Chennai, India
“To me, a faith in Jesus Christ that is not aligned with the poor, is nothing.”
Bono
The Need
The lack of opportunity for education is a tragedy that puts a child at risk for poverty, trafficking, labor abuse, crime, and even terrorism. In a slum area of Chennai, families survive in small huts, with little means for an income and limited food provision. Education is a luxury that parents cannot afford, as even government schools require uniforms and materials that the family cannot provide.
Education is recognized to be the most hopeful response to fight against poverty and its associated dangers. Without an opportunity, these children will fall victim to the cycle of poverty with little hope for their future.
The Opportunity
Zamar Academy was established in June of 2004 with the vision of providing quality education, free of cost to children from families living below the poverty level.
Crisp white uniforms, school supplies, textbooks, and transportation to and from school are provided. Zamar Academy also offers a nutritious lunch meal each day to each child, many for whom it will be their only meal that day.
Certified teachers offer English-medium education, believed to be a necessity for those who wish to qualify for jobs in the competitive market.
In addition to education and nutrition, Zamar is committed to valuing each child as an individual and address spiritual needs as well as the physical. Zamar Academy is a Christian school and, with the support of the child’s parents, offers an education founded upon Christian values and principles that soundly address educational needs and offers principles for building character and faith-centered living.
The Challenge
Wellspring International has been privileged to support Zamar Academy since 2008 with funding toward building rent, administrative costs (including staff salaries), a school bus, equipment for their first playground, and an annual Christmas dinner celebration for the staff, students and their families.
This year Wellspring aims to continue support for running costs and will work to provide funding toward a new bus and the construction of a school facility with a grant of $229,470 USD.
Please contact us for more information concerning this significant project.