Valandaraman Koottu Road, Gypsy Colony

The second center that started is at Sethuvalai, which is about 13 kms from Vellore. Gypsies otherwise known as Narikuravas who used to be nomads are now slowly learning to settle down in the Government built small one room houses. A lot of saplings given by the Forest department were planted here which have grown into huge trees now. The men possess licenced guns and they go around hunting birds which are permitted, sell them and earn money. The women sell their beads, clips, toys, balloons, plastic flowers etc. which they take around in small push carts during festival seasons and earn their livelihood. The Government gives them small loans to buy beads which they return every month in small installments.

Here also we have a built multipurpose building which is used for all our activities. Day care takes place in the mornings for small children before they enter regular school. After their classes, they are given a nutritious meal. The gypsy children are not very inclined to go for higher studies and the dropout rate is very high. So our volunteer teaches them the 3 Rs, namely, reading writing and arithmetic.

Distance from Vellore                    13 kms

Area:                                                     1 acre

Total number of families:             60

Number of Children going to school :      30

Number of children attending day care: 15

 

In the afternoon people come for prayers and counseling. In the evening additional help is given for children who go to school. But these women and children are very skilled in bead making. So using their talents we provide them with bead, designs and market the jewellery made by them. The paper beads include the beads made in KIM

Medical camps are held from time to time. For treatment they are taken to RUHSA department of the Christian Medical College Vellore.

Needs:

  • Bigger multi-purpose hall.
  • Sanitation facilities.
  • Better housing.

 

Senkuttai

Senkuttai  is 7 kms from Vellore City. There are about 40 families but only a few have housing facilities. Some children go to school and they also earn their living by selling beads and other ornaments. They have a huge community hall where they gather for prayer.

 

Agarancherry

Agarancherry  is also a gypsy center about 35kms from Vellore. There are more than 70 families and they live in houses built by the government long time ago and so that is in a dilapidated condition.

 

Yeriputhur

Yeriputhur is also a Gypsy center but only about 10 families live here.