Kodaikanal

Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghat Mountain Range, Kodaikanal is a popular vacation spot for many. The city is full of winding and hilly roads with every turn taking you to a breath-taking view. While most people look up to see the clouds, the residents and visitors of Kodaikanal typically look down to see the tops of the clouds.

In contrast to the natural beauty of the charming hill-station, most residents of Kodaikanal are unskilled laborers and must work difficult and strenuous jobs. The cost of living is significantly higher in India because of the cost of transporting materials to the top of the mountain. About $25 per month is the average income of a resident in Kodaikanal, which is a difficult salary on which to live. Because of this, both parents typically must work long hours nearly every day, leaving their children behind in the care of elderly or feeble relatives or with an older sibling who must then forfeit the chance to go to school.

 

Bethania Kids helps these families by offering a variety of services such as daycare, afterschool care, vocational training for women, and even two children’s homes.