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Sponsorship in India

The CFCA sponsorship program in India provides benefits that address the educational, spiritual, nutritional, medical and family needs of sponsored members. The strength of the U.S. dollar in the Indian economy makes this holistic approach possible.

Parents living in poverty are often forced to send their children to work in the fields or in factories to supplement the income of the family. Consequently, more than half the children in India complete fewer than five years of education. CFCA funds are used to provide these intelligent and talented children a chance to experience the joy of education. This opportunity is viewed as a gift and a blessing. Sponsorship funds are utilized for tuition, boarding fees, uniforms, school supplies and lunch programs.

Overcrowding, lack of sanitation and lack of education make illnesses prevalent in CFCA project areas. As a result, sponsored families are provided regular medical and dental checkups, emergency medical care and health/hygiene classes.

CFCA sponsorship addresses the individual needs of the sponsored families. In some cases, families are given loans to set up self-employment projects such as dairy farming, cottage industries and small shops. While the financial situation of the family improves, dignity is restored through opportunities to support themselves.

At our project in Hyderabad, mothers of sponsored children are taking leadership roles to help their families and communities. More than 250 mothers groups and 8,000 members help manage and operate CFCA programs in Hyderabad and outlying areas. Mothers groups join with social workers to assess needs and design benefits.

Besides giving mothers a voice in the sponsorship program, the groups help raise the status of women in their communities. Savings plans and low-cost loans to fund small-business startups or meet critical family needs are also part of the groups.

Read a letter from Father Mathew Vettukallel, Bhagalpur project coordinator.

Read a letter from VK Dass, Dehli  project coordinator.

Read a letter from Prakash Chevva, Hyderabad project coordinator.

Read a letter from M.J. Melkio Stephen, Palay project coordinator

Read a letter from Father G. Prakash, Warangal project coordinator.

About India

India has a population second in size only to China. It is a country of great contrasts with the spectacular Himalayan Mountains to the north, the fertile Ganges River flowing through the wide central valley and a vast area of rolling plains in the south.

From December to March of most years, the monsoons bring almost all the rain that India receives.

India is a predominantly agricultural country; however, it is also one of the world’s major industrial powers, with important iron and steel works and a growing manufacturing industry. In recent years, major efforts launched Indian industry into modern high-tech areas.

While the recent boom of the high-tech industry has increased India's middle class, millions of the country's poor still live on less than a few dollars a day.

The recent industrial boom has also not yet made a significant improvement on India's infrastructure as roads, hospitals, transportation and electrical and telephone systems are in need of increased development, especially in the vast rural areas.

The people

Being one of the most populated countries in the world has diversified Indian culture. Indians speak many languages and practice nearly every world religion, though the majority practices Hinduism.

Family plays an important role in Indian life as parents often arrange marriages. The father or oldest male is considered the head of the household.
Though illegal, the caste system is still predominant in most of rural India. The caste system is similar to the feudal system that was in effect in Medieval Europe. Land is increasingly under the control of a handful of rich landowners while the majority of workers labor for very low pay. The average family fights a constant battle against poverty.

Despite the fact India is one of the most productive agricultural nations in the world, hunger remains a serious problem. Food production cannot compete with the demands of a rapidly increasing population.

The diet of the average Indian is grossly inadequate, lacking in protein, calcium and many basic vitamins. Scurvy, tuberculosis, typhoid and scabies are common diseases caused by an inadequate diet and unhygienic conditions. Leprosy is also prevalent among the poorest people.

Education

India has a well-developed educational system that produces top-notch medical doctors, engineers and a host of other highly trained professionals. However, this high-quality education is beyond the economic reach of most Indians.

The school year in most of the projects in India runs from June or July to April or May.

The serious teacher shortage in India, coupled with poorly administered government schools, means there are few educational opportunities for many children, particularly those in rural areas and large city slums.

Sponsorship benefits provided by CFCA help give families opportunities to secure quality education for their children.

Sponsor a child in India

Sources:

World Factbook