Real Change Through Collective Action
It is estimated that there are 30,000 children living rough on the streets or in the slums of the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, South India. They survive by rag picking, begging and scavenging in sewers which run right past their homes. The caste system keeps these families in poverty.
NewDawn India exists to provide support for the Vidiyal Programme, run by Dr. Jim Jesudoss, his wife Dr. Sharmila and their dedicated team, which works towards the relief of poverty in the Madurai slums. ‘Vidiyal’ means a new dawn or new beginning, and new hope.
The Vidiyal Street Children Programme
The largest part of the Vidiyal Programme focuses on supporting street children. Each day, over 300 children attend Vidiyal drop-in centres, where they receive unconditional love, medical attention, and support for their emotional and material needs. Though they continue to live with their families in slums, the children are placed in schools or colleges suited to their abilities and goals. The centres also help with homework and provide opportunities to learn skills such as dance, drama, and karate. These efforts are part of a larger commitment to healthcare, education, and life-enriching experiences for every child.
Bringing Hope to Madurai’s Vulnerable Children
An estimated 30,000 children live on the streets or in the slums of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, facing daily hardships such as rag picking, begging, and scavenging through open sewers near their homes. The entrenched caste system traps these families in cycles of poverty. NewDawn India supports the Vidiyal Programme, led by Dr. Jim Jesudoss and Dr. Sharmila, whose dedicated team tirelessly works to uplift these children and their families. ‘Vidiyal’ means ‘a new dawn’—a fitting name for a programme that offers new beginnings and renewed hope to the most vulnerable.
Creating a Sustainable World Where Communities Thrive Through Equal Opportunities, Compassionate Action, and Collaborative Efforts for Positive Change
Our Vision
To create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, with access to education, healthcare, and clean resources.
Our Mission
To empower communities by providing sustainable solutions, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring collective action for impactful change.
Stories of Lives Transformed Through Our Support
- Education
“Education Opened Doors I Never Imagined”
Before joining the education program, I never thought I could go to school. Now, I’m on my way to becoming a doctor, and I believe I can make a real difference in my community.
- Clean Water Access
“Clean Water Gave Us New Hope”
I used to worry every day about our water supply. Now, with clean water in our village, my family is healthier, and we no longer fear diseases. It’s a new beginning for us.
Focused on Key Areas to Drive Meaningful Change
Education
Healthcare
Environmental
Hunger
Dedicated to Empowering Communities and Creating Sustainable Change Through Compassionate Action and Collective Efforts
NewDawn India is a charitable Trust, founded in 1990 (Reg charity No: 1001535). It is a Christian charity based in East Anglia, UK, working with Sakthi-Vidiyal to raise funds supporting the Vidiyal programme since 1994.
Get in Touch with Us to Make a Difference
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to volunteer, or wish to contribute, reach out to us and join the movement with us.