Update 3: March 2010

Dear Sponsor,
 
Here is an update of the last 3 months of activities at SINAM in India. All the children in Tiruvannamalai are doing well.
 
The children got a medical check-up in February. This was a general check-up where they were also screened for anemia and worms. Those that needed medicines were given them and the children received vitamin tablets. SINAM has also started to keep track of each child’s health using a health chart.
 
Since the children’s home is under construction and the children still all live at home, SINAM has recently given 10kg of rice to the family of each child to ensure a very basic level of well-being and involve the rest of the family in the sponsorship programme.
 
After school tuition is also going well in both villages. The children have final exams this month because their holiday starts in April. The teachers are helping them to prepare for these with mock quizes and extra coaching. Since India has a very test-oriented school system it is quite important for these children to do well in their exams. As an extra motivation to study maths they were also given a geometric stencil to help them draw shapes and learn maths.
 
Currently there is a new Dutch volunteer working at SINAM. On International Mother’s day, which coincided with her birthday, she helped organise a fun activity day for the children filled with dancing, games, music and a festive lunch of chicken Biryani and ice cream. Many of the children rarely eat meat because their parents can’t afford it, so this was a real treat for them. Additonally, SINAM gave both villages skipping ropes, balls, chess boards and other toys for the children to play with.
 
Last, but certainly not least, we would like to congratulate all the students at the International School of Surrey for running in their fun-run in September and raising €1500 euros! This will fully sponsor 2 children for 6 years! Thank you very much for your help!
 
We hope that enjoy these updates. If there is anything else that you would like to hear about, please let us know!
 
Best Wishes,
 
Rosanne Mulder and Evelien de Hoop