Aloysian Boys Home
The Aloysian Boys Home is a rehabilitation center started by St Aloysius College, as part of its centenary memorial outreach projects. The Aloysian Boys Home is located at Nehrunagar, Kotekar, Mangalore 575 022 INDIA
Type Of Children And Where They Come From
- Delinquents - those rehabilitated from the remand homes. These are mostly from families where a parent is in jail. Although the children are not criminals themselves, unfortunately, the children are officially known as “criminal children”! They are sent to a state correction home where after a few years they most often turn criminals. Without the personal touch and caring, these children find it difficult to change to a new life. We accept some of them and give them a quasi-home atmosphere to rehabilitate them.
- Destitutes - children whose parents are dead or separated or abandoned children, or when only one parent (generally the father) is looking after the child.
How Many Children Are Currently in Rehabilitation
115 children -- 7 girls and the rest boys, in
age group of 5 to 18.
How Is Rehabilitation Done
The children are housed in 10 cottages – with about 9 -12 children per cottage. Each cottage is under the care of a “House Mother” who looks after their well-being, studies, health, etc. The children are given shelter, food, clothing and medical care. They are sent to a local school where they also learn to mix with other children. They are involved in maintaining a kitchen garden, dairy, piggery and poultry.Those who finish school are sent to college or to the Technical Training Institute. We trust that with this training when the youngsters leave the Home at the age of around 18, they are well equipped to be on their own and are responsible citizens inspired and led by human values.
How Many Total Children Have Been Rehabilitated? What Kind Of Jobs Do They Perform?
Over the years, around 500 children have been rehabilitated. Some are doing well. One has just passed his PGDCA (Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications) exam and will soon complete his MCA (Master in Computer Applications). Two are teachers in the technical school. Some are drivers or conductors. Some work in travel agencies. Some are plumbers, welders, poultry keepers etc.
How Much is Operating Expenditure - Salaries and Benefits
Approximately Rs. 50,000 per month = 1000 USD per month;
How Much Needed For Education (Fees, Books and Transport)
Approximately 90 USD per child per year OR 0.25 USD per day;
How Much Is Needed For Food Plus Clothing
Approximately 360 USD per year per child = 1 USD per day per child
Finances and Management
We
primarily depend on the support of generous benefactors to maintain the
children. We need about one US dollar per child per day for their food and
clothing. Cost for schooling and medical
aid is extra. Policy matters are decided by St Aloysius College. The Sisters of Charity (of Bartholomeo and
Gerosa) are in-charge of actual managing of the Home. The sisters live with the
children and give them love and affection. The Sisters are helped by the House
Mothers and the kitchen and office staff. There are 5 Sisters; 6 House Mothers; 4 kitchen staff; 5 farm hands; and 1 driver. The Sister Superior inspects their condition every
day. The Director visits the Home once a week. He gives
them talks to encourage them to learn, to be responsible and to prepare to
stand on their own feet.
Future Plans and Special Project
Our main concern today is the future of the children when they graduate from the Home. Some of them are capable of higher studies or for technical training. Some do not seem to have the ability for learning. These find it difficult to find employment. Even those who get some employment get a low salary. We need to build a fund for the children to provide seed money for them when they leave the Home. We have also bought a small plot of land, which we are giving to those who have no one. They will have to build their house themselves. However, they need support for this too. This proposed fund will have to take this into consideration.