Hostel for Children (orphans) of HIV/AIDS
In June 2006, Omerga Taluka was faced with the problem of HIV/AIDS orphans. An increasing number of these orphaned children were surfacing in the tandas, with no one to provide for their basics of food and shelter. SVS came up with the idea of a shelter for these children: Vatsalya Griha. A room was rented as a temporary shelter for them and 10 of the most needy children were taken in. (it is estimated that, there are another 40 of these orphans roaming the roads and by lanes of Omerga). When SVS approached us for assistance with the Vatsalya Griha project, for TDSS, it was the challenge of a new interaction viz. with the AIDS phenomenon. (The state of Maharashtra has the highest number of AIDS affected persons in the country). TDSS responded with sponsorship support for the appointment of a teacher to begin support classes for these children – it is our first direct intervention for AIDS affected persons. Vatsalya Griha's ten children uniformed and ready to leave for school appear on the first panel of the cover page of this Annual Report.
Vatsalya Griha's children, even whilst being given living and learning support and a home, have been enrolled in the local Primary School. Currently, contributions in kind keep the children going. Meanwhile, SVS has a small building plan for this abode of care and affection. The project holders have applied to the area Directorate of the Women and Children's Welfare Board for necessary approval to run Vatsalya Griha.
Vatsalya holds much potential for networking – SVS, Social Welfare Board and TDSS – TDSS's role in the project is open to evolution as we traverse the road of collaboration.