Where?
The district of Dharmapuri is found in the north-west of the Indian state Tamil Nadu. Due to frequent droughts and the fact that the main industry is agriculture, this district remains one of the most 'backwards' areas of the country. Aside from the region's endemic poverty, the region is sadly known for its feminine infanticide. A study done by the commissioner of Maternal and Child Health of the state of Tamil Nadu has shown that Dharmapuri and three other adjacent districts form a type of irradiation centre from which the phenomenon expands. The same study has shown a worrying increase of the phenomenon: in 1997, the infant mortality rate (from 0 to 6 days old) of female gender was 1805 (compared to 694 males); approximately half of the female deaths were caused by infanticide. The lives of the girls that survive are certainly not easy. The scarce consideration toward the woman directs the society and the very families to mistreat them and deprive them of their fundamental rights (in primis education). In the best of cases, the girls are forced to marry soon (around 14 years old); frequently, however they are driven into prostitution. The only effective alternative is to take the 'undesired' girls to reception and rehabilitation shelters in which they can aid, attention, and an adequate education.

What?
The intention of the project is to help these girls to have greater possibilities through a worthy education that may help them insert themselves into society more easily. The girls are offered room and board and the opportunity for an adequate education that may allow them to find a job once them leave the Centre. Furthermore, the girls will be able to make themselves promoters for a radical change in the workings of the Indian society and to raise awareness of the people regarding the importance of guaranteeing an equal treatment between little boys and girls in order to ensure them the possibility of leading a dignified life.

For who?
The beneficiaries of the project will be 30 girls between the ages of 6 and 14 from very poor families that do not have the possibility or opportunity to study. Six villages will be involved in the fulfillment of the project (Bommidi, Pallipatti, Thenkaraikottai, Sogathur - Dharmapuri, Uttamalai, Yesurajapuram) in which the majority of the population is of the Dalit, or 'untouchable', caste. It is worth noting, finally, that the majority of the people survive thanks to a small federal aid or because of the help of the religious communities in loco.

Local responsible:
Sr Francis Jayamani
Salesian Sisters
2/202 Pennagaram, Main Road
Sogathur Post, Dharmapuri, Dt 636809 (India)

How much?

Managerial costs of the Centre	Annual cost
Room rental and maintenance costs for 30 girls	4350 €
Educational/instructional costs for 30 girls	1200 €
Guard	420 €
Cook	220 €
TOTAL COST	6190 €

We remind you that it is possible to participate in the realisation of the project through a minimal contribution. Any contribution, however small, will contribute to help these girls to have more hope for their future.

How?
The contribution can be sent to FVGS Onlus in the following ways:

Bank transfer:
Bank Name: Banca Popolare di Sondro -  Agenzia No. 7
Address: Via di Valle Aurelia No. 59 - City: Rome 00167
Cod. IBAN IT 25 M 05696 03207 00000 6464 X69
CIN M - ABI 05696 CAB 03207
Account: 000006464X69
Bic: POSOIT22
Heading of the account: FVGS Onlus
Cause: Progetto per le ragazze di Dharmapuri

Payment through Mail:
Account: Checking account No. 80008709
Heading: Fondazione Volontariato Giovani e Solidarietà Onlus
Address: Via Gregorio VII, 133 No. 133 Roma 00165

Cause: Progetto per le ragazze di Dharmapuri