Project Description - Orphanage in India Children´s-Paradise "girls first"

Tribals

Is little known in the western world that there is an original "native" population in India. They are called "Tribals" or "Adivasis". The Indian Constitution recognizes this native population, but in practice they are treated in society as they belonged to a caste even lower than the lowest one, the Untouchables. Tribals have their own language and religion (natural religion). In a similar way to what happened to Aborigines in Australia starting 25 years ago, India has started to identify and protect Tribal settlements. Often in mountainous forests, some areas have even been designated as national parks and have been made accessible to tourists. Tribal children are often placed in boarding homes with the goal of integrating them into Indian society at least from the language perspective.
Earlier this year I visited such a boarding home for Tribal children. Located 2000 meters aboItut sea level, it receives government funding, but the circumstances that the children live in can only described as catastrophic. Especially for girls. Besides the cold, the lack of sanitary facilities, there is widespread sexual abuse. I have never seen so many disillusioned little faces in my life. I have made contact with an Indian Jesuit priest, Father George, who has been trying to help this situation on behalf of the Tribals for years. I have been in constant contact with him and our common goal now is to setup a Tribal boarding home together, to provide a safe and warm environment for these children and to give them a better chance to make something of their life. Plans for the boarding home have already been worked out. To make it a reality, the only thing missing is the money.