loved it. We thanks Mr.Pushaparaj for this generous deed.

Thank you Orphantics for your continued monthly support by providing basic necessities to our children! Special Thanks to Laura Picurelli for this wonderful effort!

We thank McKinsey & Company for the generous contribution of 15 bicycles to the children of our homes; the bicycles were formally handed over during an event conducted at Le Meridien Hotel, Chennai on July 4, 2016.

Thanks to the Lear Company for the generous donation for the disaster relief at the boys home.

Words would not suffice to thank you each and every one for the generous donation of a fundamental needs for babies and toddlers from caring and loving to school-going children today, enabling them to commute in to order to comfortably access education and to empower women .

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 PHOTO GALLERY

Blooming Buds – Infant & Toddlers Home

ADOPTION SECTION

LITTLE FLOWERS – GIRLS HOME

PEACE GARDEN – BOYS HOME

Sanctuary – Home for Women

EMMANUEL NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOL

Programs & Events

Vardha Cyclone Relief Work

Festivals & Celebrations

Volunteering & Internship

High Profile Visit EX.Major Mr.Subaramani

CFHC TEAM