MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gambaro
Quality of life will be improved for some of India's poorest children and children with mental and physical disabilities, through the support of the Australian Government.
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Teresa Gambaro said the Australian Government would contribute almost $112,000 to the Mithra Foundation in Anna Nagar in Chennai, India.
'The Mithra Foundation provides accommodation, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for 130 students and has a staff of seven,' Ms Gambaro said.
'The Foundation was established nearly 30 years ago by an Australian missionary Sr Mary Theodore.'
The centre has several buildings for administration, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, library services, handcraft and welding activities, school rooms and a dormitory.
'The buildings were only ever meant to be temporary and now urgently need repairing. They are cracked, leak badly during monsoons and there are safety concerns.
'The Australian Government is contributing almost $112,000 to help build a new, double-story building to replace the existing structures. This will have the added advantage of bringing all the children together under one roof.
'The centre will also have an integrated school which means for the first time students at Mithra will be educated alongside children who do not have disabilities.
'Sr Theodore has been a staunch advocate for the Mithra Foundation for nearly three decades. Without her commitment, drive and faith, many children with disabilities would not have the quality of life they have today,' said Ms Gambaro. Sr Theodore collected money from friends and family in Australia to establish the foundation in Chennai.
Australia's linkages with South India are growing strongly, as reflected in the Prime Minister's recent visit to Tamil Nadu and the announcement of the establishment of the Consulate General in Chennai.
While India's economy is vast and growing, poverty remains a fact of life for a great many people. Average incomes and literacy levels remain low and India is one of the largest recipients of World Bank lending. Australia has provided development assistance to India since the 1950s.
Media Inquiries:
Dean Savage (Ms Gambaro's Office) 0438 171 330
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590