India Aspire 2016

All Hallows Social Enterprise Project in South India—The Project so far….

Phase Four...

Dr Sr Rajapushpam and the 1974 wing In February 2016 I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to South India with staff and students of All Hallows College. It was a wonderful journey, both emotional and inspiring. My Aunty Peggy, Margaret Frost, otherwise known as Sister Marie Louise, died last year aged 95. She had spent most of her working life in South India and the trip was presented to me as an opportunity to see some of the good work my Aunt was involved in.

She had left Ireland when she finished her schooling to join the Presentation Sisters and within 12 months, she was sailing to India. She spent two and a half years at Kodaikanal as a noviciate before moving to Madras (now Chennai) to train as a nurse for 4 years at the Government General Hospital. At this time India was still under British rule and it remained so until 1947. After qualifying as a nurse she did 6 months midwifery, which at this time required Papal dispensation. Finally she arrived in Theni, then a small town on the western plains of Tamil Nadu, below the Kodaikanal hills. Theni was her vocation. A Convent, a school and a small ‘mission’ hospital, the Holy Redeemer Hospital, had been opened there by the Presentation Sisters in 1937, with the addition of a maternity unit in 1939. When Marie Louise arrived in 1944, the maternity numbers were rapidly growing. The Sisters also treated the lepers and the most neglected Kahalar, Irula and Dalits tribes who were considered ‘untouchable’ by other institutions.

Marie Louise eventually became the Administrator of the growing hospital and secured funding for a new two-storey wing that opened in 1974. By 1971 Marie Louise had recruited the young Dr Rajapushpam to work at Theni and she assisted her in the first Caesarean in the same year. This was groundbreaking work; before this, expectant mothers had to travel 50 miles to Madurai for the operation, a journey that could be

and sometimes was fatal. Dr Rajapushpam later entered the Convent and is still a very popular full-time doctor at Theni. We all had the pleasure of meeting her and I think of her as ‘Marie Louise 2’!

Today Dr Sr Rajapushpam also has a weekly clinic at Manalathu Kudisai, near Varasanadu, the clinic that has been transformed by the enthusiasm, fundraising and generosity of time of staff and students at All Hallows College. It’s less than a year since I heard of All Hallows College and I was amazed then at what had already been achieved at this village by the College. Travelling with the staff and students further increased my respect for their commitment to help people to improve their lives. I consider myself so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Theni but also very privileged to share my Aunt’s story with such easy travelling companions. I have seen Theni and Tamil Nadu not just through my eyes but through young people’s eyes. We have met so many wonderful people along the way.

We have been overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Presentation Sisters at Chennai, Theni and Kodaikanal and what a pleasure it has been to spend time with them. We have been equally overwhelmed by all the good work they are doing in these communities. We have been welcomed by Tamil Nadu schools and English speaking schools, watched the concerts put on in our honour and seen the pleasure on the children’s faces. We visited the community centres established to provide education and skills-based training to members of the community, especially women, and the tailor’s shop at Church Park, Chennai, where the men are employed to make the school uniforms. We have struggled emotionally with visits to orphanages, the Jeevan Jyothi HIV Hospice also run by the Presentation Sisters, and Brother James’ orphanage village. All these places do tremendous good work. I have been so impressed at the maturity of the students when faced with these heart wrenching situations. I’ve witnessed the girls’ enthusiasm for shopping and bargaining together with the boys’ enthusiasm for mobile phone shops! It has been a pleasure to see the students socialising with the Sisters at the convents and the children and young adults we have met at various schools and institutions. I couldn’t have chosen better travelling companions! I thank you all.

I don’t think it would be possible to travel through Tamil Nadu and just consider it a holiday. South India affects you and, several weeks on, my head is still full of it. I think about the kindness of the Sisters and the changes they have made. I see smiling Indian faces, even those who are suffering and deprived. I smile when I think of Sr Cecilia in Chennai, her liveliness and enthusiasm. I have fond memories of the overnight train and still wonder at the ability of people to eat curry for breakfast, dinner and tea!

But most of all I think of my Aunty, leaving Ireland and making the long sea voyage in 1938; arriving in a very hot climate wearing warm weather clothing, the thick black habits with scapular and cowl that the Sisters wore at this time. How glad they must have been when white habits were introduced in the mid1940s. She came as a missionary, never expecting to return to her family, and indeed she didn’t come back to Ireland until the mid-1950s. I think of how she learned Tamil Nadu so that she could dispense with an interpreter and speak to her patients first-hand. She left a huge legacy at Theni and when Aunty Peggy eventually returned to the UK she left Dr Sr Rajapushpam to continue that legacy. The hospital couldn’t be in better hands. I will return to Tamil Nadu and, because of this journey I am, like All Hallows College, committed to helping people there to change their lives.

Pat Frost

Myself and Dr Sr Rajapushpam

India project update...

Dear Mr. Tony & Mrs. Michelle and Students, Greetings to you from All Hallows Health Centre, Manalathukudisai, India.

We are happy to present to you four months (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb) Report of our Activities in Varusanadu.

Children’s day was celebrated on 14th of November. The children performed cultural programme, (dance, drama and awareness songs) we distributed prizes and sweets. We all wished them a bright future.

24th & 25th – Christmas celebration at Manalathukudisai :- - We have shared our joy by giving 250kg sweets & 500kg mixture, to all the families at Manalathukudisai.

We went to all the Families and greeted them for Christmas and New Year 2016.

Children performed dance, drama and songs and communicated a Christmas message to people on 25th..

Parents were happy to see their Children’s Cultural Programme. We shared cake with all the people and distributed gifts to all the children.

Children played the Carom board game in the hall, during week end, to increase their concentration.

Training to women on “Child Safeguarding” from all forms of abuse.

Twenty five women leaders participated in training that dealt with various topics, such as :* Definition of child abuse, * Policies & Procedures to respond to allegation, * State Laws related to child abuse.

The women found the training very informative and useful. They took the oath that they will not abuse children and that they see that no child in the Neighbourhood is abused. If abuse takes place will not keep quiet, but will report it to the authorities.

13.02.2016 - 14.02.2016: Our Benefactors, Principal Mr. A S Billings, Asst.

Principal Mrs. M Garvey along with eight students (5 girls & 3 boys) came from All Hallows Catholic College, England, to see the project.

Srs. Rajapushpam joined them. We welcomed them with Aarathi. In the morning, our children performed cultural programme to show our gratitude to our friends. All Hallows Catholic College Students also gave programme before distributing gifts donated by children and parents of All Hallows. At 4 p.m. we

left for Urakundan village (One of the adapted village among the two) with Srs.Severina & Pushpam. We met the people and shared their stories. The Village gave fresh tender coconut to each one. On their return they visited few houses in Manalathukudisai and studied the poor living conditions of the people.

After supper we discussed the next phase of the Project. We made a request of the present need for financial support for equipment for Laboratory investigation and for referrals. They were very happy to sponsor for it.

The next morning we took them to Kadamalaigundu for Sunday Mass. After Mass we went on “Sight seeing” - a Farm house on a hill- Which gave us a good view of Varusanadu. Then they left for Theni. Their Visit was one of blessings and encouragement for us as well as for the people of the village.

Their generosity is very much appreciated.

You took one step to build a hall; God is taking several steps to empower the poor women. World Vision India is helping 29 students, to be trained in Cutting & Tailoring. This course is for four months, started in 13th November and will finish on March 13th.The students come from 5 villages. The training is given in 3 sessions per day. 10a.m -12p.m, 1p.m -3 p.m, 5p.m-7 p.m. The women are already earning money by stitching. Their interest increases as they learn to stitch verity dresses.

On 26th February, World Vision India, DME – Manager Dr.K.kamatchi, Training Co-odinators Mr.Sudhagar, & Soosai And area Co-odinators, Mr.Raja Pandi visited our centre and had a dialogue with the students. They made the students to think about how to improve their art of stitching. The students in return shared how this skill is going to help them in life.

All Hallows Health Centre:- During past four months we the members of this project continue our Mission as usual. * Daily attending to the Health needs of the people who come to us and Home care as needed. 1170 people receive treatment in OPD. * Once a week Medical Officer Dr. Sr. Pushpam- visits from Theni, Holy Redeemer Hospital to carry out her medical duties.

“To attain Health for All” – We train the individuals to take responsibility for their own health by health talks and medical camps. We have adopted 2 interior villages for our outreach programme. 196 people benefited during past 4 months.

We also participate with RNTCP for identifying and treating the Tuberculosis patients. At present we provide DOTS for 4 patients in our village and one from Thummakundu.

We are ever grateful to the All hallows team for your financial support which enables us to continue our mission effectively in this remote place.

Thank you With prayerful wishes, Sr.Severina & Sisters.

Wednesday 10 February

How do you fit 13 adults and a driver in a converted ice cream van that only has 10 seats?

Thursday 11 February

Discrimination in India at its best (and worst)

As the girls had the luxury of refreshing cold showers, the boys completed their ablutions with a bucket and a cup between the three of them with a couple of cockroaches and a lizard joining the party. Having curry and rice for brunch was something new but something to get used to. During the tour of the convent, we visited the various schools with the boys getting lots of attention – Callum in particular with his blonde hair and blue eyes. After indulging in Sasha’s secret Nutella stash, we set off for the babies orphanage, passing stray dogs, goats, chickens and even sacred cows on our way.

When we arrived, we were greeted by two young girls at the gates who, after a photo shoot, attempted to swipe Mrs Garvey’s camera. The majority of the young children were girls or disabled and we were shocked at this. After cuddles and play time with the young children, it was time to go and make our way to St Thomas’ shrine who is thought to be the first missionary of Christianity in India. He holds a special place with Indian Christians and we soon joined them in taking off our shoes in the shrine as a sign of respect.

Having played hide and seek to find the bus driver, who kept doing a disappearing act, it was too late to go to the beach so we returned to the convent to a lovely variety of vegetarian curries.

Sasha and Alex

Friday 12th February

Mastering the art of Asian toilets-Wet shoes.

Saturday 13th February

All our fundraising has made a difference.

At 6.30am we arrived in Madurai some feeling more refreshed and eager than others.

We were met by Sister Pushpam for our final 2 hour bus ride to Theni. Midway, to ease the tiredness, we were treated to chaiya and some Indian fudge. Once reaching the presentation convent we left our belongings apart from the few clothes we needed for the next day and headed off to the All Hallows Varasunadu clinic.

After another hour, our legs numb, we reached our final destination and were greeted by enthusiastic children waving flowers for us. They all gave us a traditional Indian blessing to welcome us and then with great pride they gave us a tour of the clinic and its community rooms.

The children danced and sang for us, then in good All Hallows spirit, Sasha and Alex returned the

favour by dancing for them and Ben played his ukulele.

We gave them the gifts that All Hallows students had donated, which they were very grateful for.

Playing with the young children in the sun was the highlight of our afternoon.

Later on in the evening, we went to a local village, where the men climbed palm trees to provide coconut water for us to drink. George being George, tried to demonstrate how to drink from the shell and ended up showered in coconut milk. On returning back to the clinic, we were shown around some of the local houses We were surprised at some of the basic living conditions.

We finished off the day with kebab and chips!!

Callum, George and Ben

Sunday 14th February Expiry dates‌

We were awoken in the clinic at 6:30am, by the annoyingly exotic sounds of the wildlife. However, this was fortunate, as we all slept through the many alarms we had set the previous night. After some sausage and egg for breakfast, we took some quick snaps of the group in front of the clinic, and said our final goodbyes to the Varasunadu community.

A morning drive to the local church for Sunday mass followed; we were delighted to be welcomed to the parish despite being clueless tourists by sitting all together on the men’s half of the church. A short drive to a garden on top of a hill was next on the list and we were stunned by the picturesque planes of Tamil Nadu.

After a quick nap and a freshen up back at the convent, we headed to the ‘Reaching the Unreached’ Orphanage that housed over 1500 children between the ages of 5 and 17. It was striking to discover that the majority of the children were HIV positive with their carers also being diagnosed positive too. After a tour of the site and a brief chat with the young teenagers, we continued our outing to a local clothing store. There, the girls bought traditional Indian Saris whilst the boys purchased their own Kurtha and Lungi. Shortly after this, we visited the local supermarket next door and held up the queues with our lack of cultural experience. However, once we got into the van, we realised the extent of our inexperience as the majority of our purchases were actually out of date…

Before we knew it, we had arrived back at the convent for tea and bed.

Ben and Emily

Monday 15th February Differences

Tuesday 16th February

“Not in the Risk Assessment…”

Wednesday 17th February Surprisingly good night sleep.

After a surprisingly good nights sleep on the overnight train, we met Sister Cecilia at 5:30 on the platform, returning to the convent to sleep in until 10. Once breakfast was over, we were welcomed into the Tamil Medium School.

Although wearing the same uniform as the other schools within the compound, many of these children were from the local slums and without the continuous work of the sisters they would have no education and fewer prospects.

The children were all very talented and we especially enjoyed their version of ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and loved our gifts of Puja Lamps.

Another curry later and we were presented with an excellent programme by the young women at the Teacher Training College (where the girls are staying). After being divided into smaller groups of 10 we learnt about everyday life for them, however they seemed to be quite interested in the Western way of life too. Meanwhile Emily managed to spill her sprite over herself and some of the girls. We were shocked to learn some of them only get 4 hours sleep making us very grateful for our 8:45 starts. We were given free time in the evening so while the boys played football and Alex, Emily and Sasha chilled in our room we went for adventures on the roof. We met a group of college girls who were staying on the third floor, their English fluency allowing us to have a more vast conversations. It was really interesting to hear their views on Indian politics, how India is changing and censorship of ’50 shades of Grey’ – which of course they haven’t watched…

Niamh and Hannah

Thursday 18th February 2016 One very rude monkey on a beach‌

The boys didn’t get much sleep last night due to a ‘very scary’ noise that a ‘vicious’ animal was making outside, causing the boys to push their beds together and snuggle. After a frightful night’s sleep, George joined Hannah in attending the 6.15am mass that was followed by a quick breakfast at 8.30am. We swiftly left to visit the Indian Heritage Centre on the outskirts of Chennai. It was a visit back in time to the old houses that were homes to the people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other states of India, especially for George when one particular Keralan house resembled his grandfathers.

We came upon a glass-blower who made us little elephants, Ganesh’s and other Indian animals; we spent a good 30 minutes admiring the skill and watching our figures be made. After a picnic lunch consisting of warm corned beef sandwiches we returned to the bus and made our way to Manailapura, an Indian Heritage site where we toured the area and observed the numerous large rock sculptures that were either crafted by hand or shaped by the wind approx. 630 AD. The oldest student of the group was able to pass as being a 14 year old who managed to gain access to the sights for free! The tickets cost 10 rupees (10p) for George and Sister Cecilia but 250 rupees (£2.50) for us non-Indians. We drove to the beach, Callum looking like he’d wet himself due to a water incident in the bus, that was full of litter but being the Brits we are, this didn’t even stop us from taking advantage of the warm weather and go paddling in the sea.

After Emily dunked Alex in the sea, Hannah was nicely helping us wash our flip flops when one of her own was claimed by the sea. A hysterical few minutes followed with the girls chasing madly after the floating flip that was gradually getting further away from the shoreline. We managed to rescue the flip flop but our wet clothes paid dearly for it! Meanwhile, Ben and George got taken hostage by a very rude monkey that would not get down from their shoulders. Returning to the bus, soggy and sandy, we arrived back at the convent for yet another lovely vegetable curry tea.

Emily and Ben

What next for the Clinic? local village on improving Health and Literacy.

Since our last visit and through the support of 'World Vision' the Sisters have purchased 15 sewing machines for the Community rooms and have set up a Tailoring course for men and women within the locality so that they can set up small businesses which in turn empowers them.

As a College we have committed to raising ÂŁ4,000 a year for the continued work of the Clinic and Outreach work of All Hallows Health Centre in Varasanadu.

Dr Pushpam continues to visit the clinic once a week for 'General Practice' and Sister Severina and her team continue with the outreach work to over 5,000 villagers within a 20 mile radius. 1,120 villagers were treated at the Medical Centre last year.

As part of their outreach work, the sisters delivered a 'Safeguard' training course to 25 women. Twenty-five women leaders participated.

The training dealt with various topics, such as - Defining child abuse, - Policies & Procedures to respond to allegation, - State Laws related to child abuse.

"Women found the training very informative and useful. They took the oath that they will not abuse children and that they see that no child in the neighbourhood abused, children. If abuse takes place they will not keep quiet, but will be respond in an appropriate way to deal with it."

The Sisters also continue their education programme with both adults and children from the

This year the Sisters have asked us to purchase an 'Analyser' for the Health Centre at a cost of ÂŁ1,000. This will enable Blood tests and tests for Diabetes and TB to be carried out onsite and therefore speed up referrals to the Hospital in the city.

In addition to our work in the Village our students have also agreed to fund a basic English project for 180, 16 year old girls from a Tamil school in Theni. The majority of the girls studying at the school come from the 'Slums' around Theni. Most leave school with little if any English, which in turn prevents them from being able to go onto college at the age of 16 as the Teaching medium at all colleges is English. For less than ÂŁ5.00 per student we are able to fund a 16 week English immersion course for these girls. Studying post 16, dramatically increases the life chances of these girls.

In summer 2016 we look forward to the Presentation Sisters joining us here at All Hallows for an immersion course in the Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme (TEEP).

Mrs M Garvey Assistant Principal

Prayer Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brother and sisters.

Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.

Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us.

Renew in us your spirit.

Lord, free us and make us one.

Amen

"When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."

- Mother Teresa (1910–1997)

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