Child Aid Foundation

INSTILLING A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Prior to starting the Child Aid Foundation, Dr. A. Goswami possessed great learning, but lacked a clear sense of purpose. He walked the length of India taking in new experiences until he arrived at the city of Vijayawada, where conversations with the mayor convinced him to do something useful with his life. Equipped only with his own determination and a small plot of land from the town, Dr. Goswami solicited funds door to door in order to establish a resident home and school for homeless children.

Rising from these most humble beginnings, the Child Aid Foundation today provides a clean, safe home to about 50 children and an education to some 300 needy boys and girls from impoverished neighborhoods. These children, most of whom have been orphaned or abandoned, get more than a refuge and schooling – they get a sense of purpose, possibility, and responsibility. The smiles on their faces shine with appreciation.

What immediately strikes any visitor is how spotless and orderly and the modest facilities of the Child Aid Foundation are. From the swept-clean dormitory rooms to the neat and tidy classrooms, both indoors and out, every area is immaculately clean. And they are kept that way by the children. Every open space is well tended and cheerful plants are everywhere, all planted and cared for by the students themselves. The resident children learn to manage their own donated food and supplies, gaining valuable lessons in responsibility through everyday acts.

The Child Aid Foundation home and school would be impressive anywhere. At the center of one of India’s worst slums it is astonishing. Discover more about their accomplishments at: http://www.childaidfoundation.org/.