Humanitarian Aid in India - Bal Anand Orphanage

Bal Anand Orphanage was established by Worldchildren Welfare Trust in Mumbai in 1984 to house orphaned, abandoned and destitute minors and find permanent homes for them through adoption. Wide Horizons For Children has placed a number of children from Bal Anand and continues to work with this orphanage today.

Having begun with only eight children in a rented space, Bal Anand quickly grew and, through donations, were able to purchase their own facility in 1986. In 1997, the need to expand arose, specifically due to the increase in the number of children with physical, developmental or emotional special needs.

Currently there are 80 children at Bal Anand – 25 of them mentally or physically challenged. It is likely that Bal Anand will be the only home these children ever know. While the caretakers at Bal Anand work hard to keep the children engaged and active, ultimately they are still housed in what was intended to be a temporary institution for developmentally healthy young children waiting to be adopted. A dedicated facility is what is truly needed to meet the long-term needs of these children and young adults.

"Umang"

Bal Anand has identified an agricultural plot of land outside of Mumbai where they will construct a permanent home for their population of special needs children, who range in age from two to 22 years and require specialized resources. The planned facility will consist of separate living quarters for girls and boys, as well as a common building for dining, recreation and therapy. Fruit trees and other crops grow on the land, which will provide food as well as work opportunities for children who are able. Future structures may a shop from which the residents to sell the goods that grow on the land, as well as guest and volunteer accommodations.

The project is called "Umang," or "hope," and is currently still in its planning phases. WHFC intends to provide a significant financial contribution toward the construction and ongoing administration of the new facility. While we await further details, donors are welcome to earmark contributions to be allocated to this project once it is underway.

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