Site Visit Date – Dec 11th 2013

Like in previous visits, I reached Kodai at 6:30AM after an overnight journey from Kochi via Palani. After resting for a couple of hours, reached Grace Kids center Crèche when they opened in the morning. Hilda who is the coordinator across all of the BET crèches came by to take us to GKC. The kids were done with their morning breakfast when I reached the Crèche. The kids gave a very warm welcome and performed dances and songs that they had learnt at the Crèche.

GKC has 27 boys and 23 girls enrolled this year. 27 kids graduated last year. Most of them continue schooling at the nearby govt aided school. Water and electricity connection for GKC is still pending. They expect to receive a connection in the next few months. Today, they rely on rain water harvesting for some of their needs. When that runs out, they need to rely on water to be delivered via a tanker which is expensive. GKC play area for the kids – slide, swings etc. keeps getting damaged by neighboring kids. So it was in a broken state.

In addition to GKC, I visited the two (Peach tree and Little Lilly) other Crèches run by BET in the Kodai area. Also got a chance to stop by the sewing center run by BET that helps local women earn a livelihood by making baskets, stitching clothes, etc.

We ate lunch at Little Lilly Crèche. The lunch menu for the day was – rice, vegetable gravy, cooked beet root as a side dish. Eggs are served to the kids twice in a week and fish once per week.

I have summarized a few other observations from the day below.

- About 39-43 kids were present in each crèche during my visit. Each of the creches have 50 kids enrolled. Some of the kids were not present since they had gone with their parents for Sabarimala / other Hindu religious rituals.

- There are 5 staff members (3 teachers, 1 Ayah and 1 cook) in each of the crèches. - All 3 of the Crèches in the Kodai area are now housed in BET owned buildings. This is a huge

relief from the past when they had to move from one rental building to another.- Both teachers and students come from all religions including some Muslims.- Baskets with some clothes, etc. given to graduating students- At the sewing center, women make baskets. Most of it is sent to US as donor gifts and help

support their venture.- Local fruits are given to the kids depending on what is available during the season. - The children receive 2 uniforms, one sweater, one wool hat, and one pair of shoes, rubber

sandals, per year- In some areas, folks don’t visit doctors when sick. Instead they go with customs like making a

burn on the hand to treat pneumonia and other such dis beliefs. A nurse visits each of the crèche in Kodai 1 day per week and provides necessary medical care, check ups. It helps families overcome their traditional beliefs and take advantage of modern medicines / care. Also they help ensure that vaccinations are given.

I have used a few of the photos I took during the site visit to capture other observations from the crèches.

Chart with schedule of activities at GKC

Seeds planted by kids as part of their project

Kids practicing Yoga

Rain water harvesting at GKC – This fulfills a lot of their water needs. When it does not suffice, water has to be brought via a tanker, which is expensive.

Lunch time @ Little Lilies Crèche

Food menu for the week – Kids are served egg twice and fish once per week.

Weight chart of all the kids at the Crèche