Our projects
The projects carried out so far and those planned relate to the two facilities of Webbs Home (Madras) and ZION Home (Surutupalli, Andhra Pradesh, approx. 2 hours’ drive from Madras in the countryside). Outside the homes, the children attend the relevant schools in the Chennai district and at the Zion Home in Surutupalli
There, the children have 50,000 m² of living space, a kindergarten, an elementary school, three training workshops and an outpatient clinic (also for patients from outside) at their disposal.
Below you will find a chronological overview of the projects and milestones of the past almost 30 years in the Hemalata children’s homes:
2024
Expansion of self-sufficiency & new construction of sanitary facilities
2024
- January: New uniform clothing for all children at the beginning of the year, made by Hemalata’s ‘house tailor’
- January/ February: Complete renovation and painting of the Webbs and ZION Home buildings. The buildings were partially damaged by a cyclone in
- December and fallen trees had to be cleared away. We could include the picture in the attachment with the fallen tree. I would try to get the picture with high resolution from India, as this was sent via whatsapp and is therefore compressed to 434 KB.
- March / April : Visit of the Hemalata children’s homes Webbs and ZION as well as the ZTI workshops by Ulrich Castelhun and Alexander Breu to take stock and discuss new projects (sewing school and nurse training) for 2024-2026. The last visit of the children’s homes was about 5 years ago.
2023
Foundation of a support association
& Renovation work
2023: Founding of the support association_renovation work
- Foundation of the Hemalata Children’s Homes and Education Association in South India The financial support of our Hemalata orphanages and ZTI workshops is subject to an annual tax and financial audit by the Indian authorities and has been without any objections ever since. However, to ensure that our diverse project work and the use of sponsorship funds remains transparent in the future, we have decided to found an independent association, Hemalata Children’s Homes and Education in South India e.V., first general meeting in November 2023.
- October: Repair and complete renewal of the road surface in both homes, which were badly damaged by monsoon rains in recent years.
- November: Repair of power distribution box in Webb home completely damaged after a car accident. First general meeting of the association in November 2023
- December:
- Cyclone damage at Webbs home needs to be repaired, fallen trees in the courtyard of the orphanage.
- Christmas bazaars held in the parish of Baiersdorf, the Realschule am Europakanal (Erlangen) and Möhrendorf elementary school. The proceeds totaling around €2000 will benefit the children’s homes.
- Sending out the 2023 sponsorship letter with an outlook for the 2024 projects
2022-2023
Foundation of a support
association Hemalata
2022-2023: Foundation of the Hemalata Children's Homes and Education Association in South India e.V.
- The coronavirus situation and the associated restrictions eased somewhat in 2022. Schools have reopened and most of the children have returned to the homes from their families.
- Due to the stricter restrictions and high hygiene requirements for care facilities, 44 caregivers and assistants are employed in both homes, which means enormous costs for the care of the children in the homes.
- Extension of the main building (Webbs) with a modern corrugated iron roof to increase the space for eating and playing.
- Purchase of 2 new washing machines, cupboards, mats, comforters, pillows and pillowcases to meet the requirements of the Local Child Welfare Committee.
- Replacement of 2 batteries in the ZION Home with electricity converters.
- General overhaul of vegetable garden and adjacent mango plantation including irrigation ditches
- November 2022: Founding event of the ‘Hemalata Children’s Homes and Education in South India’ support group and registration of the association at Bamberg Local Court
2021
Pandemic
Coping
2021: Overcoming the pandemic
- Setting up a new bank account, as all NGOs and charitable organizations are required by the Indian government through new regulations in the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) to channel funds received from abroad via a government account at the State Bank of India.
- Children who go to their families receive 5 kg of rice and 1000 rupees (= approx. 12 euros) for their relatives.
- Our caregivers are deployed in ‘medical camps’ in the surrounding villages.
- The bathrooms and toilets had to be renovated again due to the regulations.
- Increased financial resources for food, as all markets are closed and food has to be bought on the black market or on the country roads. Our new vegetable garden can only partially compensate for this (or was unfortunately severely damaged by a typhoon).
- Maintaining the operation of the ZION outpatient clinic.
- According to a decision by the Indian government (J.J.Act), one caregiver per 10 children must be employed in the homes in future. Additional caregivers and cleaning staff are hired.
2020
Pandemic
Organization
2020: Pandemic organization & Federal Cross of Merit for Dieter Castelhun
- Coping with the coronavirus pandemic in accordance with official regulations and hygiene concepts. The wearing of masks and hygiene regulations are demanded in detail by the authorities and checked regularly.
- Transportation of most children to their relatives and provision of food there. Food parcels for the poorest people in the district.
- Start of ZTI workshops postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Recruitment of trainees for skilled worker training underway.
- A vegetable plantation has been set up in addition to the tree plantation at Zion Home due to the drastic increase in the price of food on the markets; prices of food and drinking water have risen sharply. Gas for our kitchen is only available on the black market.
- Supporting the families of the children in the home with gifts in kind and money. We inform and appeal for support in newspapers in the district of Forchheim, Herzogenaurach, Erlangen and in community newspapers, with good success.
- Dieter Castelhun is awarded the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on Ribbon for his many years of support and commitment to the Indian orphanages.
2019
Licensing of the Zion
Technical Institute (ZTI)
2019: Licensing of the Zion Technical Institute (ZTI)
- After the death of Irmgard Castelhun, the decision was made together with her husband Dieter Castelhun to continue her ‘life’s work’, the care of the Hemalata orphanages.
- In August 2019, receipt of the final license for the new technical center (Zion Technical Institute) for the existing workshops for the 2-year training of young people as skilled workers. In future, skilled workers will be trained here as electricians, machine fitters, welders and computer specialists. The largest project to date (TECHNIKUM) has been realized.
- Future funding (salaries of the workshop managers, consumables, maintenance costs of all kinds) has also been secured.
- Roofing in the ZION Home for the dining area as protection against heat and rain (Zion)
2018
Skilled worker training:
we must adapt to this
2018: Skilled worker training: we need to adapt to this
- Apprentices for skilled worker training must be proficient in English. Unfortunately, the 15-16 year olds from the ZTI’s rural surroundings rarely qualify. We have therefore established contact with the “Indo German School” (link www.ehsiy.org)
- in Nelavoy, Andhrapradesh (approx. 50 km from ZION Home), where English is taught and spoken from kindergarten age. In line with our principle of only educating Dalits (casteless) and young people from poor families, we will also offer sponsorship from this school in future.
- Our focus is now on the topic of skilled worker training, which we have to adapt to organizationally in the Hemalata homes.
- Received the ‘green light’ from the inspectors who check compliance with the prescribed quality in the accommodation of the children in Madras and Uttokottai.
- Roofing of the inner courtyard to protect from rain and sun (ZION)
- A water-saving “drip system” was financed for the 600 mango trees in the orchard, as well as new clothes for all the children.
- Purchase of a new bus to transport the children and for bulk purchases
2017
International standards
have been achieved
2017: International standards have been achieved
- New construction of a residential home for boys above 13 years (government requirement)
- Due to our existing buildings and facilities, we received prior approval from the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Labor, Employment, Training) on 31.3.2016 to apply to the central government in New Delhi for the establishment of an ITI’S (Industrial Training Institute). Only ITI’S are authorized to train young people as skilled workers in a two-year course. This training is strongly oriented towards dual training (e.g. in Germany). Here, too, the aim is to achieve “international uniform standards”.
- This involves regulations for the central purchasing of tools and machines and the approval of inspectors from New Delhi.
- Obviously, the central government in Delhi has greatly underestimated the flood of applications to set up an ITI. There has been a backlog of approvals.
- Funding has been secured. The important thing is that we have improved the standard of living of the 300 children.
2016
WEBBS Memorial:
Fulfillment of state requirements
2016: More training opportunities and good employment prospects
- Damage caused by the flood disaster and lightning strikes in November 2015 (e.g. replacement of computers) was repaired thanks to donations.
- Renewed renovation of the bedrooms and living quarters as well as the sanitary facilities and kitchen area in order to meet the strict requirements of the Ministry of Social Welfare. Many NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) were unable to meet these high standards for financial reasons and had to close.
- Issue of the first training certificates for the 6-month basic courses for 190 apprentices (computer 100, electrical 50, tailoring 40).
- Great demand from the neighboring international industrial complex Sri City for our fully trained skilled workers as soon as we receive approval for the 2-year training course. The young people are eagerly awaiting the start of the two-year skilled worker courses, as only these guarantee well-paid jobs in industry and . skilled trades.
2015
WEBBS Memorial:
Fulfillment of state requirements
2015: WEBBS Memorial: Meeting government requirements for charitable institutions
- Due to the requirements of the “Social Welfare Ministry” for us as a charitable institution, new minimum standards were set for the accommodation of children.
- Provision of at least 4.5 m2 of living space per child and accommodation for boys and girls aged 12 and over in separate buildings, followed by the construction of a new residential building for boys.
- Meeting higher standards for sanitary facilities.
- It was possible to cover all the costs for the expenses of around € 50,000 thanks to a high level of donations
2014
Zion
Technical Insitute
2014: ZION Technical Insitute
- The ZION TECHNICAL INSTITUTE has met all building standards and has increasingly trained apprentices in half-year courses (60 apprentices in basic electrical engineering, 30 in computers, 40 in tailoring)
- Financing of school fees and training costs for 23 young people in further education institutions. More and more young people are deciding to continue their education after compulsory schooling (year 12) with the consent of their parents.
- Increase in household costs by 30% due to rising inflation in India
- Purchase of new clothes and school uniforms for approx. 300 children in the home equipped with new clothes
2013
WEBBS Memorial
becomes a FOUNDATION
2013: WEBBS Memorial becomes a FOUNDATION
- Notarized conversion of the WEBBS MEMORIAL into a FOUNDATION with the foundation purpose: Welfare for children and young people without discrimination according to religion, race, caste and origin.
- Permanent use of the created real estate and machinery for charitable purposes
- Stabilization of the power supply for the workshops through the purchase of 2 inverter batteries.
2012
Expansion of the
training program and
Federal Cross of Merit
Irmgard Castelhun
2012: Expansion of the training program_Federal Cross of Merit for Irmgard Castelhun
- At the beginning of 2012, we started teaching young people from the Hemalata homes and the surrounding villages, mainly casteless people. In July 2012, we received approval from the Commissioner Employment and Training Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) after inspection by the authorities to run various courses in carpentry, turning, welding, metalworking, electrical (basic), computer (basic), nursing and repair of electrical appliances. The training includes practical and theoretical work in our own training workshops and internships in industrial companies
- School and training costs for the orphans can be covered by the sponsors
- The outpatient clinic offers free medical care for the orphans as well as for the inhabitants of the surrounding and sometimes distant villages in the region
- Award of the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on ribbon for Irmgard Castelhun for her many years of commitment to the Hemalata children’s homes.
2011
Zion –
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
2011: „ZION - TECHNICAL INSTITUTE“
- Foundation of a support association for the conversion of all training workshops into a state-recognized INSTITUTE. A government commission inspected the existing buildings, equipment, facilities and teaching staff. In this industrially underdeveloped, rural region, we are the only ones to receive the unrestricted title of “TECHNICAL INSTITUTE”. We have agreed to give preference to casteless youths or youths from the lower castes. The apprentices are given skilled worker certificates which are officially recognized by the government and the industry. The apprentices are also placed with companies by the government
2010
Environmental
requirement
2010: Environmental requirement
- New construction of both kitchens (Webbs and ZION) due to conversion from wood to gas firing
- Further extension of the play equipment for the children’s leisure activities
2008 – 2009
Training and
training workshops
2008 – 2009: Training and training workshops
- Graduation and journeyman’s certificates for the first class of 12 carpentry apprentices.
- Creation of additional apprenticeships for lathe operators, welders, seamstresses and electricians; additional computer training places are set up for this purpose.
- Sternstunden” project: Financing of the training workshop for 25 electrical apprentices and two PC stores (Webbs and ZION) for basic IT training.
2007
Improvement of building
structures
2007: Improvement of building structures
- Film project: professional production of a half-hour video film with the title “The Hemalata orphanages in South India and the daily life of the children with German explanatory text. (link video ?)
- 30 – 40 year old buildings had to be partly demolished and partly renovated from scratch in order to withstand the monsoon weather and the annual typhoons.
- Plantation trees uprooted by the typhoon were replaced and the vegetable plantation enlarged
- Presentation of state-recognized diplomas with big celebrations in the presence of social and political celebrities.
- As the capacity limit was reached by accepting new apprentices, we invested in a new boarding school building. In addition, the typing school is being supplemented with the establishment of a computer school.
- The quality of life of all children has been improved by renovated living quarters, new washrooms and toilets.
2006
Preserving and
improving
2006: „Preserving and improving“
- Construction of two huts in the plantation (Zion).
- Creation of playing facilities for cricket, volleyball and basketball. (Webbs)
- Construction of 3 bathrooms and a restroom facility with 30 stalls. (Webbs)
- Renovation of the living quarters for the children (Webbs)
- Equipping all 400 children with new clothes and school uniforms
- Repair of the tractor at ZION Home
- Replacement of uprooted trees after significant typhoon damage and paving of paths after typhoon damage
- Purchase of a TV set for school and educational videos (Webbs)
- In accordance with official fire protection regulations, the thatched roof of the main building was replaced with tiles
- Roof renovation of school building and training workshop in Zion
2005
Tsunami-
disaster
2005: Tsunami disaster
- Up to September 2005: more than 70 children from families affected by the tsunami disaster were taken in. In addition, we spontaneously donated € 1000 to the director of an Indian reception camp for tsunami victims.
- General overhaul of 30-year-old buildings to expand the reception capacity
- The first furniture was produced in our own carpentry workshop. The number of sponsorships grows to 170 children
2004
Zion: Power supply & toilet renovation
2004: Zion: Power supply & toilet renovation
- Procurement of generators to bridge the daily power cuts and general overhaul of the toilet facilities.
2003
Zion: Expansion of training workshop & construction of a deep well
2003: Zion: Expansion of training workshop & construction of a deep well
- Procurement of additional workbenches and tools for our training workshop, which was inaugurated in 2002. Purchase of 3 additional sewing machines for the planned doubling of training capacity.
- Construction of a deep well (2.40 m diameter, 30 m deep) in the riverbed with a vertical submersible pump using the latest technology, with a pipe system running about 1000 m uphill to a 30,000 liter raised tank at the highest point of the 40,000 m² plantation.
- This ensures that the children and the plantation have a water supply even in dry periods.
2002
Zion:
Training workshop
2002: Zion: Training workshop
- Inauguration of the new training workshop for training as a turner. The workshop trains apprentices in six-month basic courses.
2001
Zion:
Equipment of the school
2001: Zion: Equipment of the school
- Equipping the Zion School with school desks. Before, the 100 school children sat on the floor. Postural problems were inevitable. These are the first school desks for miles around and a showcase.
1999 – 2000
Zion and
Webbs
1999 - 2000: Zion and Webbs
- Purchase of a delivery van, as inexpensive food has to be brought from Madras to Zion Home twice a week.
- Setting up a kindergarten in Zion Home.
- The paths between the buildings in Zion Home were made suitable for monsoons with drainage systems. A number of sports facilities were created in both homes, including equipment for table tennis, volleyball, football, basketball, including equipment for the little ones (e.g. sandpit, slide, swing). All 700 plantation trees (on a slope) were given water retention basins to collect monsoon rain.
1998-1999
Zion- Construction of a Training Center
1998-1999: Zion- Construction of a Training Center
- Construction and erection of a training center for typewriting and sewing. For this purpose, the school building was extended and 120 m² of classroom space was created. In 2002 and 2003, all training places were filled with 35 trainees learning typewriting in shifts on 13 machines (English, Telegu and Tamil) and 25 girls who are completing an 18-month training course to become seamstresses on 12 sewing machines. The vacant places are filled by children from the surrounding villages. This filled a gap in this poor region, also an important aspect in times of increasing fundamentalist movements in India.
1996-1997
Expansion of self-sufficiency & new construction of sanitary facilities
1996-1997: Expansion of self-sufficiency & new construction of sanitary facilities
- New plantation of a fruit tree plantation (including fencing) with 500 mango trees, 100 coconut palms, 50 teak trees and a 5000 m² vegetable garden (tomatoes, chili, beans, eggplants, dhal lentils).
- Plus two accommodations for the gardeners. Complete renovation of the Hemalata residential building in Madras and general overhaul of the monsoon-damaged children’s accommodations.
- Construction of a toilet facility for patients of the clinic in the Zion Home with a water connection.
1995
Construction of a
fountain system
1995: Construction of a fountain system
- A large donation received in November 1994 made it possible to build the long-awaited well on the river. This eliminated the need to transport buckets of water from the nearest village to supply the 150 children, 80% of whom are under 10 years old.
1994
Zion- Home: New construction of sanitary facilities
1994: Zion- Home: New construction of sanitary facilities
- A first step was to improve hygiene by installing a toilet facility in the Zion Home, which was important in view of the pneumonic plague that was rampant in India at that time.
