Nellore
The Nellore Children’s Home was started because of the devastating tsunami in December 2004. Probados, the local pastor in Salakalaveedu, has a burden for the children who lost their parents in this disaster. In many cases, it is easy to place a boy child in a relative's home, since males are the favored gender in India. However, many girls were left without caretakers, and this home was opened for them. Their home is built adjacent to our Salakalaveedu Children’s Home that we built back in 2005, also for girls who lost their parents in the tsunami.
There are 8 girls from Nellore who are presently living right next to the girls from Salakalaveedu. Very soon, we anticipate having nearly 30 girls living in the Nellore home. The girls will be brought from the coastal region south of where their new home is located. The home is in a small village. The orphans from Nellore will live on the roof of the local church. By American standards, the building is a small place to house children, but by Southern Indian standards, the girls will be living well. Restrooms are adjacent to the girls’ dorms, and there is a rooftop where the girls can eat, play, and relax. They also can go into the church for a quiet place to do their studies for school.
Sirisha Gona, who is Probados' daughter, is the head caretaker of the girls’ home. Probados and his wife also take a very active part in raising these precious girls. We are grateful that the girls are in a safe and peaceful village.