Mannavanur is in a remote tribal area of the Palani Hills of South India. The Mannavanur Care Centre provides important after-school care for village children and serves as a vital community centre as well.
A Visit to Mannavanur
While replete with beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear streams running past tiered hillsides lush with vegetables and rolling meadows, life in this area is harsh. Subsistence farming and casual day labor are the primary means of employment. Middle school is the maximum education offered with only one-third of the village children attending school. The rest of the children work to support their families. Many cultural beliefs are based on superstitions. Yet it is among these people that God has provided Bethania Kids the opportunity to bring His word into their lives. Our After-School Care Centre not only provides structured study time to ensure that children stay in school and reach their maximum potential but also offers an opportunity for them to learn of Jesus’ love and his message of salvation. The children’s health is assessed and their growth is recorded and tracked to measure and ensure their physical well-being. To aid in their physical development, children are provided healthy food after school.
With God’s abundant provisions and the support of our donors, the lives of the 25 children who attend our Mannavanur After-School Care program are changed through the nurturing and encouragement they receive. They are given hope for a future and equipped for success through Jesus’ love.
Staff Serving the Mannavanur After-School Care
The centre is managed by one staff person, Sulochana Vasantha Kumari M., who has served the children of Mannavanur since 2001 in a facility located next to the main village road. A dedicated and wonderful servant of the Lord, Solochana is an inspiration and has the respect of all the children attending the centre while their parents work in the nearby fields. The days at the centre are long for many children because their parents often work as long as the sun is shining. The Mannavanur After-School Care Centre also serves as a community resource and is used for educational programs.
History of the Mannavanur After School Care Centre
Mr. Victor, who helped Mrs. Dhanapal buy the Kannivadi land, started the Mannavanur After-School Care Centre in 2001 to serve children who live in the surrounding neighborhood. Most of the parents are day laborers, and a few of them own a small piece of land. Bethania Kids provides spiritual and educational care and support to the children. Mannavanur After-School Care Centre program enables families to raise their kids in safety while they are working. The centre operates on a very small budget. A few years ago, minor modifications were made to their rented facility to add bathrooms and improve the space.
How Can You Help?
- Pray for the children and staff of Mannavanur After School Care Centre, especially Sulochana. They pray for you daily and give thanks to God for your love and generosity.
- Make a gift of $35/month or $420/year to Sponsor a Child (one or more) at Mannavanur After School Care Centre.
- If you are a church or an individual, it is possible to sponsor the Centre for a week, a month or a year, covering all the expenses required.
- Monthly expenses = $500; annual expenses = $6,000
Hold the Hand of a Child in Need
There are countless ways to participate in this vibrant ministry and share God’s love with the children at Bethania Kids.
Our 100% Promise
We channel 100% of every penny donated into direct ministry for children.
For more information about this and other ministry topics, please contact Bethania Kids at director@bethaniakids.org or