We are so sad to report that trustee Amanda Morris-Drake died in October 2024, after a short illness. During 2023, she had visited Chennai to see the work of Batemans-Satkaarya for the first time. Below are the reflections she shared in our 2023 newsletter.
To be in India is to know one is alive. To be in India is to know intimately the struggle to survive, to feel the merciless gaze of misfortune from every crossroad and every pavement, to feel it burn into your shoulder and whisper in your ear “I will not forget you next time.”
These words from photographer Olivier Föllmi resonate as I reflect on my visit to Chennai and the Satkaarya Trust. One cannot help but feel the onslaught on every sense in your body as you arrive at Chennai airport and drive through the frenetic traffic-filled streets. After a dusty, hot tuk tuk ride we arrived at the girls’ hostel and were welcomed by project director Monica Augustine.
A nurturing environment
My first impressions were of a calm sanctuary in the middle of a crazy city. I was immediately impressed by the warmth of Monica and the staff. They provide a nurturing environment for the vulnerable children in their care. As we were shown round and met the girls as they arrived home from school, I was particularly struck by the girls’ self-esteem and wish to lead independent lives.
Outreach programme
Later in the week fellow trustee Becky Sewell and I saw the outreach programme in action on the site where we plan to build our own school. Logesh, the social worker, had made good contacts with local families and at the time of our visit up to 18 children aged between three and six years old were attending regularly. It was wonderful to see them responding so happily to stories, songs and activities in both Tamil and English.
Mental health challenges
During my visit I spoke at length to Monica about the mental health issues some children face, and the challenges this gives the staff. It brought home to me the importance of the supporting role played by Batemans. We are now planning to provide the staff with additional training in managing mental health so they can have confidence that they are doing all they can for the children and young people in their care.
Overall, it was an absolute pleasure to meet our team in Chennai and see first-hand what a wonderful job they do. The happy smiling faces of the children are a testament to this.
