India Homes Update

INTRODUCTION MSM Home was established with the mission of providing a safe, loving and Christ-cantered environment for orphaned and vulnerable children. During this quarter the home continued to offer shelter, education, healthcare, spiritual guidance and emotional support to all the children.

Important Notes: We are caring through quality education, healthcare, life skills and spiritual discipleship with Christian values. The ministry is not only about meeting physical needs of the children but also about nurturing the children spiritually and emotionally. We raise the children in the knowledge of God and prepare them to become responsible, educated and compassionate members of society.

EDUCATION PROGRAM Education continues to be one of the highest priorities of MSM Children's Home, as we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to build a bright and independent future. We remained committed to ensuring that all the children received quality education, academic support, and opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.

1. Enrolment of All the Children in School As we started the academic year, all school-age children residing in the Home were successfully enrolled in nearby schools according to their age, academic level, and individual learning needs. Admission procedures, school documentation, transportation arrangements, and communication with school authorities were completed by the management to ensure a smooth transition into the new academic year. Special attention was given to newly admitted children to help them adjust to the school environment and overcome any learning gaps caused by previous disruptions in their education. At present, all eligible children in the Home are attending school regularly. We are maintaining close communication with teachers and school authorities to monitor each child's academic progress, attendance, discipline, and overall well-being. No child has been denied access to education.

2. Provision of School Uniforms, Books and Stationery Understanding that educational success begins with access to essential learning materials, we provided school uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, school bags, shoes, stationery, and other educational supplies to every child before the commencement of the academic year. These materials enabled the children to attend school with dignity and confidence, ensuring that they were well-prepared for classroom learning. Every child currently possesses the necessary educational materials required for daily learning.

3. Evening Tuition Classes Recognizing that many children require additional academic support beyond regular school hours, structured evening tuition classes were conducted daily within the Home. These sessions provided a quiet and disciplined learning environment where children completed homework, revised classroom lessons and prepared for examinations under the guidance of qualified tutors and volunteer teachers. Senior students were encouraged to mentor younger children, promoting peer learning and cooperation. Evening study hours have become an established part of the daily routine at the Home. The children actively participate in these sessions, resulting in improved concentration, better homework completion, and increased confidence during school examinations.

FOOD AND NUTRITION The health and well-being of every child remain the priority in our Home. We continued to provide the best nutrition to all the children. This is one of the Home's highest priorities. Every child received three wholesome meals each day, along with healthy snacks to meet their nutritional needs and support their growth and development. The daily meal plan included rice, pulses, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, and protein-rich foods whenever available. Seasonal fruits and nutritious snacks were provided to improve immunity and encourage healthy eating habits.

EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT Many of the children who come into our care have experienced the pain of losing one or both parents, family separation, neglect, abuse or other traumatic life experiences. These circumstances often leave children with feelings of fear, loneliness, insecurity, anxiety and low self-worth. Recognizing these challenges, the Home is committed to providing a loving, family-like environment where every child is accepted, valued and encouraged to heal emotionally while growing in confidence and hope.

We, caregivers, counsellors, volunteers and church members worked together to nurture the children's emotional health through counselling, mentoring, group activities, and personality development programmes. These initiatives helped the children overcome emotional barriers, build meaningful relationships and develop positive attitudes toward themselves and others.

Counselling Session Individual and group counselling sessions were conducted regularly to provide children with a safe and confidential environment where they could openly express their feelings, fears, concerns, and personal struggles. These sessions were facilitated by experienced counsellors, pastors, social workers and trained caregivers who listened with compassion and guided the children toward emotional healing and resilience. Children facing grief, anxiety, behavioural challenges, academic stress, or adjustment difficulties received personalized counselling based on their individual needs. Counselling also focused on teaching children how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, forgive others and make wise decisions. Regular follow-up sessions ensured continuous emotional support and monitored each child's progress. Many children who were initially withdrawn, fearful, or emotionally distressed have become more open, confident, and expressive. They willingly communicate with caregivers, participate in daily activities, and seek guidance whenever they encounter personal challenges.

Personality Development Workshop To prepare the children for future education, employment, and independent living, the Home organized personality development workshops. These programmes focused on building self-confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, time management, personal hygiene, etiquette, teamwork, and goal setting. Many children have shown noticeable improvement in their confidence, communication, and leadership abilities. They participate actively in school programmes, church activities, cultural events, and community gatherings without hesitation. Older children are becoming more independent and are demonstrating greater responsibility in both their academic work and daily household responsibilities.

SPORTS COMPETITIONS Participation in sports help the children in nurturing their talents, building confidence and developing healthy social relationships. We organized a variety of sporting events. Various indoor and outdoor games were organized to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. Children actively participated in football, volleyball, cricket, badminton, kabaddi, kho-kho, relay races, running events, sack races, tug-of-war, and other recreational games suitable for their age groups. Winners receive medals, certificates and prizes, while every participant was appreciated for their enthusiasm and effort.

DRAWING AND PAINTING SESSIONS Creative arts were encouraged as an important means of self-expression and emotional development. Regular drawing and painting sessions provided children with opportunities to explore their imagination, express their thoughts and feelings and develop artistic skills.

Children created artwork based on themes such as God's creation, family, festivals, nature, national celebrations, biblical stories and social awareness. Their artwork was displayed within the Home, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Art competitions were also organized to encourage creativity and healthy participation. Many children have developed a keen interest in art and creative expression. Their drawing and painting skills have improved significantly, and they now participate confidently in school competitions and exhibitions

TALENT EXHIBITION, CHOREOGRAPHY AND DRAMA

This event provided opportunities for children to demonstrate their gifts in singing, instrumental music, storytelling, public speaking, Bible recitation, poetry, dance, drawing, craft work, acting, and other creative skills. Talent exhibitions created a positive atmosphere where children were encouraged to appreciate one another's abilities while developing self-confidence and mutual respect. Every child was given an opportunity to participate regardless of skill level.

The children enthusiastically participated in choreography, dramas, patriotic skits, musical performances, and cultural presentations. These programmes not only entertained audiences but also conveyed meaningful messages about moral principles, patriotism, unity, compassion and social responsibility. Staff members, volunteers, and church leaders worked together to train and encourage the children, ensuring that every participant experienced the joy of performing before an audience.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

At Home, every child's birthday is celebrated with great love, joy and gratitude. For many children living in the Home, birthdays were never celebrated before they came into our care due to the loss of their parents, difficult family circumstances, abandonment. Therefore, birthday celebrations have become one of the most meaningful traditions in our Home, giving every child the opportunity to experience the happiness of being remembered, honoured and celebrated.

Birthday Celebration Activities There were 5 Birthdays that we celebrated. Each birthday celebration begins with a special prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for the gift of the child's life and seeking His continued guidance, protection, wisdom and blessings for the years ahead. Caregivers, fellow children, volunteers, and staff gather together to offer words of encouragement, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

The children enthusiastically sing birthday songs, followed by the ceremonial cake cutting, where the birthday child is given the privilege of sharing the cake with all the children and staff. This simple yet meaningful tradition promotes the values of sharing, gratitude, and fellowship.

In addition to celebrating birthdays, caregivers take time to speak words of affirmation over each child, recognizing their unique talents, encouraging their dreams, and reminding them of God's purpose for their lives. These moments have become deeply meaningful, especially for children who have experienced rejection, loneliness, or emotional hardship in the past. Birthday celebrations are much more than festive occasions— Celebrating their birthdays assures them that they are important, valued, and deeply loved.

MEDICAL TREATMENT We ensured that every child had access to timely medical care whenever needed. Children who experienced illnesses such as fever, cough, cold, infections, seasonal allergies, or minor injuries received prompt medical attention from qualified doctors at nearby hospitals and clinics. Routine health check-ups were also conducted to assess the children's general health, growth, and physical development. At present, the overall health condition of the children remains satisfactory. Most children enjoy good physical health. We ensured that the children lived in a safe and healthy environment that promoted their overall physical, mental and emotional development.

Health education sessions on handwashing, personal hygiene, clean surroundings, and healthy habits have further contributed to maintaining a healthy environment within the Home.

Present Status

EDUCATIONAL OUTING AND PICNIC Educational outings and picnics were organized to provide children with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom while enjoying fellowship and recreation. During the quarter, the children visited park, museum, science centre, historical monuments, zoo, botanical gardens and other places of educational and cultural significance. These visits exposed the children to new experiences, broadened their knowledge and encouraged curiosity about the world around them. Recreational activities such as group games, nature walks and team-building exercises were incorporated into the outings. Children were refreshing break from daily routines and created joyful memories that contributed to the children's emotional well-being.

SUMMER VACATION CAMP During the school holidays, we organized a well-planned and structured camp to ensure that the children spend their vacation in a meaningful, productive and spiritually enriching manner. This camp is to nurture the holistic development of every child by combining educational enrichment, spiritual formation, creative expression and recreational activities. The camp encourages children to discover their God-given talents, develop positive attitudes, build healthy relationships and prepare themselves for future academic and personal success.

All the children actively participated in the camp under the guidance of caregivers, volunteers, teachers and invited resource persons. The programme created a joyful learning environment where children could grow in 5 ways- intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Educational and value-based films were screened during the camp to enhance learning in an enjoyable way. These films focused on moral values, environmental awareness, health, leadership, history, science and inspirational biographical life stories. The children have become more motivated to pursue their education and personal goals.

SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES AND CHRISTIAN FORMATION

We believe that the true transformation begins with a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We are helping the children to grow in faith, hope and Christian character. Many of the children who come into our care have experienced loss, rejection and uncertainty. we provide a strong biblical foundation that encourages the children to live according to Christian values such as love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, humility, obedience and service to others.

Each day, Home begins and ends with a time of prayer and devotion where they gather together to worship God, read a portion of Scripture, and seek His guidance and protection for the day ahead.

In the evening, after completing their studies and daily responsibilities, the children once again assemble for family prayer. This time includes singing worship songs, reading the Bible, sharing testimonies, praying for one another and the nation, sponsors and churches. Children are encouraged to actively participate. Many children confidently lead prayers and read Scripture during devotion times.

Weekly Bible study sessions are conducted to strengthen their faith. These interactive sessions are designed according to different age groups, making biblical teachings easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. Children are reflecting on how biblical principles can guide their decisions and relationships.

Every Sunday, the children participate in worship services at the local church. These worship services provide opportunities for the children to experience Christian fellowship and become active members of the wider church family.

Memory Verse Competitions were organized twice in a month. Children were encouraged to learn selected Bible verses based on themes such as faith, love, obedience, forgiveness, courage, hope, wisdom, and salvation. These competitions motivated the children to develop the habit of regularly reading and memorizing Scripture, helping them store God's Word in their hearts. As a result, the Home continues to fulfil its mission of raising children who are spiritually grounded, morally responsible and prepared to become compassionate and faithful members of both the Church and society.