What is Snehagram?

The Snehagram campus is located in Krishnagiri, a small village town on the border between the South indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The children, often as young as 7 years old, are taken into the program, usually off the streets.  They begin their journey of education and care at a smaller campus designed for young children, called Snehadaan. At entry into Snehadaan, they have likely not had proper nourishment, medication, nor any lasting emotional support for many years – critical factors for healthy development at this stage of their lives.  

At Snehadaan, the young children receive: 

1) regular meals and HIV medication 

2) instruction in English and the vernacular language

3) a strong sense of community that instills trust in their peers and caretakers.

Once they turn 12-13 years old, with relatively fluent command of English, they transition to the main campus at Snehagram. There they engage in higher levels of coursework through an “open-school” system and vocational training (computer literacy, garment making, dairy farming).  They cultivate self-confidence and a sense of personal and social responsibility as they grow and cook their own food. They are taught to understand their disease, and the importance of strict compliance with the HIV treatment regimen, coupled with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. In a sense, Snehadaan sets the foundation for healthy living, and Snehagram provides the context and practical experience to integrate into the workplace and complex social systems in South India. 

The ultimate goal of this coordinated, sustained effort is to give these children their best opportunity for a self-reliant, productive and fulfilling life as adults.