According to CSA (Catalysts for Social Action) there are 12.4 million orphans in India, although actual numbers are estimated to be much higher, in the range of 15 to 25 million. In the state of Tamil Nadu alone, there are an estimated 1.8 million orphans. Village Services Trust conducted a study on the orphans in Dindigul District, and they counted nearly 62,000. Without the support of a secure and strong family structure, these children are vulnerable to many predatory social and life threatening conditions, including the following:

Unsafe living conditions

Malnutrition

No access to education

No access to health care

No socialization

Vulnerable to HIV/AIDS

Forced into child labor

Forced into prostitution

No opportunities for normal growth and development

The mission of The Dindigul Orphanage is to develop an integrated, whole-system design that is responsive to the needs of displaced children from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India through building a community that can serve as an economic, educational, and environmental model for development in the surrounding region. The architecture will incorporate sustainable building strategies, including passive heating/cooling, rainwater catchment and locally available materials, in an effort to reduce the cost of construction, minimize dependency on imports and maximize community involvement.

2 acres of land will cost $30 634

Cost of the Building per room:

(labor and transportation not included)

Sleeping Unit for girls (1) $1500

Shower/WC for girls (1) $900

Sleeping Unit for boys (1) $1500

Shower/WC for boys (1) $900

Dining Hall (1) $1500

Kitchen (1) $700

Storage Room (1) $600

Volunteers Room (2) $850

Staff Room (2) $850

Warden Room (1) $850

Guest Room (2) $850

Director's Room (1) $750

Multipurpose Hall (1) $2000

Cost of the Building's Furniture:

Beds (210) $123 per bed

Chairs (200) $16 per chair

Desks (50) $62 per desk

Benches (50) $52 per bench

Cost of the Building's Fixtures:

Sink (2) $164 per sink

Washbasin (16) $31 per washbasin

Shower (38) $7 per piece

Toilet Bowls (38) $7 per bowl

Lights (250) $7 per set

Fan (60) $41 per fan

If you wish to donate one room, a plaque will be placed at the orphanage honoring those who sponsored a room. Please contact us at 801.671.6545 or afhslc@gmail.com for further information.

Location