Snehagram, also known as Sneha Home for Special Children, was started by the Camillians in India in 2013 as the second phase of the Sneha Care Home (OVC Mission). Its goal is to comprehensively address the multiple needs of adolescent HIVinfected children. The facility can accommodate 160 students, both boys and girls. Currently, there are 23 children, 4 staff members, and 3 Camillian Religious Priests at the center.

Snehagram was initially erected as a residence for the Trichy Community in June 2013. On June 22nd, two Camillians moved in, and the Daughters of Divine Providence Sisters joined to collaborate in the mission. At this point, 25 children (both boys and girls) were moved from Sneha Care Home to Snehagram.

By the end of 2013, key buildings, including the Girls Hostel, Boys Hostel, MultiPurpose Hall, and Kitchen/Dining Hall, were completed. In 2014, the Training Centre and Chapel were constructed and completed by the end of the year. On November 15th, the St. Camillus Church was blessed, followed by the blessing and inauguration of the Training Centre on December 29th by Bishop Lawrence Pius of the Dharmapuri Diocese.

In 2015, the center was officially established as a Community, and on February 1st, 2016, the Community House was completed and blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Leo Pessini, the Superior General of the Order.

Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the Centre

The mission of Snehagram is to ensure the quality of life and future of orphaned and vulnerable children infected and affected by HIV, leading them to a healthy and productive adulthood. The center comprehensively addresses their needs in education, health, psychosocial support, vocational training, and life skill education.

Objectives:
* To enable children to develop their skills through vocational training based on their aptitude.
* To encourage children to attain optimum education based on their scholastic performance.
* To ensure a quality of life through psychosocial care and adolescent- friendly nutritional support.
* To increase productivity through a cost effective and sustainable intervention model.
* To build self-esteem and confidence through a comprehensive vocational training package.

Services Offered, Including Outreach
Snehagram provides comprehensive support to HIV-infected teenagers under the NIOS program. The most critical aspect of the program is healthcare, and the centre aims to guide these children toward a better life and future.

Currently, 25 children (teenagers and adolescents) living with HIV reside at Snehagram. Additionally, 120 children continue to receive care and support even after leaving the centre, having completed their high school education. These children live in their homes or workplaces.

After completing the 10th grade, students at Snehagram engage in vocational training programs instead of enrolling in the 11th grade. These programs focus primarily on agro-based enterprises such as:

* Organic farming
* Dairy farming
* Poultry
* Computer training
* Life skill training

Training is tailored to individual interests, with the goal of providing vocational and job oriented training and subsequent placements. Collaborations with Don Bosco Institutes help provide these trainings.

Additional Programs:
* Leadership training programs
* Health and wellbeing programs
* Positive Running programs, with participation in major 10km running events.
* Major Programs and Phases

Snehasparsh Program:

The third phase of the program, named Snehasparsh (meaning "Touch of Love), provides ongoing support and care for children once they reach 18 years of age and transition out of Snehagram. The program focuses on:

* Job placement and training
* Accommodation support
* Peer support for children living outside the centre
* Healthcare support
Snehasparsh is a peer-led model, managed by rehabilitated staff and students, with a focus on health, education, livelihood, and gender related concerns.

I’m Possible Fellowship:
Launched on January 26, 2021, this fellowship emphasizes the vital role that HIVpositive youth can play in shaping the future of HIV interventions. It was initiated by Sneha Charitable Trust in collaboration with Support Orphans of Snehagram (SOS), Bangalore School Sports Foundation, and technical support from Teach for India. The fellowship provides:

Support for 500 HIVpositive children.
* Focus on healthcare adherence, education, networking, and job placements.
* Opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Positive Running Program:
This program encourages children to adopt a healthy lifestyle through running. It aims to:
* Promote running as part of physical fitness.
* Provide nutritional support for robust participation.
* Evaluate the impact on overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Children are provided with:
* Running gear (shoes, clothes)
* Training equipment (cones, hurdles, etc.)
* Professional coaching

The program is extended to six other institutions, empowering children in these centres with fitness and nutrition guidance.

Collaboration and Donor Support
Key Collaborations:

Magic Bus: Job placement for 90 students through training, with placements in various companies.
Thought Works: Ongoing project focused on peer-led models.
Actern Project: Successfully executed.
Innova Safe Project: Ongoing, with a renewed MOU for continuation.

Significant Achievements:
* 90 students placed in jobs through Magic Bus.
* Expansion of the Positive Running Program to six more institutions.
* Poultry farm reopened to provide placements for Snehagram boys.

Members:
Fr. Sunil Pattakudilil - Superior
Fr. Baby Naikkarakudy - Administrator
Fr. Bacil Singh - Member

Contact
Our address:
  Snehagram – Camillians
KGF Road, Nachikuppam Post, Veppanapalli,
Krishnagiri Dist., Tamilnadu
Pin code – 635 121
Mobile: +91 9385822437

Gmail:snehagram@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snehagram.camillians

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snehagram_camillians