Peace, Force & Joy
is the way we work to ensure dignity for every human being.
About Us
AID India was founded in 1992 by a group of friends and local volunteers, guided by a shared commitment to social justice and community care.
Inspired by the motto “Treat the others as you would like to be treated” and the humanist principles of dignity, equality and nonviolence, we work to create a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of caste, religion or gender.
Our mission is to support children, women and people with disabilities through sustainable and inclusive development, fostering autonomy, dignity and long-term well-being. We do this by promoting education, women’s empowerment, disability support and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Since its foundation, AID India’s commitment has continued to grow, becoming a trusted partner for supporters and organizations around the world, particularly in Italy, the United States and the Netherlands.
Today, our work is deeply rooted in the local communities of Sathankulam and Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Together with residents and volunteers, we welcome anyone who shares our values to join us in making a real, lasting difference.
Our Projects
We support young people and their communities through various projects, in collaboration with Stichting AID India (the Netherlands), Energia per i Diritti Umani APS and Radici Globali (Italy).
Island of Hope
Located in the Virudhunagar district, Island of Hope is an orphanage established in 2006 in response to the tsunami caused by the 9.1 Indian Ocean earthquake that struck Tamil Nadu in 2004.
Born from a deep need for safety and care, it welcomes girls and young women who are orphaned, semi-orphaned, or come from families unable or unwilling to look after them. Here, they find a safe home, regular meals, medical care and the opportunity to attend school and work toward a brighter future.
Ave Maria Matriculation
Higher Secondary School
Children are the future and AID India built Ave Maria Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Sathankulam with this belief at heart. The school welcomes students from kindergarten through high school and even provides a school bus service so that children living far away can attend safely.
Rooted in inclusivity, the school opens its doors to orphans and local children who cannot afford school fees, giving them the chance to stay in school and away from child labour. Families who can contribute pay a reduced fee, while others are fully supported with uniforms, books and all necessary materials provided through fundraising and self-sustaining activities.
Ave Maria Farm
AID India owns a large piece of land, most of which has been developed for agriculture since 2005, with the goal of generating income and reducing dependence on external funding.
Thanks to Radici Globali, an Italian NGO, and Mrs. Johnnie Anthony from Seattle, USA, more than 800 coconut trees have been planted and a number of them are now bearing fruit, beginning to provide a steady source of income.
This farm helps AID India move toward greater independence, giving the organization the means to continue expanding its projects and supporting local families.
Microcredit program Grama Vasantham
Grama Vasantham (Tamil for “Village Welfare”) is AID India’s microfinance program, launched in 2000 to reduce rural poverty in Tamil Nadu and support women and people with disabilities in building sustainable economic independence.
After training, small village groups receive their first loan to start income-generating activities such as tailoring, farming, or handicrafts. Repayment is flexible, especially for members with disabilities. Today, senior groups mentor newer ones, while AID India links them to local banks and provides guidance whenever needed.
Thanks to this program, families can strengthen their livelihoods, allowing their children to stay in school instead of child laboring.
Distance Child Sponsorship
In partnership with Energia per i Diritti Umani APS, AID India supports children and their communities through a Distance Child Sponsorship program in rural Tamil Nadu.
With a small monthly contribution, sponsors give a child access to school, learning materials, basic healthcare and a healthier diet, offering stability and hope where it is most needed. Part of each contribution also helps strengthen community projects, creating shared opportunities that benefit entire villages.
By combining individual care with collective development, this program gives children the opportunity to grow, learn and imagine a brighter future. If you would like to be part of this journey, you can visit sostegnoadistanza.eu.
Volunteers’ Voices
Every year, we welcome volunteers from around the world who share their skills and experiences to help bring our projects to life and support the communities we serve.
* This section is continuously updated.
We’re currently collecting volunteer stories. Check back soon.
This story will be added soon. Want to share yours? Contact us.
We’re currently collecting volunteer stories. Check back soon.
This story will be added soon. Want to share yours? Contact us.
We’re currently collecting volunteer stories. Check back soon.
This story will be added soon. Want to share yours? Contact us.
We’re currently collecting volunteer stories. Check back soon.
This story will be added soon. Want to share yours? Contact us.
FAQs
If you have any other questions, please contact our General Secretary, Peter Raj, at avemariapeter@yahoo.com or +91 9442529442 (also available on WhatsApp).
Where will I stay during my volunteer period?
We provide simple accommodation within the Ave Maria area, along with three traditional South Indian meals each day.
Due to government regulations, volunteers are no longer allowed to stay inside orphanages. However, you can visit the orphanage Island of Hope during the daytime on weekends.
Do I have to pay for my stay?
We do not charge for accommodation or meals. However, we kindly ask for a donation to help support our projects and daily activities. You can contact us in advance, and we will agree together on an appropriate amount based on the length of your stay.
Do you accept donations?
Yes. Donations can be made to our local bank account (for Indian residents) or to our international bank account (for supporters abroad). For details, please get in touch with us at avemariapeter@yahoo.com.
How do I reach the place where I will stay?
The nearest airport to Ave Maria School is Tuticorin Airport. If needed, we can arrange a taxi from the airport to the school. For more information or assistance, please get in touch with us at avemariapeter@yahoo.com.
We are an organization. How can we collaborate with you?
If you are an organization interested in collaborating with us, please send an email to avemariapeter@yahoo.com with the subject: “Collaboration Request – [organization name]”.
In the message, include a short presentation of your organization, your mission, your projects, why you wish to collaborate with us, and a link to your website.
As a volunteer, do I have to work on all projects?
No. You are free to choose the project where you feel you can contribute the most.
We are especially looking for volunteers who can teach English or Computer Science, or who have experience in farming to help improve the efficiency and sustainability of our agricultural work. That said, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who wish to support our mission and help our projects grow.
Does the organization promote any specific religion?
Despite the catholic school, AID India welcomes people from every religion because we have a strong policy against discrimination based on caste, religion and gender. Our students and orphans are mostly Hindu, just because it is the predominant religion here.
What is the role of a volunteer?
Local volunteers, many from Dalit communities, are often former beneficiaries of our microcredit program. They return to their villages to train and support new groups, helping improve their living conditions.
International volunteers usually stay for a few weeks or months and contribute through teaching, skill-sharing, or proposing activities aligned with their experience and interests.
Volunteer Now
Help us sustain AID India’s project by becoming a volunteer. Fill out the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.