A Year in Review: The Mother and Child Care Center

A child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him/her. — Pablo Casals, world renown cellist

On April 1, 2025, the Mother and Child Care Center (MCCC) was inaugurated at the Dumping Yard in Naidupet. That same week, the MCCC began serving the needs of the local Yenadi population. Having been in operation for nearly ten months, SFIRD conducted an assessment to review the impact and performance of the MCCC.

▲ From left to right: Dr. Rama Rao, Ravi-garu, Chiran (a local government representative), and Venu Gopal  (a local government representative) at the inauguration of the Mother & Child Care Centre.

The MCCC was established according to needs expressed by the Yenadi community. Many children in the Yenadi community were unable to attend school for a number of reasons but three of them were frequently reiterated: the children were too young, the children dropped out, and the parents didn't feel safe sending the children away. To alleviate these concerns, the MCCC posed an alternative option; a nearby place to send children that would provide safe care and learning opportunities. Built in the midst of the Yenadi encampment, it allowed the parents to keep a close eye on the children.

▲ Ms. Krupa seen here teaching the Telugu alphabet to the children.

A local, Ms. Krupa, was engaged to operate the MCCC. She took on the responsibility of overseeing and teaching the children. Initially it was difficult for the children to sit in the MCCC for extended periods of time. However, by employing the help of their mothers they were gradually habituated to this new environment. Eventually, a group of around twenty children became regular attendees.

Hygiene has been a major focus at the MCCC. Children received new clothes and were encouraged to attend the MCCC dressed well having bathed, applied hair oil, and brushed their teeth. These children who did not previously make a habit of hygiene and cleanliness are now seen attending the MCCC with better grooming habits. Children with skin conditions have also seen dramatic improvements.

▲ The children of the Yenadi Sangham are seen here enjoying a well-deserved snack during a break from their day of learning.

Everyday at noon, the children were given healthy meals, along with games and activities that were organized for their lunchtime. These children have shown great improvement in their physical stature and overall nourishment.

▲ The children are learning to write the Telugu alphabet script with chalk on slate.

▲ Here the children are learning how to write the English alphabet. Learning the English alphabet from a pre-printed chart, is another way MCCC is teaching kids the basics of English.

Education is also an integral part of the MCCC's curriculum. Everyday, the children learn the Telugu and English alphabet, numbers, rhymes and songs, reading, and writing. Through these lessons, the children have shown marked improvement in their reading, writing, arithmetic, and even their social development. A few children were even promoted to local elementary schools which they were unable to do in the past. RH and SFIRD are working together to better facilitate the progression of the children to local schools as they assimilate into the mainstream education system.

In addition to benefiting the children, the MCCC has been a source of help for adults of the Yenadi community. The MCCC became home to several community celebrations throughout the year including Indian National Day and Christmas. Furthermore, the MCCC was used to provide group and individual counseling to the Yenadi women. These women were given help to combat alcohol addiction amongst the men, establish family norms, and better address female-related health issues.

▲The Yenadis gathered at the MCCC for its inauguration ceremony

It is easy to think of the MCCC as being crude or simple. It is made of modest materials and lacks amenities like air conditioning and electricity. However, this simplicity has actually played a part in the MCCC's journey. For the Yenadi, a history of ostracization has made them fearful of establishments that would typically be seen in more developed areas. On the flip-side, this semi-permanent structure provides them with something more familiar and comfortable while offering an opportunity that many of the children never had.

Yes, the structure is simple — but this does not mean that it cannot be used for great things. It goes without saying that this structure would be nothing more than a structure without the people who have made the MCCC possible. We would like to thank and recognize the three women—Ms. Santha Kumari, Ms. Krupa, and Ms. Shirisha—who have provided care and teaching at the MCCC, along with the men and women at SFIRD who have overseen the day-to-day activities.

As we stand at the cusp of a new year, all of us at Restoration Humanity would like to thank you for your support with this endeavor. With your help, the Mother and Child Care Center has seen a fruitful year and we look forward to what the future has to hold.

If you're interested in supporting the ongoing operations of the Mother & Child Care Centre, here is the monthly breakdown. The cost is for 25 days out of a month, for 40 children:

• Water supply including delivery per month: USD $100

• Snacks and food for children: USD $80

• Medical supplies and supplements for mothers and children: USD $120

• Teaching supplies: USD $160

• Salaries for teacher and assistant: $160

• Emergency fund for medical or other needs: $150

Restoration Humanity, Inc. is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization and donations are tax deductible only in the United States. Non-profit tax ID number: 99-1330084

Thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey!

If you would like to know more: more.info@rhlife.org

To donate to Restoration Humanity: www.rhlife.org/donate

Website: https://www.rhlife.org

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