Home > Updates > October 2017 - Prem Sewa, Nagpur, India
Prem Sewa Girls Home - Established 1992
Thirty-six years ago Frank Juelich founded Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh and a year later, in the outskirts of the city of Nagpur, 17 acres of land were purchased to develop a home for underprivileged children. The first hostel for boys had its beginnings in a small hut that housed 10 students and 3 staff, including Frank. The first of 3 schools began in 1987 and the home for the girls was established in 1992.
Prem Sewa translated means 'Love, Service, Education, Community'. Today, more than 1000 children are housed and educated each year. Participating in life at Prem Sewa offers the girls and the boys a hope for a brighter future and a chance to grow into self-sustaining adults.
Prem Sewa First Home - 1987
Bapu Desai, Director of Prem Sewa
The two schools at the boys' home and the one at the girls' home accept children from the surrounding area as well as those who live on site. On campus, grades 1 through 10 are taught while students in higher grades as well as the college students go to various schools in the city. There is also a computer institute for the children living at both homes.
Founder Frank Juelich comments, "The last academic year was very good for us. Almost all the 10th and 12th graders - boys and girls - passed their exams. However, most of them did not score high enough marks to qualify them for college. These boys we offer the opportunity for industrial training courses. I am a great believer in the maxim, 'A trade has a golden foundation'. They are assured of their daily bread, of course, if they work. It is increasingly difficult for young people to find a job and so it is our responsibility to provide them with the best education possible. Whatever, your investment in our kids, young or old is not wasted - you are creating futures . . . consider: 'Right now counts forever!'"
The boys are housed in two dormitories whereas there is only one dorm at present for the girls and a second currently being constructed. The children all receive three meals a day plus an early morning tea. They also receive fruit several times a week, and sometimes cookies as a treat
Frank remarks, "Listening to the cacophony - kids call it playing - I didn't realize how I missed them (as when they were home with their families during vacation). This place is made for kids and their expectations should be and are our concern. Director Bapu's mantra is, 'I live for the kids.' During the summer months our playground turns dry and brown as if all life had fled. Yet it takes only a few showers to turn it overnight into a lush green carpet; it seems like magic. In the same way the kids bring with them that lovely atmosphere which is absent when they are absent."
Prem Sewa Boys
Prem Sewa Boys
Children are taught the importance of hygiene. They learn all about regular hand washing, keeping their clothes clean and dishes washed, and are able to shower twice a day: morning and evening. They have regular checkups, blood tests, and attend various health seminars. Basic healthcare is provided in the clinic whereas more serious cases are taken care of at the local hospital.