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| Rev.Kurian Thomas, Asha Nivas, Chennai |
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In 1976, when Rev.Kurian Thomas started Asha Nivas, a rehabilitation centre for destitute women and sex workers in Chennai, he had a dream but not the means. In a rented house in a slum in Nungambakkam, with the money got by selling a typewriter gifted by a thoughtful person, Asha Nivas had a humble beginning. Today, after more than 25 years of service, the organization generates 60% of its funds through its own projects.
During the nascent days of Asha Nivas, few French nationals visited it. It later turned out to be a blessing, for on return to France, they agreed to outsource part of their work to women under the umbrella of Asha Nivas. It was the former sex workers who completed this foreign project.
Asha Nivas has 75 Pre-schools, 85 non-formal education centers, 10 transit schools, 25 distant education centers and 2 centres for destitutes. It has 175 field staff, all of whom are post graduates in Social Work. There are 25 administrators also. 150 women are employed in tanning and cloth making units. All their educational institutions except Pre-schools work in the evenings. The child labourers in and around Chennai are the students of these schools.
After completing his school education at Pala, Dr.Kurian Thomas did degree in English and post graduation in Social Works from Loyola College, Chennai. Later he obtained his Ph.D from the East Georgia University, USA.
Although a priest, he emphasizes on action more than words. He does not have independent charge of any church of his congregation and consequently had some opposition from his peers.
After 25 years of Asha Nivas initiative, Rev.Kurian Thomas looks forward to a world without child labour.
Courtesy: Senny Varghese, Malayalam, January 24, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
