Peace, Force & Joy
is how 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 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 organisations 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 a children’s home 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 have lost one or both parents, or who come from families unable to look after them. Here, they find a safe home, regular meals, medical care and the opportunity to attend school and work towards 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. This English-medium 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 protects vulnerable children from child labour by opening its doors to orphans and families who cannot afford fees. To ensure true equality, all students receive uniforms and books, made possible 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. A number of them are now bearing fruit, beginning to provide a steady source of income.
This farm helps AID India move towards greater independence, giving the organisation the means to continue expanding its projects and supporting local families.
Microcredit programme Grama Vasantham
Grama Vasantham (Tamil for “Village Welfare”) is AID India’s microfinance programme, 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 entering child labour.
Distance Child Sponsorship
In partnership with Energia per i Diritti Umani APS, AID India supports children and their communities through a Distance Child Sponsorship programne 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.
Articles
Read the stories of resilience and empowerment from the communities we serve.
* This section is continuously updated.
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Ave Maria School: Cultivating the Future in Rural Tamil Nadu
Read more: Ave Maria School: Cultivating the Future in Rural Tamil NaduDedicated to transforming young lives, the Ave Maria School empowers students through education, loving care, and a truly welcoming environment.
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Grama Vasantham: The “Springtime” of Independence in Rural Tamil Nadu
Read more: Grama Vasantham: The “Springtime” of Independence in Rural Tamil NaduUnited by the Grama Vasantham project, women in rural Tamil Nadu are finding the strength and support to achieve true independence.
Photo gallery
Explore the visual journey of our daily impact and the faces of the communities we support.
* This section is continuously updated.
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.
Visiting the AID India projects was a dream.
Seeing the initiatives firsthand revealed the profound impact of a community built on love and long-term commitment. I was deeply moved by Island of Hope, a safe and joyful home for vulnerable girls. Meeting them and witnessing their resilience was a truly life-changing experience. I was equally inspired by Peter, the Secretary General, whose tireless dedication makes all of this possible. I returned home with an even stronger desire to support this incredible family.
Words are not enough to describe the dedication of this community.
I can only admire their commitment and learn from the example they set every day. I am deeply grateful for the time spent with everyone here, and I will remember this life-changing experience for the rest of my life.
Words cannot express our gratitude for this volunteering experience.
The team’s warm hospitality brought us immense joy, and we are proud to have shared such a meaningful time with the students. Exchanging ideas and experiences allowed us to embrace this wonderful culture through a fresh, authentic lens. The organization’s deeply human approach to every situation is truly touching.
We never expected to build such strong bonds in such a short time.
Volunteering here taught us so much about simple living, resourcefulness, and the true meaning of community. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn, teach, and experience life alongside this wonderful organization. We truly felt like part of a family, gaining many new little sisters during our stay. Each girl has earned a special place in our hearts, and we will deeply miss them, the shared moments, and the vibrant local culture.
This community is a beautiful example of love and purpose.
I am deeply inspired by how everyone at Ave Maria and AID India works together to make this organization thrive. You are living proof of what is possible in this world, creating a space where everyone feels like family. Thank you for welcoming me so completely and treating me as one of your own. We are not all the same, but we are all one!
My time volunteering here was short, but incredibly rewarding.
I am so grateful for the shared moments, the wonderful meals, and all the laughter. I truly feel like I have gained new family members. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and making this an unforgettable experience!
My time with this special family was an unforgettable experience.
I am deeply grateful to have visited this wonderful place in India. I will miss the warm personalities, the laughter, and the beautiful local culture. Thank you to the incredible team for taking such good care of us and making me feel at home. Thank you Peter for inspiring me to do something good for the world, a mission | will continue to pursue. Sending a big hug to all the amazing people at Ave Maria, I look forward to seeing them thrive in the years to come.
Thank you so much for the exceptional care and hospitality.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have shared our first Indian adventure with such a wonderful community. All the experiences will remain in our hearts forever, especially the outings with the girls and the celebrations we shared. Keep up the incredible work you are doing. We send our love to all the children and teachers!
An experience unmatched in heart and spirit.
My sincere thanks to everyone for making my stay so wonderful. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this home and school. You are amazing people and should be very proud of your achievements. I have volunteered in many places, but few compare to this community. I hope our relationship will continue as AID India grows. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.
An incredible time getting to know everyone.
Thank you all for the loving care and wonderful moments. Keep up the amazing work! I can truly see the great changes being made in the lives of the children and women, it is deeply inspiring. I will never forget this community, and I feel certain that I will return one day to see how your educational and technology projects continue to grow.
A truly welcoming first experience in India.
Thank you for the wonderful time! I felt completely welcomed into your community. It was a joy to meet the girls from the home and spend time with them. I also learned a great deal during the research work we conducted together. Thank you for all the guidance and the beautiful shared moments. I will never forget you!
The team’s warm hospitality made me feel like part of the family.
Thank you for everything! Peter was incredibly helpful in answering our questions, and the staff took such good care of us, turning the guesthouse into a true home. Above all, spending time with the children was the highlight of the trip, they are the real heart of the organization. Thank you all for making this possible!
Despite being far from home, I never felt alone.
I would like to thank everyone at AID India for your incredible hospitality, kindness, and care. This experience means a lot to me, and I will never forget the joyful children. Spending time with the girls at the home was truly wonderful. I also learned a great deal during our work on the school project. It was a privilege to share my nursing knowledge, and I learned just as much from the children and teachers in return. Thank you for an unforgettable time!
We didn’t know what to expect, but we quickly found family and home.
You filled our time here with joy, laughter, wonderful food, and the beautiful Tamil culture. This is an experience we will never forget. We will always keep you in our thoughts, wishing the entire community health, success, and happiness. We hope to see you all again soon.
The warmth, love, and energy you shared are truly special.
Getting to know the Ave Maria family meant the world to me, and those feelings will stay in my heart long after my time in India. You should be incredibly proud of the vital work you do and your wonderful openness. Thanks to the amazing team and the guidance of Peter, the Secretary General, I quickly stopped feeling like a visitor and truly felt at home. I feel certain that I will return one day!
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 children’s homes. However, you can visit the Island of Hope during the daytime at 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 organisation. How can we collaborate with you?
If you are an organisation interested in collaborating with us, please send an email to avemariapeter@yahoo.com with the subject: “Collaboration Request – [organisation name]”.
In the message, include a short presentation of your organisation, 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 organisation promote any specific religion?
Despite having a 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 children in our care are mostly Hindu, simply because it is the predominant religion in the region.
What is the role of a volunteer?
Local volunteers, many from marginalised communities, are often former beneficiaries of our microcredit programme. 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.
Join Our Volunteers
Help us sustain AID India’s project by becoming a volunteer. Fill in the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.