Derek O'Neill Home (India)
"The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children." - Mahatma Gandhi
The Derek O'Neill Home, opened in July 2005, serves the needs of the Narikurava (Vaghiri) people, nomadic tribes of the districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The traditional and primary occupation of the Narikurava people is hunting, but as they are now prohibited entry into the forests to pursue this livelihood they have been forced to take up other alternatives such as selling beaded ornaments to survive. Hence they migrate from place to place to find a market for their beads. Children accompany the adults wherever they go, thus never having an opportunity to attend school, exposing them not only to countless vulnerabilities as children, but putting them at a disavantage as adults and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The Derek O'Neill school and orphanage was constructed to provide for these children, enabling them to be nourished, sheltered, and educated in a safe and loving environment.
SQ Foundation provides ongoing support for the maintenance and development of the Derek O'Neill Home. Recent projects include well work, and soon proper santitation and bathrooms will be installed.
SQ Foundation also supports the Narikkurava people through a new Quail Farming Project. Details coming soon.
