Health and Education for All (HEAL)

In the 1990s, as dry village lands posed challenges for small farmers, financial struggles led to distressing suicides. Witnessing the plight of young widows and parentless children left behind, Heal initiated support in 1999 through the Children’s Village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Providing a nurturing home, food, and comprehensive care, this project ensures the well-being of orphaned and underprivileged children, aged 5 to 18, and those pursuing higher education. With 10 cottages and a boys dormitory, all supervised by a House Mother, the Children’s Village offers year-round support, fostering healthcare, education, structure, and extracurricular opportunities. Many children have successfully broken the cycle of poverty, pursuing higher education and achieving their aspirations in various fields.

Addressing high attrition rates in Andhra Pradesh, the Government's efforts fall short due to insufficient initiatives, resulting in substantial dropout rates, especially in schools lacking basic amenities. In 2008, the 'Escape the Poverty Trap Program' emerged, aiming to furnish underprivileged children with essential educational infrastructure, preventing premature dropout or early employment. Partnering with government schools in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the programme currently aids 16 schools, benefitting nearly 4000 students enrolled in primary and secondary education.

Established in 2014, the Phanendra Chunduri Institute for the Visually Challenged (IVC) at Heal Paradise’s campus is a nurturing haven for visually challenged children. Catering to up to 100 visually challenged children, it offers both schooling and vocational training. Currently hosting 24 children aged 7 to 15, 75% are blind, and the rest have low vision, some with prospects of improvement. The IVC serves as a secure refuge for these children, providing healthcare, education, structure, and extracurricular opportunities year-round.

Heal Paradise, a secure residential haven offers disadvantaged children a brighter future through self-sustaining community living—an exemplary model for rural India. The campus includes educational facilities for grades 1 to 12, catering to both mainstream and visually challenged students. The health centre ensures overall well-being. Serving as a loving family, it provides a safe haven for children from troubled environments. Those with family support return during holidays, while others find year-round care, encompassing healthcare, structure, and extracurricular opportunities.

Ensuring children's well-being, and health prioritization involves preventive and ongoing care through standing and mobile health centres. In collaboration with reputable hospitals and dedicated medical volunteers, the approach includes regular screenings and checkups. Heal Paradise and Children’s Village health centres extend care to local communities, farmers, and 'Escape the Poverty Trap' schools. Promoting healthy living, the emphasis is on good nutrition, daily exercise, and sufficient sleep, fostering physical, mental, and social well-being. The health curriculum empowers children to make informed health choices. Long-term goals include enhancing rural population health through outreach programmes and health camps led by dedicated medical volunteers using Heal’s Mobile Health Center.