New Wheelchairs at FFC

Rajiv Khalsi from Canada visited FFC in February 2009 and introduced us to Mobility India. In the first phase of this initiative 12 children and adults living at FFC were measured and assessed for new wheelchairs. The wheelchairs were delivered last week. A team from Mobility India arrived to assemble and fit the new chairs, Mukil our FFC physiotherapist assisted them in the process.
The 12 recipients were then fitted for their personalized chairs and given lessons in how they work. The new wheelchairs are a dramatic improvement over the old ones. They are much more durable and easier to move.
Jessie is already learning to move around FFC by herself in her new 3 wheeler chair. This project will have a huge impact on the 12 recipients of the new chairs by improving both mobility and independance.

FFC would like to thank York School Toronto for the generous donation that allowed us to make this project happen- we really appreciate it.

New Bicycle Washing Machine at FFC

John Richards a visitor to FFC was able to build a fully functioning washing machine using bicycle pedals as the motor. The pedal-powered washing machine, which was
developed by students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is made from discarded barrels and old bicycle parts. It doesn’t require electricity, can be built
locally and provides employment, cuts the time spent washing, and reduces the pollution caused by washing in streams and rivers.
The photos below show the first run of the machine. Good work John!

FFC Summer Camp

This summer the older students at FFC had the opportunity to attend an on site camp run by Katie and John Richards. The camp was developed to teach living skills, cooperation and for them to have fun. They had sessions in computer skills, cooking and helped with some construction work. They also had lots of time for volleyball and basket ball. The days flew by and all learned alot.

Katie's Tuition Centre

Katie Richard's has started a new initiative for FFC high school students who are having a difficult time in regular school. She has developed and implemented a full time 2 year FFC learning centre that will teach the students the core curriculum needed to pass 12th standard exam. This exam is essential for students wishing to pursue further studies in university or college. There is a strong element of teaching english as well as music, life skills, global studies and art to give them a rounded education. The students love the new classes and we are confident this will give them a good chance at passing 12th standard and an admission to university if that is what they choose to do.

Talena and Jen in Extra Special Care

Two volunteers from Vancouver, both psychiatric nurses from St. Paul's Hospital visited FFC in May. They spent most of their time in the special care section and gave inservices to the extra special care staff on insulin administration and feeding children with limited gag reflex.
They had a huge impact on the section and we appreciate really their help.

York School Visit 2009

India is the most incredible place in the world. I learned so much during my experience there and I have met some of the most genuine and appreciative people in the world. Going to India was the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone at FFC embraces you with such love and you always feel welcome. I tried so many new things – every day was a new adventure. I can’t even begin to express how big of an impact this trip has had on me.
It has been a dream of mine to come here since the trip first got started and finally I am able to experience it. Six years of waiting, and now it’s gone by in the blink of an eye. But I have never been able to say something so confidently before, I know that I’ll be returning to FFC someday. I cannot just say bye to this place forever because FFC and I will forever be connected. I know that some of us are planning on sponsoring kids – I am trying to set up sponsorship for a girl named Subasidy who, being unable to speak, says so much through her beautiful smile. She will also play a huge part in inspiring me to come back in a few years time.
Going to India has changed my perspective on life and the way that I live. Since I’ve been home I have been more appreciative of the things that I have because at FFC everyone is so grateful for what they have, which isn’t much compared to us back in Canada. FFC is an orphanage for children with no family, but as the name says, it really is a family for these kids, and being a part of that family is the greatest thing in the world. I will never forget those 3 weeks I spent in India. I made some great friendships and I hope that I had as big an impact on these kids as they’ve had on me. Thanks again to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible.

By: Leah Bandler, York School, Toronto

Annapoorini's Walkway

Annapoornie is an 8 year old girl who has been with FFC for 3 years. Annapoornie is completely blind, she attends the FFC school. The FFC teacher for the visually impaired suggested that we create a walkway that will allow Annapoornie to navigate between the school and the listening centre and the school and the girl's dorm independently.
In January of this year volunteers Rajiv Kalsi and John Richards spent hours in the hot sun creating the walkways for Annapoornie. Below are photos of her with her teacher on one of the first test walks.

Senthil Kumar's Marriage

Senthil Kumar an ex- FFC boy was married on March 8, 2009. His wife's name is Ravathy. Senthil Kumar arranged his own marriage with the help of neighbours. He held the reception at FFC and paid for most of of expenses himself. Santhil Kumar completed 10th standard at school and works at a socks manufacturing company.

We wish the new couple much happiness and success in their new life together.

FFC Small Baby Room

Below are photos of some of the youngest members of the FFC Family!

FFC goes to Black Thunder!

Last week a group of volunteers from Canada and the United States took 64 children from FFC to the water park Black Thunder in Coimbatore.
The day was eagerly anticipated by all who were going. Each morning the week before the trip you could hear children excitedly talking about Black Thunder. A bus was rented to transport the group of 8 volunteers, 2 staff and 64 children to enjoy a fun filled day that all will remember for years to come!
Thank you to Jennifer Brown, Peggy Hill, Jane Manchee, Barb Powers, Gayle McDonald and Shannon Kennedy for making this day possible.

Republic Day 2009

Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 2009 at FFC. The children put on an impressive show including yoga, dance, karate, singing and gymnastics.
The event ended with awards being presented to FFC children with for the highest marks (Nirmila and Praveen) and for outstanding general character (Jagadesh).
It was an enjoyable day for all involved.