Forgotten Children

Our students are the first ones in their respective families and usually in their villages -- predominantly Tribal or Dalit viilages -- to finish high school.  This is a photograph of Tribal students who stay at the hostel of St. Xavier High School because their villages are either far away or inaccessible by road. In the photo, you can see Sr. Vanitha, the superior (on the left) and Sr. Saraham (in the center).

Priya and Sr. Vanitha. Previously, Priya was a working child forced into domestic labor. The Sisters learned about her sad fate through one of the Sangams (mothers' self-help groups). Priya was rescued and went to school; however, her alcoholic father pulled her out of school and made her work in a factory to pay for his drinks. Once again, Priya was rescued (by Sr. Vanitha) and re-entered school.  A very good student, she will be the first individual in her family to finish high school. Once she finishes her studies, Priya would like to become a school teacher.