“Education for All – Empowering Children”
History & Background
St. Mary’s English medium School and Orphanage was built in 1988 under the late Rev. Bishop Balaswammy. Due to some incidents the orphanage was neglected. The present bishop, M.D. Praksam was interested to bring back the catholic life to the orphanage. He appointed Father Balachandra R. Miriyala, to take up this project as director and pastor.
In 2012 Fr. Balachandra took on the mission. He cleared the trees and weed around the orphanage and the school which is next to the orphanage. He then proceeded to build a wall around the campus which took three years. The wall around the orphanage and campus provides a safe, clean secured and protected environment.
In St. Mary’s English medium School and Orphanage, we have a total of 350 children, consisting of 50 orphans and 300 children from our Catholic community. We are committed to providing free education for both the orphans and our Catholic children, ensuring that no child is deprived of the opportunity to learn and grow. This is a small building in which the boys and girls are separated. In 2020 the monsoon came through and took off roofs and sides. Covid also hit at this time which brought a lot of burden. Building has been very slow as no funds were available, only the generous help of sponsors and donations.
With your financial support I can build new bathrooms and renovate the orphanage so we can get cots for the children and rooms for teaching and girls and boys can be separated for sleeping.
Goals
The primary objective is to address the educational needs of underprivileged families in remote rural areas of the Diocese of Nellore, with a specific focus on C.S. PURAM. These regions lack affordable educational opportunities and are often situated far from urban centers with costly residential schools. By establishing schools in these areas, the aim is to bridge this gap and provide accessible education to the poor and lower middle-class families who cannot afford the expenses associated with distant city schools. This initiative strives to empower these communities by equipping their children with quality education, unlocking their potential, and offering them a pathway to a brighter future.
Mission
The mission at hand is to establish a nurturing and supportive educational environment that empowers children hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative aims to create opportunities for academic growth and holistic development, enabling these children to overcome the challenges they face. The core focus lies in bridging the existing educational gap, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all. Furthermore, the mission extends beyond academics, as it seeks to uplift the entire community by providing extracurricular activities that enhance the overall development of the children. By offering a comprehensive educational experience, this initiative strives to empower and uplift these deserving individuals, enabling them to thrive and contribute positively to society.
Values
At the core of this endeavor are the values of compassion, equality, and unity. By extending support to St. Mary’s School, individuals actively contribute to the overall development of not only the children but also the teachers and staff. The primary goal is to eliminate barriers and prejudices that hinder progress, thereby creating an environment where equal opportunities are available to all, particularly girls. By promoting fairness, solidarity, and harmony within the community, this initiative aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and unity. Through the embodiment of these values, St. Mary’s School becomes a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and strengthening the bonds that hold the community together.
Achievements and Impact
St. Mary’s English Medium School & Orphanage in C.S. Puram, Nellore, has made a significant impact since its establishment. The school caters to children from poor families in rural areas, currently serving 145 students and aiming to expand further. Despite limited resources, the school excels in academics and extracurricular activities, fostering the overall development of students. It strives to promote girls’ education by considering the construction of a hostel. With a dedicated staff, including four sisters and six teachers, the school relies on sponsorships to cover an annual budget of around $40,000. Sponsoring the school ensures equal opportunities for all children, eliminates jealousy, and provides a brighter future for underprivileged students.
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