The orphanage of  Isai Ma(i)yam
The Foundation Isai Ma(i)yam, active in and near Pondicherry (South India), tries to support the poorest layer of the population in several ways. 
In India millions of children are living far below the poverty line. For them there is not really a home, no good education, hardly enough to eat and moreover many of them have had deep traumatic experiences. There is no real future for these kids, because without any education and good financial as well psychological support, they will never be able to maintain there own life or that of others. For this we try in our own way to reach a helping hand.

Isai Ma(i)yam is Tamil, (south-Indian language) meaning: Centre of Music. This shows that music is one of our main means to obtain our objectives. But nevertheless, other forms of art are also an important part of our educational system.

The Trust of Isai Ma(i)yam has two houses in Pondicherry for 40 orphans or single-parent children from villages around Pondicherry and also for orphans due to the Tsunami from in and around Cuddalore. The foundation supports their costs of living and they receive musical instruments, a bicycle and tuition fees.

During the day the students go to a regular school to finish their twelve-year basic education.

At Isai Ma(i)yam they are trained in independent living and are taught music, dance, cooking and English. They also join four times a week in collective musical studies and perform regularly.
At the weekends and in holidays the children stay in the Herbal Garden. There they can be in the nature and enjoy to be outside.