core sector communique

“Friends of India” Switzerland, opens office in Chennai

To give greater thrust to development of girl child and women

 

The Directors of the Swiss-based charity, “Friends of India”, today announced the inauguration of their local office in Chennai after 10 years of commendable work in Tamil Nadu for the welfare of the poor and needy. Friends of India has supported education and livelihood development projects in Tamil Nadu for over a decade.  Working with local partners and social entrepreneurs, the organization supports programs that offer basic education to underprivileged children – particularly girls, and training and livelihood development to women. 

 

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Pamela Walsh, OBE, Founder and President, Friends of India from Switzerland stated that “opening an office here will help us to expand our work and increase our involvement with local partners and other organizations.”  Mrs. Walsh added: “Friends of India has a long track record of success providing support to needy women and children.  I have seen how programs we support are changing the lives of women.  They are more aware of their rights, more confident and have higher expectations from life.  We are gratified to see that women are able to get jobs after receiving training from our partners.” 

 

Mrs. Walsh has been in Chennai since the beginning of the year, evaluating projects funded by Friends of India.  “One of the highlights for me” she said “has been my visit to the newly established Richard Walsh School of Music in memory of my late husband, and seeing the joy brought to the lives of these underprivileged blind children by learning music and the performing arts.” The project is run out of the School for the Blind in Amalarakkini.  

 

Friends of India treasurer, Mr. Ted Talbot, commented on the major challenge of raising money for ongoing costs associated with some of their projects and stated “I am really excited about the enthusiasm and commitment of our new local Trustees and the role this office can play in providing the opportunity for support by local businesses and individuals.”