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Goodwill Children’s Homes, a UK charity, has been supporting destitute children in Tamil Nadu, India, for over 50 years. We are committed to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged children and their communities by offering vital support to break the cycle of poverty through education and opportunities.
Through our partner Society in Tamil Nadu, we offer a safe and nurturing environment, access to quality education, healthcare, and life skills. We prioritise education as the key to brighter futures, supporting children, especially girls, to stay in school and pursue higher education or vocational training, creating a ripple effect of positive change for families and tribal communities.
Goodwill Children's Homes is funded entirely through public donations. You can make a real difference to destitute children.
Most of the children at Goodwill Homes come from tribal communities living in the mountain regions of the lower and upper Palani Hills. Many others come from the nearby districts of Dindigul, Madurai, Theni, and Virudhunagar. The majority of tribal children come from villages within a 60 kilometre radius, while the rest are from areas up to 100 kilometres away in the plains.
The primary reason children are admitted to Goodwill Homes is their parents’ inability to care for them. This may be due to factors such as poor health, the premature death of a parent, or the loss of both parents, leaving relatives unable to provide support. Many of these children come from tribal communities living in extremely remote and impoverished villages in the hills. Goodwill Homes offers these children a safe haven, shelter, quality education, and essential healthcare.
It currently costs 82p a day to support a child. By sponsoring a girl or a boy, you can give them a future of opportunity for as little as £25 a month. India is home to some of the world’s poorest people, with many millions living on less than 40p a day.
If you would like to find out more about child sponsorship or are already a sponsor and know someone else who might like to make the same kind of fulfilling connection, please contact us today.
Once you enquire about sponsorship, we'll be in touch to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Kalyanasundaram's journey from a young boy at Goodwill Children's Homes to his recent election as President of the Indian Executive Committee is a story of resilience, determination, and gratitude. He was born in the village of Sitharevu, nestled below the Thandigudi hills, to Sundaram, a village priest. Life became challenging early on, as Kalyanasundaram's mother passed away when he was just six months old. Faced with overwhelming difficulty in raising him, his father sought help and, in 1982, found a place for him at Goodwill Children's Homes. At the age of ten, Kalyanasundaram joined Goodwill, marking the beginning of a journey that would shape his future.
His education began with primary school at Mangalamkompu, followed by high school at Ayyampalayam, and later higher secondary schooling in Pattiveeranpatti. Driven by a passion for learning, he went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at Madurai Kamaraj University in 1992 and later completed a Diploma in Footwear Manufacturing in 1996, which laid the foundation for his future career.
In 2000, Kalyanasundaram married Ramya, from Chennai, and together they built a family rooted in love and shared values. Their son, Akash, is now in his final year of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Professionally, Kalyanasundaram currently serves as a Quality Manager at a show manufacturing company near Chennai. Throughout his life, he has credited Goodwill Children's Homes as the "Bodhi tree" of his life - a sanctuary and shelter that has made his achievements possible.
In September 2024, Kalyanasundaram was elected President of Goodwill Homes Charity Society in Tamil Nadu. His vision for Goodwill is clear: to build stability, sustainability, independence, and transparency for its future. Working closely with the UK trustees and staff at Goodwill, he aims to strengthen the organisation. Kalyanasundaram expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his sponsors and to all those who have supported Goodwill's mission.
Through his leadership, Kalyanasundaram hopes to inspire a new chapter for Goodwill Children's Homes - one of growth, unity, and enduring support for generations to come.
Sponsoring a destitute or orphaned child involves more than donating, you empower these children with the fundamental building blocks through which they can improve their own lives and those of their families and the communities in which they live.
"Keep up the fantastic work, from Zach, Avi, Chris and Vicky"
"With best wishes for keeping up the continuing good work"
We have already transformed hundreds of young lives, but we could do more.
Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to grow, learn, and thrive.
In South India’s poorest rural communities, many children lack the stability and support they need. With your help, we can change that.
By sponsoring a child, you’re not just giving immediate care, you’re investing in their future.
Your support provides education, nutritious meals, healthcare, and the security of a loving home.
Sponsor a child today. Help build a future filled with hope and opportunity.
It's the generosity of people like you that makes our work possible. With your help, we can continue changing lives.
Once you enquire about sponsorship, we'll be in touch to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Not all children are always sponsored. Your donation supports the well-being of every child in our care. By sponsoring a child, you’re not only helping them directly, but you’re also contributing to the support of other children in our residential homes through our “Happy Child, Happy Home” Programme. This is our childcare programme designed to support vulnerable children aged 6 to 12 in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Happy Child, Happy Home aims to give every child a joyful childhood and a solid foundation for a brighter future.
Yes, absolutely. We understand that circumstances can change. You can pause or cancel your sponsorship at any time—just let us know. We truly appreciate any support you've been able to give, and your contribution will have already made a meaningful difference.
Child sponsorship typically costs £25 per month. This regular support helps provide children with essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Your contribution makes a lasting impact on their lives and the wider community.
As a sponsor, you're simply asked to make a regular monthly donation - typically £25 - to support a child's well-being and development. While it’s not required, you’re warmly encouraged to build a connection by reading updates, writing letters, or sending messages if you wish. Most importantly, your support helps provide stability, education, and care for the child and their community.
Children may come from any faith background, and under Indian law, organisations like our partner in Tamil Nadu must remain independent of any religious or political affiliation. All children in need are cared for equally, regardless of ethnicity, caste, gender, or religion. Religious festivals from various traditions are celebrated, and children are encouraged to learn about and respect one another’s beliefs.
While you’re welcome to express a preference for age or gender, we prioritise matching sponsors with children based on the greatest need. All the children we support are from Tamil Nadu, South India. Wherever possible, we’ll do our best to honour your preferences while ensuring that every child gets the support they need.
