The story of Nagarada Saridh

“My name is Nagarada Saridh. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. I live in a town called Maavadivermbu Siththandhi. My father is a fisherman. Because he doesn’t own his own boat he joins his friends to go fishing. We live by the income that he brings home. He is an alcoholic and this adds to the stress of having to make ends meet. Due to this reason my eldest sister works as a house maid in a house in Kalmunai”.

“In 1999 my mother put my 3 sisters and myself in a Girls Home in Puthu Kudiyiruppu. While at this home I was able to study up to grade 9. But I couldn’t continue my studies because our family situation got worse. As I couldn’t afford to keep my education going, I had to leave the home. However, I continued to visit my sister at the Girl’s Home. During one of these visits I met sister Thevamalar and shared with her all that had happened to me and the reasons for my leaving school. She kindly offered to help me. Now I am back at school and studying in grade 10 and I have all the things that I need for school. I have been able to take my mind off all the problems at home, and study and play like all the other children of my age. I will continue to study well”.