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WWW.kindereninindia.org
׉	 7cassandra://NC4oxkW7KbqX1NxxoRIvGC-e7z9aByYG8kPWSQz7Ppg&`  hxuDthxuDt
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www.kindereninindia.org
NL73INGB0004865196
BIC INGBNL2A
Krayenhofflaan 154
6541PX Nijmegen
Nederland
Brigitte Vink
Whatsapp +91 805 6482 444
Tekst - Anne Bakker
Beeld - Annelore van Herwijnen
2025
© Isai Maiyam
׉	 7cassandra://yQr5EB7zeJvQ1XhVn0ZY8qnJtThOiuBLObd0wu44e58	k`   hxuDt׉E  Stop talking
Start doing
~
Ivar
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An introduction
Isai Maiyam is an independent NGO entirely powered by
private donations and gifts. It is dedicated to supporting the
poorest girls and handicapped youngsters in and around the
city of Pondicherry, helping them build a brighter future.
The organization offers daycare for handicapped children, safe
homes for girls, after school tutoring, dance and music classes
and financial support for teens pursuing higher education.
The name Isai Maiyam means ‘center of music’ in Tamil, and
reflects the central role of music in the organization’s mission
and activities.
This book aims to give an impression of the organization
and introduces the people who make Isai Maiyam what it is:
from the visionary founder to the kindhearted people that
work there and the children who’s lives have been positively
affected.
Each person has played—and continues to play—a unique
role in the success of Isai Maiyam. They are its heart and soul.
Each one is important.
Village girls at dance class
in the Art School
4
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Playtime for special day care students during the Wednesday outing to the Art School
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has currently three main activities:
Ananda Special Day Care
A daycare center in Pondicherry for children and
young adults with disabilities.
Art School
A center near Auroville where village girls attend weekend
dance and music classes, as well as tutoring in English and
computerskills.
Support & Guidance
Around 20 boys and girls receive practical and
financial support to pursue further education.
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Stichting Isai Maiyam (2004) in the Netherlands has
a three-member board:
Brigitte Vink – Chair
Ivar Jenten – Treasurer
Carmen van der Linden – Secretary
Isai Maiyam Trust (2003) in India has two board members:
Managing Trustee – Ganesan
Trustee – Sagadevan
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://OGk--uocRufxF3OWyTOgaF6wCkiJLouqHodBce5wpX8 :` ׉	 7cassandra://FATSKObgCMN71iCAFKqo5hgQREOspq9VSs82TdwTSKI}` ׉	 7cassandra://IW3Bcoi7ZgPAXz7H1q8WiwUAX3DnrczZxkM43H2SKBc`  hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://aC7FioAZGLhoShSqxb5Ty-nDJjJwvUXSdU7R4TvTJpw -`׉	 7cassandra://oizcisLBHsqNGqSPcxgZ5OOqjjxzsO454OR8UQyVu-MPl`׉	 7cassandra://vmDk0EYykhvke3_VeO7AJwoFQG0w5sUYrVWvG9kNBfk`  hyuDt׉E‘I came to India for Sri Aurobindo.
His teachings are still very important to me.
Meanwhile I saw there was a lot to do here.
I just decided to go ahead and do it...’
~
Ivar
Initiator and driving force
It all started with Ivar.
Ivar Jenten (1947) first traveled to India in
1975 to join the Auroville project, a universal
city-in-the-making. Auroville, named in
homage to Sri Aurobindo—a renowned
freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi and guru—
was founded with the purpose of realizing
human unity in diversity.
Although Ivar came to Auroville inspired by
Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, he was deeply
moved by the poverty and struggles of the
socially marginalized Dalit communities
living around Auroville. Dalit, a term used for
‘untouchables’ and outcasts, refers to those
occupying the lowest rung of India’s caste
system.
With limited resources and immense
dedication, Ivar began by setting up several
night schools in the Dalit colonies surrounding
Auroville. In 1979, he established the first
primary school, Isai Ambalam, for local
children—a school that continues to function
to this day.
Working closely with the local communities,
Ivar became aware of their daily challenges,
including unemployment, alcohol abuse, and
the oppression of women. Determined to make
a difference, he launched a knitting business
that still employs hundreds of women. He also
established over a dozen night schools and
community centers in the region.
In 2002, Ivar founded Isai Maiyam.
Initially, its primary focus was to provide
a home for children without parental care.
However, the Trust has since evolved into a
multifaceted organization.
At present there is a village Art School that
welcomes dozens of children every weekend
for lessons in music, dance, computers, and
English. And a daycare center for children and
youn adults with disabilities a that
supports around 50 people daily.
Furthermore, every child who has been under
Isai Maiyam’s care continues to receive
financial and emotional support for their
further studies and into adulthood.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivar and his
partner in work, Brigitte, founded a unit under
Auroville’s Auromitra Trust: Isai Ragam.
Isai Ragam promotes educational community
centers in the villages surrounding Auroville.
Since its inception in 2021, Isai Ragam has
established eight vibrant centers that provide
afterschool and weekend activities for children
aged 6 to 18. These centers aim to enhance
children’s cognitive skills while also teaching
music and dance.
Ivar is known for his great sense of humor. He
has a strong bond with the children and loves
to joke around with them.
Since 1975, Ivar has moved between India and
the Netherlands, finally settling in India about
20 years ago. He lives with an Indian family
and, in return, supports the education of their
daughters.
Ivar remains actively involved in all projects.
He dedicates his entire Dutch state pension to
Isai Ragam and supporting the Dalit ommunity.
10
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11
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://6dqnSaI1s2DMOJDQ0f4zd0SbjGHaMWARzDQmL-wqBZI ` ׉	 7cassandra://iTLhCWo6123MO3lNcYSvTGRTxV5M1d0vqnaIzxxSVy4XM` ׉	 7cassandra://R5r_dsh0i_ufmat4NWUB_BdrTPxthyut8gmibNHfNUU`  hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://GityIOqaWBhSPAW6vnMGeHtxqeQEYsZcGx0X2Vxf7xk 6`׉	 7cassandra://3qgHQqeBGLZVAxHwxeQmRF6rWmPJqKbLP05pCOgQMAoy[`׉	 7cassandra://jfgXhqS4zZW0HsDF4nq2sMYizQzKqpsN0LlH2qYBlqY-`  hyuDt׉E‘I love my job even though it’s not always easy.
Raising the necessary funds can be stressful.
Fortunately, I have good people helping me.
I just keep going and trust that everything will
continue to work out’
~
Brigitte
Project manager - The glue that holds it all together
Brigitte (1980) has been general manager
of Isai Maiyam since 2010. Additionally,
she is a board member of Isai Ragam and
teaches music and English to children in
the community centers. Brigitte is also the
proud mother of Daniel (2018).
Twenty years ago, Brigitte first came to
India to volunteer at Isai Maiyam. She
already knew Ivar from back home—they
were colleagues in disability care—and
his enthusiastic stories about Isai Maiyam
piqued her curiosity. She had to see it for
herself!
Brigitte fell in love with the place.
For ten years, she returned to Pondicherry
annually, staying a little longer each time.
In 2009, she decided to quit her job and
move to India full time. Since then, she has
been managing the day-to-day operations
of Isai Maiyam.
Brigitte is the heart of the organization.
She knows everything that’s going on
and she knows everybody personally. She
listens, she understands and she finds
ways to make things happen. Brigitte is
a pillar of strength and a woman with a
heart of gold.
12
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13
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://knr4xvbBu7qGOGfB1wAWDH3N7ti-leKw6tPA77FQzDQ }` ׉	 7cassandra://oteCHQB0AwhA6r7wdTfQiVZCLML_kjWlPNwH4cv_xZAC` ׉	 7cassandra://HeGf_7sgEuz4B1hG5Qcr-w2oVLTVRACkRJn42Pke79c|`   hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://C3Eb-l-_LTxIJ6WvK2U6ZtF-INI65dRuXQ23NqGuQOs 7[`׉	 7cassandra://A8dFWCri-Dv2TzihxaS_8j53gG_d8irFujx5xu63HL4́`׉	 7cassandra://x6Mu5yzpG50EVw_gRHNf11zi_ABpewG71LtrnguudQQ.`  hyuDt׉E‘It is our dream to continue this good work.
We are still very eager to support the community
and have the youth carry on what we have built’
~
Ganesan
Managing Trustee Isai Maiyam
Ganesan (1962) is Managing Trustee of
Isai Maiyam. He is married, has two daughters
and one grandchild. Ganesan met Ivar
in the 1980’s when Ivar helped him set
up his leather and handicraft business in
Alankuppam. To this day his leather-business
is thriving.
Twenty some years later, when Ivar
wanted to start the Isai Maiyam Trust,
Ganesan owned a peace of land and a
building in Pondicherry for which he had
no need. He sold his allotment to Ivar, who
renovated the place and started He started
a student house for underprivileged youth,
which later grew into a children’s home.
In 2005 Ganesan became Managing
Trustee of Isai Maiyam. He works mostly
in the background. He takes care of official
business and is there to help if problems
arrise.
14
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15
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Isai Maiyam, all equally important.
But working with the kids
I like best!’
~
Sagadevan
Trustee Isai Maiyam - Manager Art School - Guitar teacher
Saga (1986) is trustee and managaer of
the Artschool. He is married to Punitha
and father of two children. He has been
part of Isai Maiyam since he was 15.
It all started when, as a young boy, he
returned some items that his parents had
borrowed for a program. When he arrived,
Ivar was giving a guitar lesson, and Saga
was immediately captivated—he knew
this was what he wanted to do.
Gathering all his courage, he asked Ivar if
he could take guitar lessons too.
Ivar agreed, and that was the beginning of
a lifelong connection with the foundation.
Saga first studied with Ivar before
advancing to lessons with Krishna from
Auroville’s Solitude Farm. For years, he
moved between Isai Maiyam and Solitude
Farm, working at Isai Maiyam’s children’s
home, Ananda Special School, and also
working on Solitude farm.
At the same time, he dedicated himself to
studying guitar intensively and eventually
earned his diploma as a music teacher.
Today, Saga is actively involved with the
day to day happenings of Isai Mayam
as trustee of the foundation. He helps
with paperwork, teaches music at the Art
School and also at Auroville’s International
School.
16
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17
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://KxVLUW1BQOMxKXxzCqr2-ju_mWYdXIgym2L-7o3iVPw `׉	 7cassandra://FzqMB2TWkfvIbwTcG6jrR3Nq5BGkfjTXsfe62VzwkFc7`׉	 7cassandra://ghu9_E_tA8-8F5nBCB12fH9nWBhdNhSrBm7Ua2ryOgM1`  hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://INcEFLzhn6JwiaY4PQaPuWDMBqJla_tD-IdQcW2ue8s 9`׉	 7cassandra://TBtK_EcFwL8PN8Tx03by9n3B2ODMDudTCfnLvCZyIG8͏b`׉	 7cassandra://wicZ0WN6_Qu71dQ_tPktUXrhz8E1wpr37uwIgloWlzA00`  hyuDt׉E‘I have been following Isai Maiyam for many years and
witnessed children and adults grow and develop within the foundation,
moving toward a meaningful and dignified life.
During my holidays, I travel to India to offer support where
needed and organize activities.
I love experiencing the warmth and joyful
spirit of the Indian people’
~
Carmen
Secretary Isai Maiyam Nederland
Volunteer since 2010
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://iyW0cEKHetrvRPnX1yrV0ZkGiu6eCtZZLdRTXjityN4 `׉	 7cassandra://TeibVuIrnaET-pOsfxJ951ovcFa38FZWrV506Df7rGEx`׉	 7cassandra://qnDSDZ34xIgir6Jt_aB2c0sCNmNrwljhmOIOVf2UmGI'`  hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://WRFP2csAYiTY-c7hFxWKYB7JsF5_C-CCMMVh8XAntvg `׉	 7cassandra://I0L23UZ_fTwlm5mhFE-0KcIEoPdw9fp2rnH1qHCDngk͚~`׉	 7cassandra://Q-ECwoyuqNb94BzuKGSXjrMzkgswmvU-Zar6s1oqk2Q2`  hyuDtנhyuDt ̂B9ׁH +http://etsy.com/nl/shop/AnandaHandicapIndiaׁׁЈנhyuDt ̂̛9ׁHhttp://kindereninindia.orgׁׁЈ׉EAnanda Special Day Care
Ananda Special School – also known as
the Handicap School – is situated on a
compound with two buildings, several floors,
classrooms, an office, communal rooms, kitchen
and toilets.
It provides free daycare for 50 children and
young adults with mental and/or physical
disabilities. In India, these children are often
referred to as “special.”
Students are welcomed five days a week, from
Monday to Friday, and receive loving care from
a team of eight dedicated teachers and helpers.
Isai Maiyam offers free transportation to and
from their homes, along with a daily program
that includes classes, music, exercise, yoga,
dance, games, and creative workshops. When
funding allows, students also receive a free
nutritious meal.
In 2023, a professional tailoring workshop
was introduced to create job opportunities
for those who are capable and interested.
The students love having a job and earning a
little pocketmoney.
Their handmade products are available for
purchase via the website and Etsy:
kindereninindia.org
etsy.com/nl/shop/AnandaHandicapIndia
Ananda Special Daycare used to serve
as a children’s home. Ivar bought it from
Ganesan when he started Isai Maiyam.
20
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://hub5SizTcgjWy6raEbSLIQxv6zhydugB-vVcdOr438I `׉	 7cassandra://6q_6ilM-cC6pMVsvOv9LfwZgNhVF33sl30E-TUFg3mEͤ`׉	 7cassandra://TEib5s8RdldSHtri1mRYmyVKo2WM3pvMCPxCjZp6dUs5`  hyuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://rXNalSIX0MdjwJy2RTHpyg8xe0bH97b5EFqbM46XvN0 `׉	 7cassandra://2Dl2NqqVkkDoRNWozRrVlJpUrJ960MBi-A1dEXWVIoc͋o`׉	 7cassandra://8Xkc0GTqow7xAF2K2sVyyVae4F-WvV9g3HIIG65devY*`  hyuDt׉E׉	 7cassandra://TEib5s8RdldSHtri1mRYmyVKo2WM3pvMCPxCjZp6dUs5`  hxuDt׉EGirlshome in Kootroad
When Ivar started Isai Maiyam in 2003, he bought
a piece of land with a large house in Pondicherry
from Ganesan, who later became the managing
director of the trust. The house was renovated, and
first used as student house for underprivileged
youth. Soon it developped into a children’s home,
with about 50 children moving in.
For ten years, the children’s home thrived.
Those who lived there look back on it as a time of
happiness and joy. The house was filled with
music and laughter.
Since then, much has changed. The Indian
government has tightened regulations, prohibiting
boys and girls from living together, and many
children’s homes have been shut down.
In 2016 the girls moved to Kootroad, which had
previously been the location of Ananda Special Day
Care. Ananda Special Day Care was then relocated
to the former Children’s Home in Pondicherry. In
2020 the boys’ home was closed due to corona and
new regulations.
By now, most of Isai Maiyam’s boys and girls are
in college or have graduated. Most have moved
back to their families or live independently. Isai
Maiyam still follows all children and offer them
tuition money, studentloans, hostelrent and emotional
support. The girls stay under the care of Isai
Maiyam until they complete their studies or get
married.
The house on Kootroad is currently used as an
after-school community center for music and
homework lessons.
It is Isai Maiyam’s dream to once again provide
shelter for young girls. However, at the moment,
there are not enough financial resources
23
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://ky3u-nWqC2GoESrQ2_0scMNraVWrX_5a-jp5OYkrIRw `׉	 7cassandra://KAt2m1WYMpeogxsn-fGZ_UQAmci1GkEsPu1rs7RO8UEl)`׉	 7cassandra://7n5yFigmaziGOWiCyKs5dAMSu60J1QmH8sk-plRsJk8"`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://8FNttQqFiP50ih5P-XcogKOgCeOAWR3r5-f5fIkoTH0 i`׉	 7cassandra://uR94d6eqBVjlrxxn8VGm_EVckIhQXn510U3IdQy3qRg͋`׉	 7cassandra://bAemaPX58RFQlt4vBil7V_hwhrfmhsVxS4CsnNnUPQw,(`  hzuDt׉E#The Art School
Gayatri Art School – often simply called Art
School – is a cultural center located on the outskirts
of the village of Alankuppam,
near Auroville. Every weekend, around 120
children from nearby villages gather here to
learn dancing and musical instruments under
professional guidance.
Additionally, they receive lessons in computer
skills and English conversation. There is also
plenty of time and space for playing and sports
activities.
The children come from poor families with
limited resources. Therefore, they are also provided
with a healthy meal.
All activities and facilities at the Art School are
completely free of charge, including dance
attire.
The Art School consists of two
buildings with several rooms,
toilets, a kitchen, communal rooms,
rooftops and a big garden.
24
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://p7KXTZBhuKZ8Hy7Z42_EW7aPIz0fBOcjhunGnTuv1n8 \`׉	 7cassandra://liI-cVSxSmKlLMbd00IQfXOvUPtJW7XFI0Ux_M_Tgns`׉	 7cassandra://ek8vfVRp1e9QHNk8m0jLG8s4DcidN5A6sedq4uDVqis:_`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://kmOgY4FVUEhbkWakeUC6ljhB9mMjJyWWHH7QcE64kao =:`׉	 7cassandra://kza8CZcAr0sf1lxObHyQctHgBemh7KGw1YbIVORtYVge`׉	 7cassandra://YHN4RPIy_5U_gV_4RxIdBP03-pobFoO7uC0oFp9cFmsr`  hzuDt׉E׉	 7cassandra://ek8vfVRp1e9QHNk8m0jLG8s4DcidN5A6sedq4uDVqis:_`  hxuDt׉E ‘I’m very happy
with all that
we have
acccomplished
and all the people
we helped.
But then again:
there is still
so much more
to do!’
~
Ivar
27
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://tjHSSZ0sXaxeUN0tSFc101wFkOevM2IZsHnAK4Nhofg ^r` ׉	 7cassandra://jlwjsSZaX6dI2gI--MPNz45jUcB3bTKbJF1VbWvbktU'W`׉	 7cassandra://olOhPCJ_vpOj-v8CvzvD3XipbCe3XqwPCpUiH0PTktE^`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://sNync92Yf36O--CKCK8T1AkVGZk9UMT5dq_UYHVoqiY 0W`׉	 7cassandra://duTaCFQxmMfUZvblxBKvOH09OLnfZJ4bzj_Fq9DogQUx`׉	 7cassandra://OliG03lWR3wyBsHJ3huRZMd-SjDi-RAxRIeprJoafg4,`  hzuDt׉E‘Ivar is a very creative person
with an active mind.
He came here teaching
music, singing and dancing
and initiated all kinds of endeavers.
Everybody knows him around here,
he is a very popular person.
He is the founder of everything.’
~
Ganesan
Managing Trustee
׉	 7cassandra://olOhPCJ_vpOj-v8CvzvD3XipbCe3XqwPCpUiH0PTktE^`  hxuDt׉E 0Ivar and his endeavers in the ‘70 en ‘80
29
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׉	 7cassandra://fMSGnDsPWC6cyZwKnEUs0iqsxkvZEa-dK3vW2eU0Oxs#Q`  hxuDt׉E ‘Ivar is like a grandfather to me.
And not only to me!
The whole village calls him Tata,
which means grandfather in Tamil’
~
Sagadevan
Trustee Isai Maiyam - Manager Art School - Guitar teacher
31
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://toiOeE6CPvvNveqkXPXq7nmm4Na2TO1dWLldnDSa18s b` ׉	 7cassandra://Dl-SvJ12gzy1VtXtzy6zYjIHZf3GGgM5sQpBrmc_yPAdz` ׉	 7cassandra://5Q8c925brxTmCu3lQXcxzdAIzFBkMKhK5JX5_AIFogs`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://tzX3LFTVTi8nB07aSyAcU8joZNZ_1OP0RQLl5uCIs0g H`׉	 7cassandra://2tucIYXSjLv8kOrD9golEXznaUkA6s5Vu-vQAvv5f6E``׉	 7cassandra://3DmXabQzkUSLL6all6JeJNAux4ccwgCw7I6peoKd2Mg!Q`  hzuDt׉E'‘I feel a deep sense of gratitude that Isai Maiyam has crossed my
path—an absolute enrichment of my life. It’s wonderful to be able
to make a difference in the lives of children and (disabled)
young people in India.
‘ The close-knit community of Isai Maiyam has meant so much to me
over the past 19 years. Every time I arrive in Pondy,
it feels like coming home!
~
Willem-Jan
Former chairman and key supporter
Willem-Jan met Ivar through the
disability care center where his son was
staying. Curious about Ivar’s enthusiastic
stories, he decided to see it for himself.
Since his first visit to Isai Maiyam in India
in 2007, Willem-Jan has become deeply
involved with the organization.
Not only did his law firm provide longterm
financial support through donations,
but Willem-Jan also personally
contributed to Isai Maiyam’s projects.
For many years, he served as the chairman
of the Dutch branch of Isai Maiyam, a role
in which he was always highly engaged.
He knew the staff and children by name,
actively helped solve challenges, and
traveled to India every year to take part in
the daily operations. During his visits, he
would sleep on a mat in the Art School.
Both his daughters, Carlien en Merel, often
accompanied him on these trips.
Willem-Jan is now retired and has passed
on the chairmanship.
32
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33
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hxuDt	
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Old footage
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35
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Some girls who grew up in the Children’s Home in Pondi are still
under the care of Isai Maiyam. They live nearby with family, in a
women’s hostel, or with the Indian family where Ivar lives too. Their
studies and dance education are funded by the Trust.
They call themselves the ‘Trust Girls.’
In the photo, a few of them:
Jeroline (2008) -
Starting college
Sharmila (2003)
Finishing Bachelor of Performing Arts
Mani (2004)
Finishing Bachelor Nursing
Harishma (2006)
Second year Bachelor Nursing
Muthamei (2006)
Second year Bachelor of business
administration.
36
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W`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://bOW_1Yk637jugWxzZ87oRDSyJu3VFzqzC6e_wE9CRvwͥ` ׉	 7cassandra://sKmNS8qpUgoFlIp5aND39BWwEGc9bm16RSt1CrzpMwc` ׉	 7cassandra://vuRQYMg_OyXMJUGEgz6PsjDfS_vsvL0HuWN4Xc9DzGI)`   hzuDt׉E In India
the relationship between
boys and girls is very difficult.
In Isai Maiyam Childrenshome it was more relaxed,
we learned that boys and girls can be friends,
like brothers and sisters.
I cherise those memories’
~
Manimeigalai
Trust Girl
׉	 7cassandra://1p1bGuW3mMvvo014gwfEc88a6zeyX885s8bfII12I0g
W`  hxuDt׉E ‘Isai Maiyam is my home.
I feel safe there.
For the future i want to focus on
a career and independence.
My dream is to work abroad’
~
Muthamei
Trust Girl
39
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׉	 7cassandra://ky5bq9jUj90Jlx_OHy40pL22l8ZXUmSaVbX5YOahKo4+`  hxuDt׉E
‘I dont know what I want!
But i totally trust Tata Ivar,
he knows what is best for me’
~
Jeroline
Trust Girl
Jeroline (born in 2008) was five years old
when she joined the children’s home of
Isai Maiyam. She has no parents, and Ivar
is like a (grand)father to her. She lives with
Muthamei and Harishma in Ivar’s house.
During the COVID pandemic, Jeroline
started playing the piano, and it quickly
became clear that she has a lot of talent.
She now receives intensive piano lessons,
and will start college soon.
41
׉	 7cassandra://ZTH9rZAZBGlRowx9exxNEhmAoJLc2CBRR5WcRblt26M\`   hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://wGjWqmE0A9LX1-3RzM9x1ryh7ld473HpEcGq9rZdBoE {^`׉	 7cassandra://KLfECV8fOcsgLh20l46CHVbqy0rCFxbE2l-MsZaxnyw[`׉	 7cassandra://Mf_vapuR9Wg_EcHRcgqfrGUwYHOVYwkIxXNHDMcWs_o!`  hzuDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://Kw4HXxv664kdPVsK4ZOJuBjnW1j9-tmCi51X3MhUNT8B` ׉	 7cassandra://1-eY8knrpcWwR--BjXs90o6IwZY9C4gIyS3zBc8BYtc` ׉	 7cassandra://Esp8urF3gI5aq2Plf2heE1QolE6l18z2TlGQmJ2Icy4`  hzuDt׉E ?Busdrivers Ramu and Bharatkumar taking rest in between jobs
42
׉	 7cassandra://Mf_vapuR9Wg_EcHRcgqfrGUwYHOVYwkIxXNHDMcWs_o!`  hxuDt׉E ,Ananda Special Day Care
The Handicap School
׉	 7cassandra://Esp8urF3gI5aq2Plf2heE1QolE6l18z2TlGQmJ2Icy4`  hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://OQkM3393PWQhuY84_o6TJl8pzE0xLrBBMJtMnVlJNuc[` ׉	 7cassandra://UrdF4rTtS9Jj0CfG42Qh-6D-NwBBvG5c6uB-ehayuwA ` ׉	 7cassandra://VA0laEx-M6p5WXTL6-H5NJfRls5hPY23SM9mlgIuogA``   h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://3e6cwQiW5dkbrgEuE0_sgK-L6wzIAZE-VP9UNTnhF0w =`׉	 7cassandra://u9SLbTDTEsgJltMQit6Wc_nfmBeOR9LDBwyiL9W10vY{`׉	 7cassandra://kCluZVYzH1XtQA9JWx4LPAFuO7oj4EgTqY0GYBv7TLU,2`  h{uDt׉E ‘The handicap School is very special.
We don’t just provide regular classes,
we also offer music and dance.
This is very important.
Music touches the heart.
~
Punitha
Manager Ananda Special Day Care Center - Music teacher at Isai Ragam
44
׉	 7cassandra://VA0laEx-M6p5WXTL6-H5NJfRls5hPY23SM9mlgIuogA``   hxuDt׉E 9Weekly singalong with Brigitte at the Handicap School
45
׉	 7cassandra://kCluZVYzH1XtQA9JWx4LPAFuO7oj4EgTqY0GYBv7TLU,2`  hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://3vvLqzfrVH6-QXSbgKAz469L7gUYpxIuY5UH1CUuj1s 3`׉	 7cassandra://Eq-BQqK0-zhU8ZqyF7ngSz9OrF8l2DgUeSALN2NM0Esl`׉	 7cassandra://QYS_zk6zT9u6DmuRjHPQwk5BApl6Ne7I3MqYYwIge2I(`  h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://FKtW6Eng_AFBstmxyYkQQQ2QsK-8cXZhKu-BZ3UL_m4 z` ׉	 7cassandra://nwLCIc8_bFkxnfYg7YmHcQLTo4B5XFHYLZBUgyvQjO0j5` ׉	 7cassandra://3lRoQivyght3n9YZakIuySfswR8B_CtnPe0voKcclQ0`  h{uDt׉E46
׉	 7cassandra://QYS_zk6zT9u6DmuRjHPQwk5BApl6Ne7I3MqYYwIge2I(`  hxuDt׉Ed‘My life turned very happy after I found Isai Maiyam.
The years living in the girlshome were very joyful.
Isai Maiyam has been a blessing for me’
~
Punitha
Manager Ananda Special Day Care Center - Music teacher at Isai Ragam
Punitha (1988) is married to
Sagadevan and mother of two children
(8 and 11). She is general manager of
Ananda Special Daycare and works as
a musicteacher for Isai Ragam
community centers. Punitha lives with
her family close to the Artschool.
Punitha moved in to IM childrenshome
when she was seventeen years old. Her
parents got divorced and the homesituation
was unstable. She was in her final
year of highschool and a friend recommended
IM. She lived in Isay Maiyam
childrenshome for about six year.
Living in Isai Maiyam childrenshome,
Punitha was introduced to music. She
learned to play percussion and wanted
to learn more. With support from IM
she studied four years of
performing arts, followed by a teacher
training.
During that time Punitha also started
working in a special school for disabled
children. She loved the work so much,
she suggested IM should start a similar
school for hanicapped children. And so
Ananda Special Daycare came to be!
What started in 2010 with just two
children, is now a full operating
day care school with 48 students
and seven teachers. For fifteen years
Punitha has been running the school
with much love and dedication. Her
biggest dream is to be able to conitue
for manny more years to come.
In Isai Maiyam childrenshome Punitha
met Sagadevan, who was living in the
boys home. They were but teenagers.
They fell in love and twelve years ago
they got married.
47
׉	 7cassandra://3lRoQivyght3n9YZakIuySfswR8B_CtnPe0voKcclQ0`  hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://Up9LI2qyddzNrhf0U2NRcGJ2S4jR_jHXk533gevXx2Q ^B` ׉	 7cassandra://yYynYmemGhj0ZSdqLj904cHy9MLqk5BuZwwYu3Om_gw5` ׉	 7cassandra://ROgI2aoXDDNR6TAukYgQz4VfHWozLJ2Da11ozf8VJt8`   h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://GfMI9E0KyFSt5R3u2hMk66Vyqg7Wp4YCYY6uXtqL7TA `׉	 7cassandra://rTOjUqim9nyNzgEZ3y-92wPcmmt6DQqW2JOWjPkhlkgm`׉	 7cassandra://j9iA_aoBfD0LiVtE-BVwC6Hw8fn8W3phwfbhkqiitpY)`  h{uDt׉E‘I truly love this work!
I receive so much affection.
The children don’t know lies.
They give only love’
~
Parveen
Teacher at Ananda Special School
Parveen (1982) is married and has two
teenage children. She has been teaching
at Isai Maiyam for six years and
also takes care of her elderly mother.
Parveen studied in Chennai for two
years, earning a degree in psychology
for individuals with disabilities. Her
passion for caring for children with
disabilities was inspired by her cousin,
who is disabled.
She worked at another school for ten
years before taking a break to raise her
own children. Once her children
started school, she returned to work.
Parveen teaches Tamil, English, math
and yoga, music.
48
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://mPwKpmIJtiNuYKrjM_1nTrEb00a6mJNS5P5vJCUr5A8 |`׉	 7cassandra://jT9_pDRfGgTMZLQXx1dRikbZ365C7fACtWfPE3qAWHcl'`׉	 7cassandra://PM071JJPd1a_ja9CsmQ7voVG06Ee0bDjOk7IsHeGWrY)	`  h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://aAVkXhwhMhcc1CN_p6lJuIK1QP4I2sKW0nCXIWc8Y18 `׉	 7cassandra://V_kG6CqODuvy1BX_PQgxDXwgTzNwMYEaBSIqFV_Kk4En6`׉	 7cassandra://lGGWwNGlmWJEmGIPhp8jtcGsCRXt-2u9GBgyihJZzFY*0`  h{uDt׉E B50
Students recieve regular yoga classes at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://PM071JJPd1a_ja9CsmQ7voVG06Ee0bDjOk7IsHeGWrY)	`  hxuDt׉E %Playtime at Ananda Special School
51
׉	 7cassandra://lGGWwNGlmWJEmGIPhp8jtcGsCRXt-2u9GBgyihJZzFY*0`  hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://zYMkTH4lQRYPamFa0kdxbavxnwZ-usZteYItslz5viU` ׉	 7cassandra://PbiE2yaDPlSNBAxvpf8cK187Z_vL1naj6hPzW_AOuwI%` ׉	 7cassandra://atT_wHKOgXheodQkQZrghHv8uJ9MOKeV-O_ocVn-_y8`   h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://yq6c_W8jQiEwL0z0CtoqK87WkoZl_km36IgO5o4OwoM `׉	 7cassandra://tbhoaKrX1rgOuZjqIh4AzPy8WpiyS96AfcoChcfZdysz`׉	 7cassandra://s6uTXDHK0qhDStEQ4sRwMkyxcm89w3iR8i2gWWL4Wyc.`  h{uDt׉E\‘I love working with the children.
We are all very close and the atmosphere is flexible,
there is no stress in the workplace’
~
Chandrakala
Teacher at Ananda Special School
Chandrakala (1986) is married and has
two childen. She works at the Handicap
School since 10 years. She organises daily
activities and is assistant manager to
Punitha.
52
׉	 7cassandra://atT_wHKOgXheodQkQZrghHv8uJ9MOKeV-O_ocVn-_y8`   hxuDt׉E53
׉	 7cassandra://s6uTXDHK0qhDStEQ4sRwMkyxcm89w3iR8i2gWWL4Wyc.`  hxuDthxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://JepWfK7A9QkhCzl8StVOIJkQsEmD0ototxcf80YinUA `׉	 7cassandra://dEvRsefkd7NTAa-QGdF2cJicRnEKjpdUPCEFzUQsthcm`׉	 7cassandra://KMlnd0Ai-iesOFs9yQOe8DXfYjJVXJW_Ztpmw08TECQ)`  h{uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://vXz9sC7AHNYEG_kuSrrU68ip56HYxUYtoMfv5-9MbeE.`׉	 7cassandra://IBrSRCEc8CIlOadmAvEgTy3oM9mwfCKeoeUcI97CQiU`׉	 7cassandra://qc3lZmjrsshbZkkPK7fmjOCsvHRK89HEsH38xpLh3xY	.`  h|uDt׉E _54
Students recieve a variety of classes like Tamil, English and math at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://KMlnd0Ai-iesOFs9yQOe8DXfYjJVXJW_Ztpmw08TECQ)`  hxuDt׉E ‘I am very happy with my job.
We recieve a good salary and I love working
with and taking care of the children’
~
Vijyalakshmi
Teacher and caretaker at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://qc3lZmjrsshbZkkPK7fmjOCsvHRK89HEsH38xpLh3xY	.`  hxuDt hxuDt
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://9Rvsp684HjurFdxjLCj7khiS5VVY5pVTAY4XYRX7doI ``׉	 7cassandra://wP295_qzjwmioMNRUOWBdHE1Js86RorqvBXE2553fUwf `׉	 7cassandra://9E_ZcGZO0cWsW8cC2bfjXJX-sv6IMSgaf0ymQ93nJII%`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://xGTVeNKzMiqrh99aG3-lrP3MGHQiT-qbnEfRLdwI18s͈` ׉	 7cassandra://DXkbR-b3gkvm2tibUqLn19oXeQ9Ub11hvFt8HwTc0Bo` ׉	 7cassandra://ushoICCUIU0Yhm6HwI9Kq1JCnWhcGhYIsgovbQ4ZJzE	`   h|uDt׉E &56
Some students need help with meals
׉	 7cassandra://9E_ZcGZO0cWsW8cC2bfjXJX-sv6IMSgaf0ymQ93nJII%`  hxuDt!׉E ‘I work in the Handicap School since 14 years.
I love taking care of the children’
~
Jayalakshmi
Helper at Ananda Special School
57
׉	 7cassandra://ushoICCUIU0Yhm6HwI9Kq1JCnWhcGhYIsgovbQ4ZJzE	`   hxuDt"hxuDt!
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://NwaOXOqttVh3cTbfCkcxELLTqQi-XGVNS3w9CDYruLU͐` ׉	 7cassandra://a2MbrQVwGo0Hr0ETSklCINvI4Zd_ZpeVIxJOOKEgOsE` ׉	 7cassandra://eLiWrFsOb1PEaPmQOEaIL1cAM7mq8fv7CjT3pAWWqxE	`   h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://w4SWIJERO_KQ5ihKHQCw7B-ZfywCwgBm3bjbH2Cjbhk `׉	 7cassandra://8AvcqjWYM_aRhysRrq-a8p5kSn6vHpv_VjCbLke4eNYq`׉	 7cassandra://eItzO6DHHO01LVON4RMEErv0h_QX2WPdxArYMuWQn7c(`  h|uDt׉E ‘I love working with the children.
I have no children of my own.
These are my children!’
~
Patchiamal
Helper at Ananda Special School
58
׉	 7cassandra://eLiWrFsOb1PEaPmQOEaIL1cAM7mq8fv7CjT3pAWWqxE	`   hxuDt#׉E59
׉	 7cassandra://eItzO6DHHO01LVON4RMEErv0h_QX2WPdxArYMuWQn7c(`  hxuDt$hxuDt#
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://jJKcdROzJ19XYtbtEMEe-uT5M93on3mYF5ekr6q2gJsͲ` ׉	 7cassandra://AbHPczgLcZZVtD8YVyUUyQXN2jHfmIi4fwQ4RoYRE3I`׉	 7cassandra://rIM-dM-H9CZSIMATNkgro5zBRUqp8y_Rd2TkmdnghKY`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://DHGLzZFZTU8cjSTJj8ze1ydc4U4VUtCRd3ztk0abgyA `׉	 7cassandra://BQqDyhTnp4iCjpzaJy4AeJA2M11p6dzqs_GXceti-II``׉	 7cassandra://NssQoZNA0PllpEdZV0w88jqB6Adu28DHwvW6jg9pCzY">`  h|uDt׉E ‘Because of my health issues,
I am allowed to work at
my own pace.
I’m very grateful’
~
Shanta
Cleaninglady at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://rIM-dM-H9CZSIMATNkgro5zBRUqp8y_Rd2TkmdnghKY`  hxuDt%׉E׉	 7cassandra://NssQoZNA0PllpEdZV0w88jqB6Adu28DHwvW6jg9pCzY">`  hxuDt&hxuDt%
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://r2kR0XCx2_urleLvMDDLki7pHBDxBy27s9kgSNkbZ7g p`׉	 7cassandra://0JTh3c7GpML-q_aysQ2tu3RaThoHdKZGn9a2mb-rzBE͇`׉	 7cassandra://MobVd8FkHk6OvzQSHCO5HfNgBCWX23Cyjb6Msxr_PGw2`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://EAB2QqomSAL2skHlFaIQljo6vG6MywfuaI7SJSdluyM h` ׉	 7cassandra://fpv601QuglTAEmu-62BNIYjlxWoI3FrCqLVoimYbrgY;` ׉	 7cassandra://FzIPSQkuLjC3fgnBo9Oe_MMxDd_Cjqjey76tfapqVBA`   h|uDt׉E62
׉	 7cassandra://MobVd8FkHk6OvzQSHCO5HfNgBCWX23Cyjb6Msxr_PGw2`  hxuDt'׉E)‘I love my job!
Especially working with the children.
Everyone at Isai Maiyam
feels like family to me’
~
Ramu
Busdriver
Ramu (1959) has been working as a
bus driver for Isai Maiyam since 2011.
He is married, has three children, and
four grandchildren.
Ramu picks up and drops off children,
drives between Pondi and Auroville,
and is available for various trips.
In his younger years, Ramu worked
as an electrician in Auroville. He
later moved to Bangalore, where he
stayed for ten years before returning
to Pondicherry. Through Ganesan, he
became involved with Isai Maiyam.
In addition to driving the bus, Ramu
helps with various maintenance tasks
in and around the building. Having a
blind daughter himself, he feels a deep
connection to people with disabilities
and is grateful to serve in this way.
63
׉	 7cassandra://FzIPSQkuLjC3fgnBo9Oe_MMxDd_Cjqjey76tfapqVBA`   hxuDt(hxuDt'
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://lUNWuZY8pfUrNxSZ9ET21XC3auRoOcdNviAe5GxbL6o -`׉	 7cassandra://6tvLJE-XRKn_W2dC2NDorCCstlOswuETwoE8hmlSQWcO{`׉	 7cassandra://-sVRbBWJIsOd7mAFC-NmPZHfbMTVA5j4SfQ5YR1TWGY!Y`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://Z53xdzOEmtah3UMbszTmUOkRIr4Kh3kTMKz0h8j-EcY &`׉	 7cassandra://3GmIHpsGdxx7HinW3wmXoS91a8Xx6flqBWh0BvZiGGEU`׉	 7cassandra://4dBKW3yRbzNbLXRT1ekXVttFB1FzLvBScNQGcWNaPuA"o`  h|uDt׉E64
׉	 7cassandra://-sVRbBWJIsOd7mAFC-NmPZHfbMTVA5j4SfQ5YR1TWGY!Y`  hxuDt)׉E׉	 7cassandra://4dBKW3yRbzNbLXRT1ekXVttFB1FzLvBScNQGcWNaPuA"o`  hxuDt*hxuDt)
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://qX3g7DIdBC6to3beoCEQKGPhXzkGxInGK4rm5uJNAp4 `׉	 7cassandra://yVdudk_eAU5cIp6GpcPDIar9EPCV9oW7SBb7xiEENLc>`׉	 7cassandra://UuUXfK0VxRhkNb_pAJduODx10U8bwT92-n2sESjyzVs`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://UMDorLrT6Qg--6P5qDcU18lG5HLa0JQ5CNkDvsOeMrY `׉	 7cassandra://OVBmtwjI3CkfZdeVjEGE2jFkfVzhovZxTONpAsppkcYRp`׉	 7cassandra://4qo0Yj-fezm31DpC6z11QtjEkuui8aLQXOSOC6aYzbI `  h|uDt׉E׉	 7cassandra://UuUXfK0VxRhkNb_pAJduODx10U8bwT92-n2sESjyzVs`  hxuDt+׉E67
׉	 7cassandra://4qo0Yj-fezm31DpC6z11QtjEkuui8aLQXOSOC6aYzbI `  hxuDt,hxuDt+
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://bnUJX1J9vqamTFd4x2AeqiULcWcQ8t-Jtc84f7VteNM /`׉	 7cassandra://Dr86TNeBQ1X1Im19d3-tuC5hrdKy5xgw91Y-ceu6KU4YD`׉	 7cassandra://2hoveiW0RnjQz4wZOSXAljK68zNcOsANq0fGIz_bJVM#`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://G12C7jLo4Ya6sYB38hXzWClWYfgwSRbVVQrUsCfAIt8 c` ׉	 7cassandra://fCD7KkZAfYqfq5qf4r80Ez_3k3XHk174pNlsjrax8Sk,` ׉	 7cassandra://r3lRjCSEPKR27FseT1EHxMkbU1RW1Ylk0xvs162k3M0`   h|uDt׉E68
׉	 7cassandra://2hoveiW0RnjQz4wZOSXAljK68zNcOsANq0fGIz_bJVM#`  hxuDt-׉E‘I love my job!
Especially teaching the children.
Everyone at Isai Maiyam feels like family to me’
~
Manikandan
Watchman at Ananda Special School - Ipad/Artteacher
Mani (born in 1985) is the watchman
at Ananda Special Daycare. He is
married and has a daughter. His house
is close to the school, and every night,
his wife and daughter stay with him
there.
Since Mani is very creative, he also
teaches drawing and helps with
graphic design projects for Isai
Maiyam.
69
׉	 7cassandra://r3lRjCSEPKR27FseT1EHxMkbU1RW1Ylk0xvs162k3M0`   hxuDt.hxuDt-
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://8BeRrhJs2x3aMcyb_mgDikezdOyON7RObndGTA8JT2w` ׉	 7cassandra://ARJsDemc0rmTGvqm4jqhsNihzDjMmBOWn4DFLb4cFgI'` ׉	 7cassandra://VED5b50YBKx959zP92VdRJZubljxJ5Z-Ang2N7nFhbQ`   h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://4WHgqILWmaNduQAolLKK9EYTf36tFMFIzBFpDnbupuk `׉	 7cassandra://mBZQ89GDBYxklEjZ4uHEdWH2SFtHukZBvUflAdqceXYͅ`׉	 7cassandra://Kd4pXNoygO28DhI4bfSWLn2iMboNPsgaAZromM__bSI/]`  h|uDt׉E‘While working with the boys in the childrens home in Pondicherry
I met Punitha, who lived there for a couple of years.
We fell in love and got married in 2013.
We are very happy and have two children’
~
Sagadevan
Trustee Isai Maiyam - Manager Art School - Guitar teacher
70
׉	 7cassandra://VED5b50YBKx959zP92VdRJZubljxJ5Z-Ang2N7nFhbQ`   hxuDt/׉E 7Saga, Punitha and their children en mother (in law)
71
׉	 7cassandra://Kd4pXNoygO28DhI4bfSWLn2iMboNPsgaAZromM__bSI/]`  hxuDt0hxuDt/
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://b2kKbHmukd15f-s4sDCDpInAJ7fY-K0Kj9ef2lcrezo |`׉	 7cassandra://lKxcaNwkR7JeqvXUswU9M0VCPaE7Rw9l_SO4iaKAuHY͑`׉	 7cassandra://mnOOZzzWWHBZq9Cj2lwQ3jvi-tn5IYypKafjgfTcNt44`  h|uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://GNaTzOJQ9rlPTk8RvevSqiO71nXgQUla9lP0XRQzXpU `׉	 7cassandra://Czq91rzevF2WAtJ0tZBtlOt5aRmWoTIIVur9jt756Bkmq`׉	 7cassandra://RwvVAb6X5GlRP9JzPi3Fy_b6rdxJPV_JjLWpU7kowE4)`  h|uDt׉E 072
Musical performance at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://mnOOZzzWWHBZq9Cj2lwQ3jvi-tn5IYypKafjgfTcNt44`  hxuDt1׉E -Dance performace at Ananda Special School
73
׉	 7cassandra://RwvVAb6X5GlRP9JzPi3Fy_b6rdxJPV_JjLWpU7kowE4)`  hxuDt2hxuDt1
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://vaddv7eUgUURGPj2qzS0vhYLCFNEsAPXNW1Snyrnlwo `׉	 7cassandra://FI4dc_C8IOdQ0wvfWSK3QF7RXD6aPK4jNfHGJnffw7gk`׉	 7cassandra://Q1kWeNnK4mt4WV1FRhGh3dyh7P-L58LTsd0cK3Xe-Ow(`  h}uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://62J93z1FzIMGZhwQ23YZdr8jQg8D05obWlCAv_SsNjE͓(` ׉	 7cassandra://szjZGchOppbH-3odm7JQc-hxQ_LfOhR7FjuqOvBP_18M`׉	 7cassandra://OteDhY_yagn2wxpFJCHsGNaaiTT4mp_87a6Eq9NA1zs+`  h}uDt׉E74
׉	 7cassandra://Q1kWeNnK4mt4WV1FRhGh3dyh7P-L58LTsd0cK3Xe-Ow(`  hxuDt3׉E r‘We give a lot of support ,
love and kindness to the children’
~
Chandrakala
Teacher at Ananda Special School
׉	 7cassandra://OteDhY_yagn2wxpFJCHsGNaaiTT4mp_87a6Eq9NA1zs+`  hxuDt4hxuDt3
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://q9XmuktLDT2MRcEl9A9b7e4TvtLmqMlbpRc5L72-jF4 &` ׉	 7cassandra://wQzjEDXFFxPQspPEF7hK0Rr6anmBMcQTj6rPYcDfF-8/` ׉	 7cassandra://qr9NmduWvO0XeFgabxMcnTmOYe8Kw0_3pd0woHacXWU`   h}uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://k8O0M1BV5wWvQPmX_3AJx3ZW_SLleQZUbBQdD35K5D8 '`׉	 7cassandra://L9BJwmEdALYTv1zsnEPv4z_OVYYOMPpJKLC2JCCiIzgW`׉	 7cassandra://Y1xdZ7FQl3opuL90qlUtVEfW2vASMDObONw6OPx9_qs"`  h}uDt׉EE‘I’m very proud of everything I have accomplished.
I could not have done it without the support of my
Isai Maiyam - family!’
~
Rajeshwari
Student at Ananda Special School
Racheswari (1988) was one of the first
students at Ananda Special School. When
she first joined, she could barely walk or
talk due to a severe illness in her youth.
However, with the loving care and support
of the staff, she began to improve steadily.
Today, Racheswari is full of life—she
walks, talks, and even dances! Through her
work in Ananda’s tailoring workshop, she
earns a modest income.
76
׉	 7cassandra://qr9NmduWvO0XeFgabxMcnTmOYe8Kw0_3pd0woHacXWU`   hxuDt5׉E IRajeshwari at work in the tailoring workshop at Ananda Special School
77
׉	 7cassandra://Y1xdZ7FQl3opuL90qlUtVEfW2vASMDObONw6OPx9_qs"`  hxuDt6hxuDt5
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://5UPKylNyf1Vrx5LPdts2rIINOthZ-Cvm5JClzYiXRhY `׉	 7cassandra://gL3FpEpINkyz0qkbEak2zCXJIJp1TmcWHyCck2jq8N4`׉	 7cassandra://YwTC9cwNShPTv_ozxeJ0QT4pO61AAbLHwSGY4xd86ps
`  h}uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://o-2gAQ-gkYCMbDYevF5vlU2EQ2ATOEkNLYOc_IPwuf4 K`׉	 7cassandra://eEzjd8UtAdhgqe6mDL1GmAmNHo0byySdyrMCBpa3Vwo~`׉	 7cassandra://c7BBRa3T0VT79bdYFJSCq-Cr5iR7F4WZ13yApVy5A-w,`  h}uDt׉E‘What I like most about Isai Maiyam
is that everybody is equal.
There is no ego, no politics. Nobody is better then another.
The staff and the students, we are all like family’
~
Punitha
Manager Ananda Special Day Care Center - Music teacher at Isai Ragam
׉	 7cassandra://YwTC9cwNShPTv_ozxeJ0QT4pO61AAbLHwSGY4xd86ps
`  hxuDt7׉E׉	 7cassandra://c7BBRa3T0VT79bdYFJSCq-Cr5iR7F4WZ13yApVy5A-w,`  hxuDt8hxuDt7
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://V5CHaR2FHH9a5N8cEds6gKdiLh1YKtH1kcPPflba9Xcͤ` ׉	 7cassandra://8Bgipn40DFuDDtdeDGjJSqHvRPbG43QS8wa-n59oMJE` ׉	 7cassandra://1Ha7u3NrK8ZBhSs6b1Rsb5FezxxWG7RAObLLLkcbruk`   h}uDt ט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://aWs7WXMD1O5FQSESNwMI8uebK552gUo2b1wM4ocMxeM `׉	 7cassandra://h60PmApUeRx-8vftDkVlGT4v0BS77MRktU-kPgP3WTAͅX`׉	 7cassandra://3cA-pptN9v6PvVV7FYQjCElf0OjcTzM82ub3F-6uK4c/n`  h}uDt׉E ‘Music is very important in all my projects.
Music promotes cognitive, social
and emotional skills in children’
~
Ivar
Initiator and driving force
80
׉	 7cassandra://1Ha7u3NrK8ZBhSs6b1Rsb5FezxxWG7RAObLLLkcbruk`   hxuDt9׉E AIvar teaching new songs to the staff at Ananda Special School
81
׉	 7cassandra://3cA-pptN9v6PvVV7FYQjCElf0OjcTzM82ub3F-6uK4c/n`  hxuDt:hxuDt9
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://VxYUKQzh_jAlkOGtY3atx8EwXgA2f2obKqS9ewDuwRk M`׉	 7cassandra://7gjibkcc5K4mG7U8SwATlWdAcL1bAAPyfGlua85qiMIl`׉	 7cassandra://SpG9LfIGqhoqc407q51mXmrKnH_k6C4Cr9HEeF4eI4Q(`  h}uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://gAeCO1C8105jri9o-jw3SHObcsAL2Qe1yZ44cleiEqM `׉	 7cassandra://SvCj80iAd9DK-FxvKvf1lnGJP045r0mlnpO_3sFPxPcU`׉	 7cassandra://-NSGj5LvCoeTt2QffLHQsLokSg4Jz8YU-k3t8PteiDcA8`  h}uDt׉E L82
Students from Ananda Special Day Care spent Wednesdays at the Art School
׉	 7cassandra://SpG9LfIGqhoqc407q51mXmrKnH_k6C4Cr9HEeF4eI4Q(`  hxuDt;׉E׉	 7cassandra://-NSGj5LvCoeTt2QffLHQsLokSg4Jz8YU-k3t8PteiDcA8`  hxuDt<hxuDt;
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://reDy6OZS7AL8YN63xzrY7EQc6T2zYW9otJDSzezccuc `׉	 7cassandra://iucqyLJwURvmxhzOrQoEFi89K_w60gzfN2-UBcg2s0AN/`׉	 7cassandra://MjpyfMMgPon2u9PFYgEjuBHtrwjdbRVCDUNnoyZgGrg `  h}uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://G0jFs9vy-F9JVXNYQNBMeT-m2wxtrLwD2V1hokHuLhc  0`׉	 7cassandra://V8dzwBnm1RRJoiGiNJO1Y9wt6IqlyLfbUbojFsfaigo!<`׉	 7cassandra://m2V7AXQz4SjqB2Db0nwP_U0t0WznrYFs-QrUFXaC1OA
=`  h}uDt׉E '84
Bea and Rajeshwari at the Artschool
׉	 7cassandra://MjpyfMMgPon2u9PFYgEjuBHtrwjdbRVCDUNnoyZgGrg `  hxuDt=׉E ‘A friend asked me if I could bring a guitar to India...
That’s how I got to know the foundation and Brigitte.
By now, we have become good friends,
and every year I spend a few weeks helping out’
~
Bea
Volunteer since 2012
׉	 7cassandra://m2V7AXQz4SjqB2Db0nwP_U0t0WznrYFs-QrUFXaC1OA
=`  hxuDt>hxuDt=
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://Ad0A4B__08VNrOceCCWpH9QA786eqWItbi_xGuSgSu0 `׉	 7cassandra://Bjefjxp-NJr9tBcUhwstUHrcvoPcG_uHRWyqEmq5BpYc`׉	 7cassandra://mavKvkO-lZNBZVHS3XUx4SUYjev3SJpt7zFBsiHbBHQ%`  h}uDt	ט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://P26Ed8dDrwvN1MwvR_qW0y5z4ZqH_5Nmcnp_2fsoTc8 ^`` ׉	 7cassandra://fpkCpuAmWEj3OB5s3o01V2_GIDwMjKc9KKbMsIv1_1s7=` ׉	 7cassandra://PirLFKURQLv48ZEYFnHvZqwpuK00Yp6Sds3b4VyCbto`  h}uDt
׉E86
׉	 7cassandra://mavKvkO-lZNBZVHS3XUx4SUYjev3SJpt7zFBsiHbBHQ%`  hxuDt?׉E‘It’s amazing to see that children who have so little
and have often been through so much,
still radiate so much joy and zest for life’
~
Mirjam & Jelle
Mirjam (1982) and Jelle (1973) got to
know Isai Maiyam through Willem Jan and
first traveled to India about 10 years ago.
They wanted to contribute to a good cause
and chose Isai Maiyam because it is small
and accessible, and because they could
directly see how donations and supplies
were being used.
Since then, they have traveled to India six
or seven times. They have gotten to know
the children and the people working for
Isai Maiyam on a personal level.
Mirjam and Jelle also collected (used)
laptops and iPads, which are now being
used at the Art School and Ananda Special
Day Care.
87
׉	 7cassandra://PirLFKURQLv48ZEYFnHvZqwpuK00Yp6Sds3b4VyCbto`  hxuDt@hxuDt?
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://0fSPm6zJwmtg3axznr_XMWjstD6D3btif0fZIP2__qw V`׉	 7cassandra://GMFe8bbixyN0u4MA_vjw3-1vsqZdbL1hWFWUV1WaQts]:`׉	 7cassandra://auwPigyE0bk0QaYSvubfa9kMzZd5OUJVRXBxkiNGvE4$`  h~uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://uP-MPtXQ3dAYBgV8Krgdpccn9T_0WdiksLLlWwpExw4x`׉	 7cassandra://I8mURjmEM_dpUjRDGqAhduU2Hg8TlE-WTn_3Kej7yg8k`׉	 7cassandra://1q8blY_NInrx1BzyISbxnox4bKPT56KlQfKkC_Xbf4g`  h~uDt׉E׉	 7cassandra://auwPigyE0bk0QaYSvubfa9kMzZd5OUJVRXBxkiNGvE4$`  hxuDtA׉EThe Art School
~
A communitycenter for village girls that offers
free music and dance lessons, English and computer classes
and homework assistance in weekends.
Every Wednesday, the students of Ananda Special Day Care
visit the Art School for a day outdoors filled with games and fun.
׉	 7cassandra://1q8blY_NInrx1BzyISbxnox4bKPT56KlQfKkC_Xbf4g`  hxuDtBhxuDtA
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Guitar lesson at the Art School
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91
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://E-5Orq9CTvlW24vmCpvGILg_9IvhBybDvQwbHFcHGxs ` ׉	 7cassandra://SoI0l5PPQzJsWhvxRpfnKVMSAcA90AK1q7A1iOez18E+?` ׉	 7cassandra://dDW5g5EXBk_oDku5EVIqfVakwWawnsXiExveOyxDumI`   h~uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://8MkuOsG8L0rNpdrq1oOoXLz06Ly581KJpK0LHAtrypg `׉	 7cassandra://78DaNtT_pOEc4y_wnSgL_olkUdthWdnLVFTeYK7uxAce`׉	 7cassandra://WzjnjV7zWtE0l--HJlxNOp5z4LYgquuc4sPSiKCPAPQ&`  h~uDt׉E‘Isai Maiyam creates
opportunities for poor children.
Two of my students went to the UK!
I’m a happy man’
~
Gurumurti
Teacher at the Artschool
Gurumurti (1978) is married and has one
son. He is Computer Expert and teacher at
the Art School.
Gurumurti first met Ivar as a young boy
attending one of his night schools.
Now years later, Gurumurti teaches
computer skills and English to village
children at the Art School and runs an Isai
Ragam afterschool ommunity center for
local children in his own home.
94
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Satya during a dance performace at the The Art School
׉	 7cassandra://iP_AXHommeVG1fypISN0UcTnoc-sekPLuAgD-NP-YEw$`  hxuDtI׉E"‘Isay Maiyam is like family to me.
They introduced me to music
and dance which changed my life!’
~
Satya
Danceteacher at the Artschool
Satya (1988) is married and has a 7-yearold
son. As a young girl, she attended
Isai Ambalam School, the village school
founded by Ivar. Every Saturday, she went
to the Art School to learn music and dance.
Due to poverty and challenges at home,
she moved into the Isai Maiyam children’s
home in Pondicherry at the age of fifteen,
where she lived for ten years. Isai Maiyam
supported her training as a lab technician,
and she worked in a hospital for several
years.
However, her true passion was music
and dance. Recognizing this, Brigitte
arranged for her to receive dance training
in Auroville. Today, Satya teaches dance at
the Art School and other venues.
97
׉	 7cassandra://JjymGU8p7xCW7mG_VZNjZE1E0ipSpr_QdK4rxJCmzYgg`  hxuDtJhxuDtI
P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://bxopUZ_ZA2fKV8iEywTOCyYzILAhwTOXp9oZsJjQiLw `\` ׉	 7cassandra://PAgIMTzJ_G01X3MRCz8nEmyrfofi-fK9oWA9EiYEsUM8j` ׉	 7cassandra://9KXvxMmdQZXL5fY1GB-5s07ZjOFl5vee9byT0N9JQFcV`   h~uDtט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://mqr_eL8gi1jjE3jHI97U_1Ba43SFjOGOxqF2bs20-aM B[`׉	 7cassandra://SQK2SlEhRbtSRL78eHDfiSgsgsjyXJk-pEtNAVTmcd0X!`׉	 7cassandra://hbukBgw38kWnFpXrGJIs6TaxTdbN2ggIIgZNcu5eYMQ"a`  h~uDt׉E‘I feel very lucky.
I owe everythig to Isai Maiyam.
I hope someday I will be able to give back’
~
Manimaigalai
Trust girl and danceteacher
Mani (2004) was eight years old when she
moved into the Isai Maiyam children’s home.
Her younger brother was already living there.
After her father passed away, her mother
remarried under family pressure. With her
new stepfather, the home situation became
unstable. Although it was difficult for Mani to
leave her mother, she has fond memories of
her childhood at Isai Maiyam. It felt like being
part of one big family, and she is still in touch
with most of the boys and girls she grew up
with.
Now a young woman, she is studying to
become a nurse while living semiindependently
at the Art School.
Mani is also a professional dancer and teaches
dance at the Art School on weekends.
Her dream is to one day become fully independent
and to be able to support her mother
and brother.
98
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Dance class at the Art School
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101
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://wBFM9wg9kZE949FhwyJuiPrYf4WOl7LajcQIXWrwWVk͕&` ׉	 7cassandra://DNpPX1zKill2gMdsqFSqakT17zrf_MSZ9gmZomQILW0`׉	 7cassandra://0zWpVLQbSZAFpkXcKR2YV4xP5P6r_I8crJ_VaqtMXdg`  h~uDt!ט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://xaFhx0CrjUaDR5HYRVN8umGLQ3Qr_OeY5YGO0HgWS54 j`׉	 7cassandra://ycJMRtZyXBwgJe7o3iE8xd74Rg1Z_llBegQHQRZdYAop`׉	 7cassandra://b5-tztgccg4jjr4ia4ofbi2zUVrgZpI_YWUsKgNVKUA+`  h~uDt"׉E h‘I love my job. I cook and clean.
In the weekends I cook for 50 girls’
~
Mala
Cook and cleaninglady
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When the opportunity arises, such as when visitors
from the Netherlands or other interested guests are
present, the students of the Art School put on a
performance. It is always an exciting event, prepared
with great care and attention. The girls spend hours
on their outfits and makeup.
They get to show what they have learned, and they do
so with great enthusiasm.
p
106
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Girls in line for make-up
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109
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Isai Maiyam also organizes events in collaboration with others.
One example is Women’s Day at the Art School,
a day focused on body and menstrual awareness.
We organized a lecture for girls from surrounding villages
about the female body and distributed free
reusable menstrual products.
׉	 7cassandra://GoDg-kacQfi553NdDbdFVg7Tu8pZLpMvy9p78vMEU9s`  hxuDthhxuDtg
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P(בCט   ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://Un5MSNQUcl4vUY3_g-v8p-PVHDcHl0V8mcjenJiDEqs` ׉	 7cassandra://cDhilGXALXKwG8VawvblCwU0ht1bYWuFKtYZfWb15wQ#M` ׉	 7cassandra://9NGlyJczWF-n0tyvRXhmWFvbB_VFzlRvstPH9JbsOH8S`   huDtNט ( ((u׉׉	 7cassandra://YMART2ZDBCdmO3p92nR3hyX4MjLijPKEh9U7PnJEBQQ *B`׉	 7cassandra://SVB28XV-TKk4gaE7yJlyx3Rez-X0iejKiUrsMUR3U9A͘A`׉	 7cassandra://Xv-dheLU-Qw-_xOJgJqddd23f6W17y5fCB6wHJRWHJw5P`  huDtO׉E ‘During COVID, we started
the Isai Ragam community centers.
Why take on another project?
Because these people have so little...
There’s still so much to do!’
~
Brigitte
Project manager - Jack of all trades
132
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133
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׉	 7cassandra://IRe4B1kSOMZuPbNvC74k7sVQHhTjuOimeqo1B7v4X3Q'`  hxuDto׉EIsai Ragam
The Tamil name ‘Isai Ragam’ means ‘Melody of Music’.
Isai Ragam is part of Auroville and is run by Ivar and Brigitte.
Its mission aligns with their other initiatives: fostering artistic and
educational development for underprivileged children.
Through multile community centers, Isai Ragam provides village children
with access to various forms of art and education.
~
isairagam.org
׉	 7cassandra://0S4jm20EZYSBN3E22a95PYS0rhbIEOGMcaZlXyubRII`  hxuDtphxuDto
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Ruban, Ranjeeta and son
׉	 7cassandra://VUiLQasj2yRng3jik-TiF9ZnvIx3gizJfx8UF2BjQfc)	`  hxuDtq׉E‘Isai Maiyam is everything for us..
Looking after the children makes us very happy’
~
Ruban & Ranjeeta
Managers Isai Ragam community center
Ruban (born 1992) runs an Isai Ragam community center from
his home. Every day after school and on weekends, 25 girls come
to his center for homework assistance, music, dance, and play.
Having lost his parents at a young age, Ruban lived in several
boys’ homes before joining Isai Maiyam at the age of 13. He is now
married to Ranjeeta, and together they have a son.
Ranjeeta (born 2001) also lost both her parents as a child and
grew up in children’s homes. As a teenager, she came to Isai
Maiyam, where she met Ruban, who was then a warden at the
boys’ home. In 2022, they got married.
Although Ruban is Christian and Ranjeeta is Hindu, this has never
been an issue for them. Whether it’s Christmas or Diwali, they celebrate
everything together!
137
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There were no punishments like in the other home I lived,
I was free to express my feelings’
~
Ranjeeta
׉	 7cassandra://LqL07lULaohxcxaiDguyk2KlVbfw22SxUDdpS7dBGOYU`  hxuDts׉E139
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׉	 7cassandra://USk7DTFc0b5zTFc6E6_kYHgVa9QO_xlxzJuco4j2Ayc1`  hxuDtu׉E‘Why I do this work?
It is my duty. It is my sevice!’
~
Gopi
Managers Isai Ragam community center
Gopi (born 1980) is married and a father
of two. He is an archaeologist who also
runs an Isai Ragam community center in
the evenings and on weekends, with his
wife helping out as well.
Gopi has known Ivar since childhood when
Ivar would visit to sing songs with the
children. The two have collaborated on
various projects for years.
When Ivar was away, Gopi continued the
work voluntarily.
Five years ago, Ivar and Gopi built a new
night school in Pudupakkam village,
right next to Gopi’s house. Over 30 girls
come here daily for English and computer
classes, homework assistance, and music
lessons. There is a separate building for
boys.
141
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We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our work over the past twenty years.
In particular, we thank Willem-Jan for his financial contribution, personal commitment, and
involvement. We also extend special thanks to Ivar Jenten, the founder of the foundation,
for his financial support and inspiration.
Private donations:
• Willem-Jan van Andel
• Ivar Jenten
• Mirjam van der Kaaij
• Jelle Hofland
• Marga en Ubbo IJland
• Hasmit Hascor
• Marjoleine Keesmaat
• E Gotje Keesmaat
• Ervan H Keesmaat
• Else Loes Pasma
• R.Gloudemans
• Vaste donateurs
Donations from funds and companies:
• Wijn & Stael Advocaten
• Hebo holding BV
• Hascor Metals
• Stichting Umoja
• (BLOF muziekband)
• Stichting Wilde Ganzen
• Stichting JAH-JIREH Woonzorg
• Stichting Mostert - Van der Meijden
• Stichting de Zaaier
• Clifford Chance Amsterdam
• Guitars Support Children
Foundation
• Hofstee Stichting
• Stichting kinderopvang Dongen
• SKG Diac Prot Gem West
• De Vetten Holding B.V
• Prodebt BV
• Liedenbaum TB
• Emax BV
• TB Auctions Netherlands BV office.
• Cargo International B.V.
• Noon B.V
• Stichting Taka Tuka Foundation
• Stichting Triodos Foundation
• Achmea Foundation
• Stichting Moments of Joy
• Stichting NUNC
• Willems Koopfonds
• Stichting Projecten van tafel ronde
(Schenking Ronde tafel)
• Maat management
• Vereniging pedagogen voor de
vrede
• HIJS Trein 8.28
• Sint Bonufatiuns school
• Stichting Pelgrimshoeve
• Share for more Rabobank
• Stichting Frangipani
• Madurodam steunfonds
• Haella stichting
• Plan Nederland
• Camphill Nederland
• Stichting Zonnige jeugd
• Stichting Johannesfonds
• Kalsbeek college Woerden
• Stichting Orion
• Cordaid
• Stichting Kleding Inzameling
Charitatieve Instellingen, KICI
• Stichting Nederlands Albert
Schweitzer fonds
• NTAB Paul Blees
• HS Group BV
Further special thanks to:
• Anne Bakker - Uitgeverij 11
• Annelore van Herwijnen - Fotografie
• Erna Braat - WEB FANTASIA
• All our volunteers
• S.K Saamy for his legal help
• Murali for support with legal
paperwork and accounting
• RSM for Legal advice and annual
financial statements Netherlands
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Brigitte and financial support of Willem-Jan.
I am very grateful for that!
~
Ivar
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is entirely dependent on private donations and gifts.
You can donate via this QR code.
Your donation is greatly appreciated!
148
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is volledig afhankelijk van prive donaties en giften.
Via deze QR code kunt u doneren.
Uw donatie is van harte welkom!
149
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Anne Bakker
issuu/uitgeverij11
PHOTOGRAPHY
Annelore van Herwijnen
annelore.nl
150
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