Krupalaya, Global Vision Trust International,Bangalore

WE THANK
Over the years, various people provided inspiration and support towards the growth of Krupalaya.

The Beginnings - Cantonment School
In 1999, Rev. Sister Thankamma Varkey, together with a group of committed people got together to help a slum located in Vasanthanagar, near the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station. This slum comprised of about 450 families; 2500 people living in separate groups based on region and language. Many were daily wage earners or migrant workers. In the normal course of the year several calamities befall them. The worst crisis takes place during the monsoons when rain water floods the tents in one particular low lying area of the slum and stagnant water gives rise to various diseases. Worse still are the frequent occurrence of accidental fires which cause a great deal of destruction and anguish. View Images. Sister and her group from the CSI Women’s Fellowship committed themselves to making a difference to the lives of these slum dwellers especially in the areas of health, education and an improved means of acquiring a livelihood. The pre-school started with 5 children meeting underneath a tree but eventually with the raising of some money a hut was built on the site. One problem was the irregular attendance of the children due mainly to the fact that children with empty stomachs were not much interested in learning. To encourage these children to attend, the school provided for both breakfast and a mid-day meal for the children.

The Raj Bhavan School
In 2001, in appreciation of the efforts amongst the people of the slum, the honorable GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA, DR. MRS. V. S. RAMADEVI at that time, offered to support an extended and enlarged educational programme for the benefit of children of poor people by developing a

school at the Raj Bhavan campus itself. The following month onwards, the Cantonment school was moved to Raj Bhavan, where it continues to function with nearly a hundred children with four staff members. The Governors office continues to support and encourage this effort. On the 26th of January 2002, Republic day, Sister Thankamma Varkey received an award from the Governor for her work among the people.

		In 2001 MRS. HEATHER JOHNSON & PAM PRIOR visited Bangalore, arising from a visit to their Church in 1998 by Rev. Sister Thankamma Varkey, as they were interested to learn more about her work with the people living in slums and in particular the education of their children. They were sufficiently impressed with both the commitment and the work, that on their return to England they committed themselves to raise money for the effort. Having raised a significant amount of money, they decided to take it personally and returned to Bangalore. They were surprised at the improvements in the children, both physically and mentally and experienced a great deal of pleasure in seeing the children’s expressions when presented with toys and a television set. St. Mary’s School Rev. Sister Varkey intended to, after completion of her tenure as General Secretary of the CSI Women’s Fellowship, move to her own property, outside the city limits and build a house on the site incorporating a school to be used for the education of slum children in the area. The remainder of the money raised from England was ear-marked for the completion of the first stage of the house and school that was being planned.

		There was still substantial support to be found for the project. Mr. Mathew, Dr. Roy Mathew, Sheela & Sheeba, in memory of their Mother MARIAMMA MATHEW, KODUPARAMPIL, came forward as the primary benefactor of the building. The St. Mary’s School was started on 3rd June 2004 with classes running between 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM, with children benefiting from the milk and wholesome meal each day as well. View Images.The second floor, a spacious addition that has opened further community development possibilities, was made possible by the generous support provided by Dr. LALITHA MANOHARAN.

		r. Jack B. Shatzer & Millie Shatzer from Pennsylvania have also been active supporters and encouraged our work. The Lions Club of Marathahalli entered the support group with a well received medical camp for the women and children of Munnekolalu. Y’S MEENETTTES, Indiranagar, Bangalore donated five sewing machines towards our training programme to enable poor women, with children studying in our school, to further support their families by taking on tailoring work. We are grateful to Mr. JAMES MATHEWS of 'Hot Breads' who has over the years supported our initiatives by providing bakery items and food articles for our children. Mr. & Mrs. George Samuel and their son, Anoop Samuel and many others have supported Krupalaya over the years.