Welcome to Don Bosco Anbu Illam

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.

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.

The brothers, Ananda Kumaresan and Anand Kumar, aged 7 and 5 respectively, were rescued by Childline and provided shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Family Background: Originally from Tuticorin, settled in Gandhi ma nagar, Coimbatore, their lives were marked by tragedy when their father, receiving instruction from a fortune teller, decided to offer his wife as a sacrifice for a better life. In the process he and his friend raped her before burning her. Subsequently, their father was imprisoned, leaving the children abandoned and under the care of relatives. Ananda Kumaresan used to be beaten up by his uncle would come home drunk every day, so he went to work in a cycle shop. Intervention by Don Bosco Staff: An outreach worker from Don Bosco Anbu Illam noticed Ananda Kumaresan working at the cycle shop and began a conversation with him at a very young age. Building trust, the worker learned of the child's interest in education and promised assistance. With police help, Ananda Kumaresan was taken to Childline, expressing a desire for his younger brother to join him. Efforts were made to locate their uncle's home, successfully bringing both brothers to Anbu Illam, where they received shelter. Lessons learnt: Even today he helps out the children or anyone in need. He goes all out to help the person. Educational and Professional Journey: In 2000, they were enrolled in school with support from Anbu Illam, and both successfully completed their 10th standard education. During their early years in the anbu illam, despite the presence of the fathers and the brothers, the motherly presence of Ms Sheela VDB, a staff and collaborator in the mission was a very big help in the life of these boys. The anbu illam staff were also instrumental in playing supporting part in the upbringing of the boys, for instance once a month as boys they were taken to visit their father in prison. He remembers the words of Sr Ethel, a religious nun who helped him meet his father in prison, “he is in prison, but he is the only relationship you have”. Kumaresan is always appreciative of the extra opportunities given to them in the anbu illam, (band, electrical & electronics, plumbing). Ananda Kumaresan pursued training in Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) at Don Bosco Industrial Training Center in Madurai, graduating in 2011. Anand Kumar completed his 12th standard education and enrolled at DB Cad Chennai to earn a Diploma in Video Audio Editing. Their dad who was released from prison, was of no big help to them The two of them stayed in the after care, in the anbu illam. Both went to work for meagre wages and started their career. They were helped by our well-wishers in securing good jobs. While staying in the after care, they started saving small amounts of money to be used in the future. After few years of stay they rented a room near to the anbu illam and stayed there with a few friends. They were followed up by the fathers and the brothers used to visit the anbu illam at regular intervals. They began to enjoy the freedom and the challenges that came along with it. They got in touch with their relatives and were happy to mingle with their uncles and aunties, cousins in particular. Lessons learnt: Their socialising has led them to dependent on these friends who they treat as family. Current Status of the boys: They purchased a land with their own savings and today Anandha kumaresan has a car of his own. It was merely the loan given by some well-wishers and relatives. Anand takes care of a small start-up and helps his owner in building the start-up and innovating new ideas for the same. He is married and a lot of relatives and friends attended the wedding. The comment of his relatives, “you (anbu illam) have brought up these children well in life”.

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.

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.