Uluru Children’s Home (UCH)

Children's Health and Welfare

TEWFI philosophy is every child deserves to be surrounded by a healthy, encouraging environment.

History

India faces a heartbreaking challenge with thousands of abandoned children—especially girls—left without care each year. In response, TEWFI founded the Uluru Children’s Home (UCH) in 2001 to provide a safe haven for some of the most vulnerable children across Tamil Nadu. Nestled in a serene setting overlooking the Bay of Bengal backwaters, UCH has, since 2003, offered not just shelter but a true home for hundreds of children who might otherwise face life alone.

More than food and clothing, the children at UCH receive the essentials every child deserves: a nurturing environment, access to health care, and quality education to build a brighter future. UCH also strengthens the local community by employing village women and men as caregivers, cooks, cleaners, and security staff. With love, stability, and opportunity, these children are given the chance to thrive and pursue the lives they were meant to lead.

In particular, TEWFI has introduced:

  • An enhanced academic program that strengthens classroom learning.

  • Enrichment through music, sports, and dance, giving children space to grow in creativity and confidence.

  • Special events and excursions that broaden horizons and build joyful memories.

  • Innovative initiatives in self-sufficiency, helping the community and children alike move toward independence.

Call + 91 7639598405 or email: admin@tewfi.org

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A few stories and statistics illustrating the need and success of UCH

1

The first two children, siblings, came to UCH in 2003 at the ages of 5 and 6. They were referred by Childline, a child welfare agency in India. Their father had died and the children were picked up at a train station where the mother had them begging.  It was determined that the mother was unable to appropriately care for them.

2

The second placement was a nine month old little girl. Her mother committed suicide and her father remarried and abandoned his child after the marriage.

3

Seven years ago, a 7-year-old came to UCH after her relatives no longer wanted to care for her. Her father was murdered and her mother abandoned her as a baby. Two sisters reside at UCH after their mother died from Tuberculosis and their father left the family home. The first boys to enter UCH were orphaned after their father was murdered and their mother committed suicide. The families of all the UCH children are impacted by distressing life events such as alcoholism, destitution, suicide and death by illness and accident.

UCH Children's Programs

Dance class for UCH

Dance Class for UCH

At Uluru Children’s Home, a professional dance master visits each week to guide the children through the rich traditions of Indian dance. From the vibrant movements of folk dance to the disciplined grace of classical forms, the children learn new skills and also connect with their cultural heritage. These sessions foster creativity, confidence, and joy, giving every child the chance to express themselves through rhythm and movement.

Singing class for UCH

 Singing Class for UCH

Each week, a dedicated singing master visits Uluru Children’s Home to nurture the children’s talents in Carnatic Sangeet, the classical vocal music of South India. Those with an interest in rhythm also have the opportunity to learn the Mridangam, a traditional double-sided drum. Over the years, children from UCH have shared their skills in competitions and cultural programs, earning recognition and delighting audiences of community leaders, families, and teachers. These experiences not only showcase their talent, but also build confidence, pride, and a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.

Arts and Sports at UCH

Arts and Sports at UCH

While traditional classroom education is essential, TEWFI also believes in nurturing the whole child by opening doors to new experiences. At Uluru Children’s Home, sports play a central role in this vision. The children take part in bi-weekly karate lessons, where they build discipline, confidence, and strength—many have even advanced to Black Belt level. Over the years, they have proudly represented UCH in competitions, bringing home numerous medals and championships that highlight their talent and determination. Beyond karate, the children enjoy access to a spacious campus equipped for volleyball, badminton, and cricket, giving them the opportunity to play, compete, and grow together in a spirit of teamwork and joy.

Educational Enrichment Program

Educational Enrichment Program

Like many rural areas in India, the government schools in Kadapakkam face serious challenges: under-resourced classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, high student–teacher ratios, inconsistent attendance, and a shortage of teaching materials. These barriers often leave children without the quality education they deserve. To bridge this gap, TEWFI launched an educational enrichment program at Uluru Children’s Home (UCH), ensuring that every child receives personalized academic support.

Qualified local teachers—most with four or more years of university training—are employed by TEWFI and come to UCH each evening. With a ratio of just one teacher for every three to six children, students receive focused attention on their studies and homework. Classes run for 90 minutes on weekdays, with each day dedicated to a different subject, and are reinforced by a special three-hour tutorial every Saturday morning. Progress is carefully monitored through weekly and monthly reports, ensuring no child falls behind.

The results speak for themselves: children who once struggled in school are now excelling. One girl, who had not been attending school before joining UCH and was years behind her peers, is now ranked first in her class. Today, most UCH children consistently place within the top ten of their grade, a testament to the power of dedicated support and opportunity.

TEWFI has set up

Self Sufficiency

Various undertakings have been started at Uluru Children’s Home (UCH) to increase its self-sufficiency capabilities.

These are primarily in the area of UCH’s daily requirements such as

Food, water and Energy.

Rainwater Harvesting

This project was started in 2008 and its aim is towards self-sufficiency. In partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Monas (Melbourne) and Besant Nagar (Chennai), rainwater harvesting works through collecting monsoon rainwater from the roofs of the dormitories and then storing it. This project aims to improve the quality of drinking water at UCH and reduce the use of well water which has been salinized after the 2004 tsunami. This is completed and functional and UCH should be able to independently provide clean and fresh drinking water for more than 80 residents. The only issue affecting this project is when there is not adequate rainfall. The monsoon seasons will hopefully see adequate amount of water collected.

Banana and Vegetable/Herb Garden

The Banana Garden, with many varieties of bananas, was recently planted at UCH. In addition, a vegetable/herb garden is being implemented. These two endeavours will not only increase the self-sufficiency of UCH and provide the children with fresh, home-grown produce, but will also teach the children gardening skills to grow their own vegetables, and how care for the environment.

Milking cows

A generous donation of milking cows to UCH has been given.  This has provided milk to the children’s home and has reduced significantly the amount of milk TEWFI is buying on a daily basis. Farming and agricultural education is being planned for the children to add to their already extensive educational programmes.

Energy audit

A extensive energy audit of UCH and the joining administration building has been implemented. This audit assessed to what extent other energy sources, such as solar, wind or biomass, would be viable and cost-effective for use at UCH. TEWFI is using solar energy in some of the buildings.

Vermi Compost

UCH has begun a program where cow dung and biodegradable waste are collected and placed into a pit along with earthworms. This compost eventually become fertilizer which is used in the gardens. In the future UCH may sell this fertilizer which would be 10 rupees per kg.

Proud Sponsors of TEWFI

These are some of our proud Sponsors

Pongal Celebration. Kolam competition

Pongal Celebration. Games and laughter.

UCH

Special outing with dinner and ice cream.

Kids love posing for pictures.

UCH Children Dance Performance

UCH  students received karate certificates and prizes.