Our first visit was
to the
There are 320 students in Grades 1 to 8 with a fifty/fifty split in boys and girls. This is purely accidental.
Classes are taught in Tamil then in English. There is a range of standard subjects. They request a play
area with swings, slides, merry-go-rounds etc. Also furniture, cooking utensils and toilet facilities are required.
Based on the need that I have seen elsewhere so far, these requests are of low priority.
We went to Mylapor where we stopped at a hut to see an elderly lady who had her left ankle wrapped.
There was a definite odour about and there were flies all around. When they removed the wrapping
to expose her ankle I felt sick. The flesh had been eaten away down to the bone in a 4 inch diameter area.
I asked why it had not been amputated and the reply was that she would be handicapped and
unable to take care of her husband. I replied that if she died the same would occur and that was more likely.
Her left leg showed signs of infection as well. It appears that she has cancer (a fact confirmed by Dr Jerald).
She needs both legs amputated for any hope. But with their financial position (none) and her age there is
little to be done. I left in sorrow for her and for her husband.
It was late when we got back so I excused myself and went to my room. I was in shock. It was terribly sad.