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This is a time for celebration and joy. After months of hectic work and preparation, St.Patrick's Academy has come into reality. This was not only my dream but the dream of the marginalised communities for an English Medium School where their children can have best education that can be affordble and cost effective. We made a history in June 2012 by making our school available to 124 children from 12 rural villages around Vikeravandy in the district of Villupuram. I thank God and all my friends who worked tirelessly for this day to come. While education is getting more costy and highly commercial, it is rare to find an institute like St.Pat that has been solely dedicated to the cause of the poor and the dalit communities. Our goal is to give the best environment and opportunity to children to have quality education like those kids who are fortunate in cities an towns. Although India is portrayed as the emerging and growing economy in the South East Asia, more than 70 percent of India’s population of 1.2 billion still lives on less than two dollars per day. While its economy grows and flourishes, millions of people are being left behind without access to the same standards of education and opportunity as the more fortunate. My initiative is to reach out to children who are socially and economically challenged and to give them a bright future. It is my conviction that our academy will serve as a symbol of hope to families and children who are at the fringes of our Indian Caste Society. St.Patrick’s Academy is certainly the good news for the underserved communities. I believe that children of poverty are no different than more fortunate children and, if given access to quality education, they will realize their full potential. These children, once educated, will be able to help their families and communities break out of the vicious cycle of poverty and become successful and productive members of society. St. Patrick’s is the answer to a better and brighter future for the poor and the marginalized. My inspiration was Fr.Thomas Gavan Duffy (1888-1942) who ardently worked hard for the development of the dalits and the marginalized communities in my archdiocese of Pondicherry in India. He was both a missionary and an educator who had a great vision for my people. He is a living legend who changed the lives of many through education. I am glad that St.Pat’s Academy is drawing the attention of many around our neighborhoods. They are very hopeful that good days are ahead for their kids. What makes me happy is to see those parents and children coming to us from different villages, different castes, different religions and different economical background with one voice to see their children with flying colors. I thank my friends and families for supporting me this wonderful project that can change the lives of many. This is an enormous enterprise that needs your support and prayers. We have a long way to go. I hope that together we can make a difference in the lives of these precious children. Not all of us can achieve something great in life but most of us can accomplish something even it is little but with love and compassion. St. Patrick Academy is the answer to a better and brighter future for the poor and the marginalized. Help us bring a world-class opportunity to the most vulnerable by opening your heart to a child!
Your truly, Father Ben
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