The Marist Brothers have been working in India since 1974. They have developed three schools in the Tamil Nadu state in Southern India. Vizhalanmedu Nursery and Primary School is an English language Marist school and was opened in June 2015 after strong support from AMS donors and St Patrick’s College, Dundas (NSW). The school serves a rural population and currently has an enrolment of 140 students.
As is often the case in remote schools in India, many socially-ostracised young people are living with the lasting effects of India’s old caste system. For example, most people in the village of Mangamanuthu are referred to as Dalits, or ‘Untouchables’ and they live in very poor conditions with limited ability to access education. Vizhalanmedu Nursery and Primary School caters for students placed in this position so that one day they may be able to break the cycle of poverty.
In these communities, Australian schools can create a massive change. Recently, St Thomas More Primary School (Sunshine Beach) raised approximately $2000 for Vizhalanmedu Nursery and Primary School to buy basic yet vital classroom furniture as well as sports and recreation equipment.
For more information on our projects in India or to contact us please visit: India Projects