Operation Rainbow, a Marcellin Trust project, was established in 2003 by the Marist Brothers to provide support to families and children affected by HIV. The support, care and educational programs have grown steadily over this time.
Of the 65 million people living in the state of Tamil Nadu, approximately 650,000 are HIV positive. Of these, one in seven is a child under the age of 14. These people are some of the most neglected in society because of their poor knowledge about the virus and its effects. Because of the stigma associated with the disease, many families don’t access the services that can assist in managing the illness and its resulting hardships.
Operation Rainbow works with families in their own settings and assists them access resources available within their local communities. This support is provided through home visits, free medical seminars, counselling and HIV awareness courses. The program has seen steady growth in the care and support they have been able to offer and provide the local community largely thanks to the AMS donors and partners.
YEAR | NUMBER OF FAMILIES | NUMBER OF CHILDREN |
2003 | 15 | 35 |
2004 | 57 | 87 |
2005 | 74 | 99 |
2006 | 84 | 115 |
2007 | 81 | 107 |
2008 | 79 | 102 |
2009 | 89 | 152 |
2010 | 94 | 167 |
2011 | 97 | 175 |
2012 | 93 | 159 |
2013 | 92 | 156 |
2014 | 104 | 113 |
2015 | 100 | 171 |
2016 | 104 | 171 |
2017 | 105 | 175 |
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Now, a new program called the LaValla Evening Study Centre has been introduced at Operation Rainbow as well as nine other locationed and aims to provide additional opportunities for school children in rural villages to utilize their free time after school and access assistance on their educational endeavors. supported by the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), this project will benefit rural children on the periphery to overcome their economic hardships and afford them an opportunity at a better life.
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To find out more about Operation Rainbow or to donate, please visit Operation Rainbow.
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