Empowering Nomadic Dreams: A Fundraiser for Tribal Education

Meet Yelumalai, a young boy from a nomadic Boom Boom Maatukarar family in Nagapattinam, India. His father's kidney ailment has left him bedridden, and they live in a makeshift roadside tent. Yelumalai's mother earns a living by collecting rags and plastics. Malnutrition took a toll on Yelumalai's health and hindered his learning.

Yelumalai's life took a turn when he joined Vanavil School, dedicated to empowering nomadic tribal children. Here, he receives education, nutritious meals, clothing, and security. Vanavil Trust's unique approach allowed Yelumalai to be himself. He explored the campus freely, nurtured his talent for clay sculptures, and engaged in activities he loved. With proper care, his health improved, and he is thriving in Montessori activities, and gaining confidence.

Supporting Nomadic Tribal Children

Nomadic Tribes make up 10% of India's population, approximately 14 crore people, with a literacy rate of only 40-50%, compared to the national average of 77.7% and Tamil Nadu's 80.1%. 

In Tamil Nadu alone, there are 71 Nomadic Tribes, and many children face challenges similar to Yelumalai's.

Vanavil Trust runs multiple projects to ensure the education and well-being of children from nomadic tribal communities:

- Vanavil Nursery & Primary School: An alternative primary school educating 105 children using Montessori and Jodo Gyan learning methods.

- Vanavil After School Centres: Operating in 15 villages where nomadic tribes live, serving around 915 children.

- Vanavil Children’s Home: Providing a safe space for over 50 girl children.

- Nomads Higher Education Project: Supporting 149 students from Nomadic Communities pursuing college education.

At Vanavil, we believe that every child deserves a chance at a better future.

Impact

- We've supported over 520 nomadic tribal children through our school.

- We've created safe, happy, and child-friendly spaces for nomadic tribal children in Nagapattinam.

- We've curbed child begging and child marriages in the community.

- The school enrollment rate has increased from 0% to 100% among the nomadic tribal population.

- We've sent over 150 nomadic tribal students to higher education, with graduates now working as IT professionals, news channel reporters, and teachers.

Your Support Matters

Yelumalai's journey showcases the power of support. Your contribution will:

1. Educate: Ensure quality education for nomadic tribal children.

2. Nourish: Provide nutritious meals for improved health.

3. Shelter: Create safe learning environments.

4. Empower: Encourage creativity and individuality.

Join us in making a meaningful change in the lives of these deserving children. Your donation, big or small, will have a lasting impact and help us transform their futures.

Donate today and be a part of this transformative journey!

Rs. 1,500 - will help us in providing 3 nutritious meals for one child for one month

Rs. 4,000 - Will help us in providing education and nutrition for one child for a year in our after-school centres

Rs. 6,000 - will help us in supporting tuition, hostel and mess fees for a first-generation college student from nomadic tribal communities

Together, we can empower dreams and transform lives!