Tamil Nadu is located in the southern most state of India bordering on the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.  The Chalice sponsor site of Tamil Nadu was established in 1998 in affiliation with Father A. Xavier of the Kumbajonam Multi Purpose Social Services Society. Currently Father A. Martin de Porres and Sr. Scholastica administer the site with over 1600 children under their supervision.

The Tamil Nadu sponsor site has worked to advance equal opportunities for all children and the eradication of child illiteracy and child labour.  Their strength lies in having a committed staff, an advisory committee and contact people who realize the benefits sponsorship will bring to the children in this area.  These individuals attempt to instill the principles of respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for actions to the families and children in the Tamil Nadu sponsor site.

The goals of the Tamil Nadu site are to educate all the sponsored children, to encourage proper nutrition, health & hygiene, to render assistance to disadvantaged families, to provide adult education while promoting community development. To this end, all sponsored children of this site have been enrolled into school and provided with school uniforms, fees and supplies and seasonal clothing.  Students having difficulties keeping up with their classmates are given special tutoring in Math, Science and English.   Those students with special talents are given training in that area - such as dance, music or drawing. When a child is finished their primary and secondary education they are evaluated.  From these evaluations it is determined if the child should continue in academic studies or if they are more suitable for vocational training. 

India has many miles to go before it achieves even a limited version of gender equality and women’s empowerment. While the education system is equally available to either gender, it is difficult for the young women to attend school, as they are often required to care for their younger siblings while their mothers work the fields.  The low social status and consequent educational disadvantage suffered by women has a direct bearing on their own health as well as that of their children.  In India, malnutrition is rampant among the children, with one of every 11 children dying in the first five years of their life.  To help reduce this tragic statistic, expectant mothers are receiving prenatal care with instructions in hygiene and proper diet. Mothers receive training in nutrition and are supplied with basic food items on a routine basis.

The Tamil Nadu sponsor site conducts basic training literacy sessions for adults, providing the materials and instructors required for this program.  It is felt that through the education of adults the importance of fundamental education for all children will be conveyed.

Children with good mental and physical health have increased concentration, self-confidence and stamina, therefore children are provided with food supplements and vitamins. At the completion of thorough physical examinations, which are given annually, the children receive health certificates on the status of their condition and a hygiene kit.  A major factor in the improved health of the children and their families is the building of sanitary latrines in the rural areas.  These latrines not only increase the health of the residents, but allows them to experience greater self-respect and dignity.

The advancement of the status of women and children in this area is due in part to the dedication and guidance of the people working on behalf of Chalice and their supporters.  When people put their time and talents into enriching the lives of the less fortunate of God’s children, miracles are realized, for the only true selfless gift is the gift of giving of oneself.