An Education and Health Update from the Illam

The key priorities for the Karunai Illam Trust and the DHAN Foundation are the health and wellbeing of our children and the promotion of their educational opportunities. The children are expected to commit to their educational studies upon joining the Illam, and the support networks are in place to assist them with both their strengths and areas of need. It is not easy, with the pressure to study for both practice and formal exams a constant demand. The children have a study schedule that begins early in the morning before school, and again in the evenings after school. The value of education is impressed upon them, with tutors supporting them in different subject areas, as well as remedial learning support groups held at the Karunai DHAN school. It is wonderful to see the children succeeding in their education, and many of the Illam alumni going on to further study and finding careers that provide them with a professional livelihood. A recent educational celebration to share is one of our Illam children, Ms. N. Divya, who is currently in the 11th Standard. She achieved a score of 409 out of 500 in Secondary School Leaving Certificate, ranking third highest in the school. She was honoured with a cash prize of Rs.1,000 by the Lions Club in Nilakottai on 16 July 2024.

For the academic year 2024-2025, each child received a school uniform, which was purchased, tailored, and distributed accordingly.

Textbooks for the current school year were provided free of charge directly from the school to all our children. Additionally, we bought notebooks for classwork, homework, cursive writing, record-keeping, and other materials like writing sheets for weekly tests from the Illam, which were then distributed to the children.

The health of the Illam children continues to be a primary focus, ensuring the children are able to make the most of the opportunities of life at the Illam. There have been no major health issues over the last few months, apart from common illnesses that are to be expected. There has been a continued focus on personal hygiene and ensuring that they keep their spaces in the Illam clean and tidy. A medical camp was conducted in July, with each child undergoing a complete blood count, blood pressure testing, eye, and dental tests.

Children trimming their nails

Ensuring cleanliness of children’s belongings and cupboards

Medical camp conducted on July 10, 2024 at the Illam