DAY 12 – 19th JANUARY 2026

The last full day of my visit has come and gone all too quickly. It started with a morning around the Neyyar Dam area, visiting a couple of people who we have bought sewing machines. One is Radha, who lives in abject poverty with her two children and an alcoholic husband who makes no contribution to the family. She is already earning a useful supplement to the workfare payments that she gets.

Radha

Sathy is a young man with cerebral palsy. When he was diagnosed his father absconded, leaving his family destitute. It would be good to support them financially.

Sathy

Then it was back to Happy Valley, where a local family were providing food on the anniversary of the death of a family member – an Indian custom. The food was plentiful and good. Then we were treated to traditional Kerala dances by some of the children – an impressive display which raises the question – if the children can be trained to do this, can they be trained to do other things that will enable them to earn a living?  Philip has ideas.

Dancing troupe

Happy Valley students dancing

Happy Valley students dancing

Happy Valley students dancing