Renovation of Francis Xavier School for Tsunami orphans

St. Francis Xavier School was established more than a decade ago with the goal to educate the children from the local fishermen community. At that time the principal personally visited local villages to meet with parents in an effort to encourage them to send their children to school regularly. Over time, the school grew to a size of 1,100 students, 70% of them coming from the 13 surrounding fishing villages.

Ground floor of a new building with 8 classrooms.

Building up to first floor level.

In fact, the number of students grew to a point that they outgrew the available building, and so several classes were being held out under the trees. The school staff also struggled with insufficient sanitation facilities.

Community hall being built above old school building.

New toilet facility being built for the 1,100 students.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, Family Services India provided a new building that added eight new classrooms. Additionally a large auditorium was constructed which also serves as a community hall.