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Keynsham Methodist Church - Nadaikavu Educational Trust

Nadaikavu Educational Trust

At KMC we seek to support projects involving people with whom we have a personal connection. Currently we are supporting a project to build a school in South India.

Nadaikavu School, South India

For the last ten years we have been responding with our prayers and our giving to the vision of the Reverend Christopher Vijayan and his wife, Seline to build a school for Dalit children (untouchables in the Indian caste system). These are children who, because of their circumstances, would not otherwise have access to even the most basic education.

Our connection with Christopher and our involvement in this project was first established following a visit by our then student minister, Mark Slaney to Southern India during his training for the ministry in 2000 and subsequently cemented by further contact through Terry Wright, visits by Christopher to Keynsham in 2002 and 2008. There have been three seperate visits by memers of the Keynsham Methodist Link Group first to Nambali and subsequently Nadaikavu culminating in the opening of the new school in 2009.

Over the ten years of our involvement the church family in Keynsham has, by fund raising and sacrificial giving, raised and sent over £30,000 to India. In addition, we have supported Christopher with our prayers as well as sound practical advice by email, letter, phone and face to face meetings both here and in India. The school currently operates with four classrooms and shortly hopes to be catering for 100 children.

Dr. Stephen Illingworth, one of those from the church who visited most recently says:

"Nothing can replace going and seeing for yourself. I know the group and I felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to go and see what has been happening in Nadaikavu. We have had the opportunity to talk with Christopher and Seline and to see the excitement of the children. We have thought and prayed about this and we are convinced that God has guided us in the venture and trust that he will watch over us as it reaches its conclusion."

The India Link Group at KMC are hoping that people will continue to come forward to support the project. Approximately £6,000 is needed in order to provide basic facilities such as desks and chairs. If anyone would like to support the project please contact the church treasurer, via the church office.