Eight years ago we established an orphanage in Vellatur, which is a village in a rural part of Andhra Pradesh near Hyderabad. At the orphanage we help poor children abandoned by their parents or who have lost one or both of their parents to Aids or illness as a result of the harsh conditions here. Our ultimate goal is to provide care for at least 500 homeless and unwanted children.
The orphans come from the slums, leper colonies, poor families and tribal villages. They come from the streets. Often rejected by their families and society they are left to beg for the very necessities of life. They come to us for shelter, clothing, food, education and the message of the Gospels. Currently we are helping 60 children but this is just a small percentage of those who desperately need help. We invite you to support our work and become a part of this ministry by sponsoring one of our orphans.
Volunteer with Us
Mission for the Rural PeopleThank you for your interest in volunteering with us here at Mission for the Rural People. We are very happy to welcome volunteers from all over the world and have previously had volunteers from countries such as America, Scotland, England, Sweden, Poland, Japan and Australia.
We require teachers of all subjects, though especially English, doctors, nurses, dentists, computer operators, electricians, builders, professionals with knowledge in agriculture, veterinaries, carpenters and builders to name but a few. If you are gifted with a special skill such as dancing, singing, playing an instrument, painting etc, or even if you would just like to help us care for the children or elderly people then we would warmly welcome you here.
You would be able to live here in the mission with us and we will also provide you with meals and drinks etc. There are a few local shops which sell basics should you require them. Please be aware that it is a very rural area and also that we are a Christian mission so we do not allow any drugs or alcohol here. In addition, if you are a smoker please be aware that you will be around many children and we ask that you are discreet and do not smoke within the orphanage grounds.
We do not charge a fee for you to stay with us. We value the contribution you make by spending time here. There are a number of important and ongoing needs, both big projects and smaller ongoing issues and we always welcome any donation people are able to make towards these. If you want to contribute something towards your board here you may do so and if you require more expensive items such as drinks and certain foods then we may ask for some help in paying for these. However, making a donation is not a requirement of you staying here.
In terms of what to bring with you, for yourself we advise: mosquito repellent, supplies of any medicines you need including malaria tablets, toilet paper, a torch and suncream. If you would like to bring anything with you for the children, the kind of things that we always need here are soaps, toothpastes and toothbrushes, pens etc. Toys that need batteries or have lots of small parts are not advised. Of course, you are welcome to bring whatever you think they may like.
Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering with us and the dates you would like to come. Please note that we do not advise coming in April, May or June as these Summer months can be unbearably hot. Due to recent government regulations we are not allowed to accept volunteers on a tourist visa for more than one month. If necessary we can also meet you from the nearest airport or train station on arrival.
There is more information about volunteering on our facebook page The Good Samaritan Orphanage, India and we are happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. We would all love for you to come and volunteer with us, you are sure to receive a hearty welcome!
