Many children come to us in abject poverty. As we are in predominantly agricultural communities, most kids come from migrant backgrounds. Many have been tragically abandoned, abused or rescued from human trafficking. IREF can provide hope by welcoming them into Lydia’s Home, named for founder Prasada Rao’s wife. Lydia launched our children’s home in the 1980s when she began homeschooling five children who were left homeless in the wake of a devastating cyclone. Our schools now serve a population of 30% of students who don’t have a mother or father. They are fed, nurtured and cared for. Dorm attendants and gatekeepers provide security. Days begin and end with devotions, worship and prayer. For many of the students, it is the first time they have felt such peace and safety.
Education can be the essential opportunity that helps a child, and their family, to break out of the cycle of poverty. Your support allows IREF to provide the rigorous academic and spiritual instruction that is necessary to empower students to succeed financially and to live with eternal hope. We operate schools from the primary to the college level, including post-graduate courses. Education opens the door to employment opportunities that shape community leaders. All classes begin with prayer and, as students grow in their understanding of God’s love, they become invaluable members of our growing churches. We promote the education of young girls in communities where they wouldn’t otherwise have opportunities to learn. Your partnership enables students, to flourish in viable careers and become pillars in Indian society – not because of their caste- but because of their capabilities and the content of their character.
CDCs provide after-school care in the villages; offering food, clothing and faith-based education to young children 3-7 years of age. With parents working long days to provide for their children, these centers provide critical support for the family. They are administered by teachers and the local village pastors. Often the children from these programs move on to the main campus to complete their education.
When you sponsor a Child Development Center, you’re partnering with Pastors, Teachers, and Community Outreach personnel. Your relief will help set the youngest of IREF children on the path spiritually and educationally while easing the burden of struggling parents.
Nursing students provide essential medical services to the towns and villages as part of the clinical requirements of their studies. Our nurses participate in community wellness and awareness programs during their time at IREF’s Nursing school. In addition, these students engage in medical clinics with healthcare professionals from the US and UK. These hands-on experiences further equip the students to serve their communities with proper medical care.
$50 a month
Your generous gift will have a remarkable impact; educating and preparing a young professional to effectively serve a community in need of safe, affordable healthcare.
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