Childrens’ Home

The idea of a childrens’ home arose after many requests from parents and grandparents for help in feeding, education, and caring for their children.  Many parents are both physically and financially unable to keep their children with them year-around.  They also live with the constant fear that their children will contract the disease by living in the home colony full time.  While employment is virtually impossible or difficult to secure, many families beg for a living, which necessitates extended travel away from the village, leaving children exposed and often neglected.

Little Lights Childrens’ Hostel, inspired and founded by Pat Clendenny in 2006, is home to 36 children in Chennai, India.  Excellent private education is provided free to each child, along with medical care, daily support and safety, by a staff of 12.  Each child always has new clothing, books, nutritious meals, toys, personal medical attention, and other personal items of their own.  Each child gets dedicated, individualized attention with a daily schedule of activities to provide a sense of belonging and security.  Overall grades have soared and the parental pride back home exceeds even ours.

The concept of a boarding school, common in India, with routine trips to the family has proven to be a very attractive and popular service to many families.  Demand remains high for Embrace a Village to accept more children; however, funds are always limiting, as the cost per child for each month of care is approximately $40.