Boys Town Society - A happy future for Saraswathi
Saraswathi comes from Kappalur, a village 3 kms north of Tirumangalam in Madurai District. The main industries are flour, milling, metal power factory, and poultry farming. Saraswathi’s father, Paramaguru abandoned the family, and her mother, Ramalakshmi, committed suicide due to despair.

So, the six children were left alone to live, in poverty and have no-one to care for them. Her eldest brother works in a photo framing shop, earning RS.20 (30p) a day while the older sister looks after the home. Her other older brother works in a rice mill at Bangalore and sends RS500 (less than £10) once in three months.

After her mother’s death, a third brother, Ravi, left home and cannot be traced. Because of the poor family situation, Saraswathi and her younger sister, Veeramani were admitted to the new Tindlepatti Children’s Village in June 1993, giving them both the opportunity of a good education in a caring environment, where their welfare was guaranteed.

Footnote: Having completed her schooling, Saraswathi undertook secretarial training, and left BTS in June 2001 with the necessary skills for a secure future. Her sister, Veeramani, has also completed her schooling, and undertook a tailoring apprenticeship which she completed in August 2004.
 

Thailand -  A typical Boys Town child
When Prida came to Thailand Boys Town he was just 13 years old. He had never seen his father. His Mother had remarried and both she and his stepfather worked as sharecroppers. His mother had two new children and there was no longer room for Prida in the house, so he was sent to live with his grandparents.

Prida’s grandparents could not afford to send him to school, and with money for the bus fare, given to him by a kind teacher, he set off on his own to travel the 200 km to Boys Town. He took with him a pair of trousers and two ‘T’shirts – wondering what was in store.

Being in Boys Town helped Prida to grow up in a safe and secure environment, and provided him with the skills and assurance to enjoy an independent future.

Child Labour Prevention - Selvarani, a child in need
Selvarani comes from Nellore, the main occupation here is fieldwork or construction much of this work is seasonal and some villagers have to migrate for temporary work.

There is a brick factory and the workforce is often supplemented with children. There are no proper sewage facilities and open drains run through the village.

Selvarani has just moved from primary school to secondary education, and has hopes of becoming a nurse so that she may help the poor people of her village. She has never travelled far and she would like to go the see the Malaikoveil temple near Palani. She likes the time of festival when she might get new clothes and be able to play with her friends.

Getting a place on the CLP scheme ensured that Selvarani stays at school rather than going to work. Lets hope her ambitions are reached. (Note the CLP project is no longer running).

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