Welcome to Don Bosco Anbu Illam

FamilyBackground: Kannan hails from Dharmapuri district. Both his parents are HIV positive, and he has two siblings. His elder sister is married, and his younger sister resides in NMCT home. Growing up, Kannan studied up to the 10th standard while supporting his bedridden father, who suffered a stroke due to alcoholism. With his mother unable to work, the family faced significant economic hardship. Despite these challenges, Kannan was determined to continue his education. Life at Don Bosco Anbu Illam: During a visit to his sister in Coimbatore, officials from NMCT recognized Kannan's situation and referred him to Don Bosco Anbu Illam in 2013. He was provided shelter and enrolled in the 11th standard at Sidhapudhur Government School. Kannan completed his higher secondary education and pursued a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with Computer Applications (B.Com CCA) at Jeyandra Saraswathy College, finishing in 2018-2019. He furthered his education with a postgraduate degree in 2019-2020. Driven by his passion for accountancy, Kannan attempted several bank exams but faced setbacks. However, he was offered an opportunity to work as an accountant at Anbu Illam. The management believed this role would provide him valuable experience in his field of interest and prepare him for future positions in accounting. Current Endeavors: Now 22 years old, Kannan continues to serve as an Accountant at Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Coimbatore. His journey from adversity to achievement stands as a testament to his perseverance and the support he received from Don Bosco Anbu Illam.

My name is Sathya Moorthy, and my journey with Don Bosco began in the year 2006. Raised by my grandparents after the departure of my father and the loss of my mother when I was young, life threw its challenges at me early on. Seeking refuge with my uncle in Coimbatore, I soon found myself unwelcome, and I made the difficult decision to leave. It was then that fate led me to the doorstep of Childline 1098, where I found not just shelter, but a new family at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Under the guidance of Director John Darman and Administrator Fr. Ryan, I pursued my education, completing my 10th standard and then venturing into ITI for two years. But the thirst for knowledge and a desire to achieve more led me to pursue higher secondary education. With the support of Fr. Santhan, I successfully completed my 11th and 12th standards, scoring commendably. Encouraged by Fr. Ryan, I went on to pursue a degree in B.Com CA from a college in Dindigul. After a year of work, I found myself drawn to the field of social work, inspired by my experiences at Anbu Illam. With the help of Father, I pursued and completed my MSW at Bharathiar University. My journey then took me to the Childline project at Don Bosco Anbu Illam, and later to employment at Brookfields Mall during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. However, my passion for social work persisted, leading me to PSG Hospital, where I dedicated myself to serving others for over a year. It was during this time that I built strong relationships with foreign volunteers, maintaining connections even after they left India. Through the generosity and support of one such foreign volunteer, I was offered an internship opportunity at a school in Germany. Don Bosco Anbu Illam paved the way for this incredible opportunity, nurturing and educating me every step of the way. I am forever grateful to the directors, management, and staff of Don Bosco Anbu Illam for their unwavering support and guidance. As I find myself now in France, embarking on this internship, I am reminded of the profound impact Don Bosco Anbu Illam has had on my life. I carry with me the lessons learned and the values instilled, and I remain in touch with my roots, always welcomed with open arms whenever I visit. To the foreign volunteers, especially Lara, who facilitated this journey to France, I am deeply thankful. It is through the kindness and opportunities provided by individuals like you that dreams are realized and futures are shaped.

Name of Boy: Anand Krishnan Family Details: His father has passed away. He lives with his mother, one elder brother, two elder sisters, and a younger sister who has a mental disability. Originally from Tuticorin district, the family was living below the poverty line. After his father's death, they moved to Coimbatore seeking better opportunities. An act of kindness from a Mother Superior at Vimal Jothi Hospital in Coimbatore provided his mother with a job and helped them secure a small house, though survival remained challenging on low wages. His elder sisters worked daily wage jobs to support the family, while his elder brother distanced himself and offered no assistance. Transformation of His Life at Don Bosco Anbu Illam: Anand Krishnan's life took a turn when a sister from Marialaya shelter Home arranged for him to find shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. There, he completed his education and pursued a BCA degree at Don Bosco Community College. With the guidance of the fathers at Anbu Illam, he also learned English. Career Progression: Anand Krishnan secured a job at an IT company in Chennai, gaining valuable work experience at companies like KGISL before moving to Robert Bosch, where he is currently employed in the USA. He credits his success to the support and guidance provided by the fathers and staff at Anbu Illam. Anand Krishnan remains deeply grateful to everyone at Anbu Illam for transforming his life

In the bustling town of Coimbatore, on a day like any other, a young boy named Dhalson found himself alone at the railway station. On August 6, 2013, he was rescued and brought to safety by Childline, an organization dedicated to protecting children. At just eight years old, Dhalson spoke only Hindi and had no way to share information about his family or where he came from. Concerned for his future, the child Welfare committee at Coimbatore transferred him to the Erode Government Children’s Home, where he would be cared for and educated. In this new environment, he faced a daunting challenge—navigating life without knowing his past. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a flicker of hope. Staff members from the Don Bosco Anbu Illam frequently visited him, bringing warmth and encouragement. As the years passed, Dhalson studied diligently in the Erode home, progressing through grades 4, 5, and 6. Eventually, he was moved to Don Bosco boys home at villakinar,Coimbatore, where he continued his education. However, as he reached the 9th grade, he faced a turning point. Feeling disheartened and lacking motivation, he struggled to see the value in his studies. But life had more in store for him. Upon turning 18, a letter was sent to the District Child Protection Office to ensure he received aftercare. On October 10, 2023, he was granted permission to stay at Don Bosco Anbu Illam,Coimbatore but challenges remained. Despite two attempts to register for an Aadhaar card, he had yet to receive one, crucial for his future. Determined to overcome this hurdle, Dhalson and the staff embarked on a quest to retrieve his lost identity. Through perseverance, they discovered that he had been registered for an Aadhaar card at the age of five. With the help of fingerprints and eye scans, they traced his Aadhaar number back to a name and an address in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. With this new information, the Don Bosco organization reached out to various agencies to locate Parshv's( the actual name found in the aadhaar ) family. Finally, through collaboration with Homelink Network,Mumbai, (Homelink Network is an ongoing initiative started by Don Bosco Young at Risk Forum in 2002, to ensure appropriate, timely and real-time response to the needs of the young at risk, It aims to establish a culture of data-led management and intervention planning supported by technology),reached out to Childline and local authorities at Kolahpur, Maharashtra. They were able to connect with his mother. A video call bridged the gap, allowing Parshv to hear her voice for the first time in years. The joy in his mother’s eyes was evident; she had never stopped searching for her son. With support from the Coimbatore District Child Protection Office, arrangements were made for Parshv to reunite with his family. On that day, the staff of Don Bosco Anbu Illam, along with officials, facilitated a heartfelt reunion. As they verified the family's documents, Parshv felt a surge of emotions. After 11 long years, he was finally going home. The journey of Parshv is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His story is not just about loss and separation, but about hope, support, and the unwavering commitment of those who cared for him along the way. The heartfelt gratitude extended to the Manamgement and staff of don Bosco Anbu Illama and government officials at Coimbatore who nurtured him reflects the profound impact they had on his life. As Parshv returned to his roots, he carried with him not only the memories of a challenging past but also the promise of a brighter future. This inspiring journey teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances, hope and love can guide us back to where we belong. Thank you for believing in the power of compassion and community.

Rajkumar's Background Rajkumar emerged from a family grappling with adversity. His father worked diligently as a cook at Salem Anbu Illam, while his mother supported the family by selling food on the streets. With an elder sister and a younger brother, Rajkumar's upbringing was modest yet filled with aspirations for a brighter future. His foundational education took place at Salem Anbu Illam, where his determination to pursue higher studies began to take root. Educational Pursuit Driven by his ambition, Rajkumar's father facilitated sponsorship and arranged for him to continue his studies at Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Coimbatore. Transitioning to an engineering course at JCT College of Engineering and Technology, Rajkumar encountered initial challenges due to his Tamil-medium educational background. Despite these obstacles, with the unwavering guidance and support from Anbu Illam's mentors, he persevered and successfully completed his degree. Early Career Challenges Post-graduation, Rajkumar confronted financial constraints at home. He initially secured a position as a sales executive at a lifestyle showroom, earning Rs. 7500 monthly. Recognizing the need for greater earnings to support his family, he moved to a textile company, where his diligence and commitment earned him a promotion to sales manager for a new branch by 2020. Career Turning Point In a significant turning point in 2020, Father Ryan, then-director of Anbu Illam, introduced Rajkumar to Mr. Prasanna of the MAD Group, launching a new venture in bread production. Appointed as store in-charge, Rajkumar swiftly demonstrated his managerial acumen, leading the company to a remarkable sales increase from 2 lakhs to 8.5 lakhs within a year. His dedication and strategic leadership saw him rise to the position of branch manager, now earning Rs. 45000 monthly. Impact and Gratitude Rajkumar's journey from shelter to success not only transformed his own life but also enabled him to uplift others from similar backgrounds. He actively recruited and empowered several former shelter home residents who had completed their education, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and stability. His achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of support and determination, with deep gratitude extended to Father Ryan and the Anbu Illam staff for their unwavering belief in his potential.

Rajasekar's Background Rajasekar's childhood in Sivakasi was filled with happiness until his father's remarriage fractured their family. Left with his mother, who found employment at Sahar Fire Work Company in Mumbai, life took a tragic turn when she perished in a fire accident on February 20, 2012. After this devastating loss, Rajasekar found refuge under his grandmother's care while struggling with instability, eventually finding himself wandering the streets. Life at Anbu Illam & Education Journey When Rajasekar was apprehended by the police at Coimbatore Junction, his aunt and grandmother were contacted, leading him to temporary shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Here, amidst supportive surroundings, Rajasekar found solace and the opportunity to continue his education. Recognizing his potential, Mr. Senthil Kumar, the probation officer at the time, advocated for Rajasekar's education at Anbu Illam starting in 2012, where he enrolled in the 6th standard at a government school. Over the years, he honed his leadership skills through various activities like leading the Children's Parliament, Media Club, and Eco Club. Despite the challenges, he excelled in academics and extracurriculars, developing a passion for sports, particularly football and volleyball. During holidays, Rajasekar cherished visits to his hometown to be with his grandmother, who remained a pillar of support. His commitment to education led him to join St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School for the 11th standard, but he yearned to return to his grandmother's care. With the support of his caretakers, he transitioned to Khajamian Higher Secondary School in Trichy, where he completed his schooling. Leaving Anbu Illam was bittersweet, yet he found happiness and stability with his grandmother and aunt, grateful for the security they provided. Career Breakthrough In 2020, after completing his 12th standard, Rajasekar returned to Anbu Illam seeking assistance for higher education. With the support of Anbu Illam and the District Child Protection Unit, he was referred to the Social Defense Department in Chennai, securing sponsorship for marine education. He enrolled in a marine college in Chennai and successfully completed his course, embarking on a career as a crew member on international voyages. Rajasekar attributes his success to the unwavering support of Anbu Illam staff, fathers, caretakers, and sponsors who enabled him to seize this opportunity and achieve his dreams. Rajasekar's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of support, inspiring hope and paving the way for a promising future beyond adversity.