Friendly Home is a chain of Children’s Villages run by the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales and supported by the Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V. (FKI), Binsfeld, Germany. It is the brainchild of Rev. Fr. J. B. John Thadews, MSFS, who inspired his parishioners in Binsfeld to undertake this noble mission of serving the most vulnerable children.

Friendly Home provides education, accommodation, and a family atmosphere to children from poor backgrounds, most of whom are orphans or semi-orphans. At present, it has two units—one in Alangayam and another in Vaniyambadi, Thirupattur District, Tamil Nadu.

Vision of Friendly Homes

  • To provide a loving home for orphans and semi-orphans from poor families.
  • To create a family atmosphere where children feel wanted and cared for.
  • To offer parental love and guidance they are otherwise deprived of.
  • To ensure quality accommodation, nutritious food, and proper education.
  • To prepare them for dignified employment and a successful future.
  • To help them realize their worth and importance to society.
  • To foster a sense of responsibility towards Friendly Home, ensuring its continuity and spirit.

Unlike conventional hostels, Friendly Home is called a Children’s Village because of the motherly care and personal concern given to every child. The institution is also recognized by the Government under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2013.

Friendly Home gratefully acknowledges the enduring generosity of the Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V. and Rev. Fr. John Thadews. Their trust and support remain a source of strength for this mission. Regular communication is maintained with the Chairman of the Association, and a monthly report of activities is shared.

Life and Formation in Friendly Home

The Home maintains a structured timetable and celebrates birthdays of children, house mothers, and directors. The second Sunday of every month is set apart as Visitors’ and Parents’ Day. Sundays are enriched with programmes such as counselling, hygiene and health education, extracurricular activities, medical camps, and spiritual or social awareness sessions.

Festivals and important days are joyfully celebrated, including New Year, Pongal, Patron’s Day, Easter, Foundation Day, Patroness’s Day, Founder’s Day, Diwali, Christmas, Republic Day, Kamarajar Day, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, Girl Child Day, and Anti-Drug Day. Annual picnics and gift distributions, particularly at Christmas, bring additional joy to the children.

For the past 13 years, Friendly Home has stood as a living witness of the social and religious ministry of the South East India Province, offering love, dignity, and hope to the poorest and most vulnerable children.

Development Undertaken at Various Times – Friendly Home

Friendly Home had its humble beginning through the grace of God and the dedicated efforts of the MSFS Confreres of the South–East India Province. The initiative was spearheaded by Rev. Fr. J. B. John Thadews, MSFS, whose parishioners in Germany, inspired by his vision, continue to play a leading role in supporting the project. Responding to the missionary zeal of our Founder, Fr. Peter Marie Mermier, who declared, “I want mission,” the MSFS Fathers gave life to this social and educational mission for rural and underprivileged children.

Friendly Home is known today as a Children’s Village, where poor, orphaned, and semi-orphaned children are given quality education and accommodation within a family-like environment. The groundwork for this dream began in 2008, with extensive discussions on planning and selecting a suitable location. After much consideration, Alangayam was chosen as the site for the project. With the approval of Rev. Fr. A. Lawrence, MSFS, then Provincial, and his administration, construction began, and on 13 June 2011, Friendly Home was officially inaugurated.

The institution was envisioned not as a single building, but as a cluster of residential units, creating a village-like atmosphere where children could grow in security, dignity, and love.

First Year – 2011-2012

Friendly Home began its mission in 2011 with sixteen children, one house mother, and a single house. The first home was blessed and inaugurated on the 15th by Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, Provincial, in the presence of Rev. Fr. J. B. John Thadews, MSFS, the founder of Friendly Home, along with the MSFS confreres of the South East Province. The first director was Rev. Fr. A. Jayakumar, MSFS, while the first house mother was Ms. Mathalai Mary. Rev. Fr. A. Jayakumar played a vital role in laying a strong foundation and guiding the initial growth of Friendly Home.

Second Year – 2012-2013

In the second academic year 2012–2013, a few more children were admitted into Friendly Home. The second house was constructed and became ready to accommodate additional children. During this year, Fr. A. Jayakumar was transferred from Friendly Home, and in June 2012, Fr. L. Arul Sundaram assumed charge as the second Director. The second home was inaugurated in the same month in the presence of Rev. Fr. Provincial, Fr. J. B. John Thadews, MSFS Fathers, Godparents, local well-wishers, and Friendly Home children.

By this time, the strength of the children had grown to 26 in number, cared for by two house mothers. The second house mother was Ms. Sherlin Kalairasi. On 18th September 2012, Ms. Miriam, the first volunteer from Germany, arrived at Friendly Home to extend her dedicated service.

During the same year, the third and fourth homes, housed in a one-storeyed building, were blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, Fr. J. B. John Thadews, MSFS confreres, and in the presence of the benefactors from Germany.

Third Year – 2013-2014

The academic year 2013–2014 was a remarkable one for Friendly Home. During this period, the second volunteer, Ms. Anna from Germany, was warmly welcomed, while a heartfelt farewell was given to the first volunteer, Ms. Miriam. Two more house mothers, Ms. Winnarasi and Ms. Deivarasi, joined the team alongside Mathalai Mary. The number of children increased to 34.

In October, Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, Superior General, blessed the first floor of the third house during his Canonical Visit. On 9th November 2013, De Mello Home, the Administrative Block, was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, then Provincial, in the presence of Fr. J. B. John Thadews and friends from Germany.

During this year, Friendly Home was formally registered as a society under the name Alangayam Fransalian Institute for Aids and Training Society (Registered under Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1975, SL No: 90/2013).

Fourth Year – 2014-2015

In the fourth academic year 2014 – 2015, Fr. Simon Prabu, MSFS, took charge as the third director of Friendly Home, while a grand farewell was given to Fr. Arul Sundaram, MSFS. The strength of the children during this year was 35. Mr. Jonas from Germany served as the third volunteer. Two new house mothers, Ms. Jacqueline and Ms. Nancy, joined the team along with Ms. Mathalai Mary and Ms. Deivarasi.

Fifth Year – 2015-2016

The academic year 2015–2016 began joyfully as all the children returned happily. The strength of the children increased to 37. Ms. Paulina arrived as the 4th volunteer from Germany. Two new house mothers, Ms. Leema Rose and Ms. Laura, joined and worked along with Ms. Mathalai Mary. The construction of Friendly Home Unit–I at Vaniyambadi was initiated, and the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Fr. Dharmaraj, MSFS, Fr. J. B. John Thadews, and the Godparents from Germany. During this year, Friendly Home received government approval under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 to run the Children’s Home. The children enjoyed memorable picnics to Yelagiri, Tiruchy, and Pudukkottai.

Sixth Year – 2016–2017

Fr. L. Sahaya Basker, MSFS, became the fourth director of Friendly Home. Ms. Lea Henrich from Germany joined as the fifth volunteer, and Ms. Priyanka took up the role of a new house mother. The official documentation and record works of Friendly Home were well organized, enabling smooth collaboration with government authorities. The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) began their visits and expressed their satisfaction in admitting new children to the Home. The strength of the children rose to 39.

A significant milestone of the year was the inauguration of the second unit of Friendly Home at Vaniyambadi, specifically established for the grown-up boys from 6th Standard onwards. Fr. D. Johnson Sahayaraj, MSFS, was appointed as its first director, and the unit began with seven boys starting their new chapter of life.

Seventh Year – 2017-2018

The children joyfully welcomed the new academic year 2017–2018 under the leadership of the new director, Fr. George Navin, MSFS, the fifth director of Friendly Home. Ms. Helena Stock from Germany joined as the 6th volunteer, and Bro. Level Winner Raj, MSFS served as a regent for both the school and Friendly Home. New house mothers were appointed during this year: Ms. Arputham, Ms. Jenifer Reena, Ms. Nimisha, and Ms. Chrispin Godsely.

The strength of the children increased to 41, and a new sports team was formed, bringing great enthusiasm among them. The Juvenile Justice Act was renewed this year, and several developments took place in Friendly Home: installation of a solar power system, provision of computers and CCTV cameras, and the purchase of new bicycles for the children. Notably, for the first time, a child from Friendly Home appeared for the 10th standard public examination, marking a milestone in the home’s educational journey.

Eighth Year – 2018-2019

The academic year began with 39 children. Sr. Hanna Goebel from Germany joined as the 7th volunteer at Friendly Home. Two new house mothers, Ms. Prema Mary and Ms. Anu Infancia, were appointed and, along with Ms. Leema Rose, offered the children the best possible care. Fr. Edmund, MSFS, conducted Catechism classes for the children every Sunday after Mass.

During this year, Fr. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, Provincial, made his canonical visit to Friendly Home. A significant milestone was the construction of the 5th house, which was inaugurated and blessed by Fr. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, Provincial, on 19th February 2019. The ceremony took place in the presence of Fr. J. B. John Thadews, Mr. Johannes Blum, MSFS Fathers, the Government CWC Chairman, and local well-wishers. This new house was dedicated as Haus Misaela.

Ninth Year – 2019-2020

Fr. D. Amirtharajan, MSFS, took charge as the 6th Director of Friendly Home. The academic year began with 42 children. Ms. Paula from Germany joined as the 8th volunteer. The house mothers for this year were Sr. Prema Mary, Sr. Anu Infencia, and Sr. Leema Rose. The children were taken on an educational tour to Vellore Fort and the historic churches in Vellore. A remarkable milestone was reached as the first child, Kathambari, appeared for the 12th standard public examination. Towards the end of the year, due to the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus, Friendly Home was closed as per government instructions. All the children, along with the house mothers and the volunteer, were sent safely back home, while those in classes 10th, 11th, and 12th std children remained until completing their public examinations.

Tenth Year – 2020-2021

The tenth year of Friendly Home was marked by the challenges of the Corona pandemic. Fr. Santhanam, MSFS, became the seventh director during this period. The house mothers were Ms. Anu, Ms. Prema Mary, and Ms. Delphin, who lovingly cared for the children. Students of 10th, 11th, and 12th standards continued their studies through online classes while residing at Friendly Home. For better maintenance, a new pit for waste disposal was constructed, and the cintex tank was reshaped to a new form.

The Eleventh Year: 2021 – 2022

Fr. D. Johnson Sahayaraj, MSFS, became the eighth director of Friendly Home during the time of the Corona pandemic. At the beginning of the year, there was only one house mother, Ms. Delphin, along with two children, Valarmathi and Indhumathi, and three domestic employees.

For the first three months (July to September), everything remained closed due to the pandemic. By November, the children returned, and life gradually came back to normal. Two more house mothers, Ms. Saleth Mary and Ms. Merlin Jeevitha, joined from November onwards. The children were delighted to resume their regular activities.

That year, Fr. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, Provincial, and Fr. Sahaya Wilson, MSFS, Bursar, made an official visit. A committee was also formed in November 2021 to prepare the official draft for Friendly Home. The meeting was held at Friendly Home and was led by Fr. C. Sebastian, MSFS.

Several new programs were introduced, such as the Sports Fair, and celebrations of Diwali, Christmas, Pongal, Easter, and the birthdays of all members. Church activities also restarted. New constructions during this year included a cloth-drying shed and a playground equipped for volleyball and shuttle games.

The Twelfth Year: 2022 – 2023

There were three house mothers namely Ms. Saleth Mary, Ms. Merlin Jeevitha, and Ms. Siril Sujitheen. The strength of the children was 29. During this year, the Juvenile Justice Act was renewed. A new cage was constructed for rabbits, love birds, and doves, which the children enjoyed very much.

Fr. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, along with the Provincial, Bursar, and all the Councillors, made an official visit. On 12th October 2022, the holy relic of St. Francis de Sales was brought in honour of his 400th death anniversary. On 24th November, the Friendly Home family went to the MSFS Provincialate to celebrate the same occasion, where the children performed a theme-based dance.

Throughout the year, many programs were celebrated with joy, such as Sports Fair, Diwali, Christmas, Feasts, Pongal, and Easter. The children also enjoyed a picnic to Queen’s Land, Chennai.

The Thirteenth Year: 2023–2024

This year, we welcomed a new house mother, Sr. A. Sowmiya. The strength of the children was 31. On 9th October 2023, the Father Superior General visited Friendly Home and planted a Christmas tree in the garden. Mr. Johannes Blum visited from 1st March 2024 to 11th March 2024 and stayed with us during this period. On 10th March 2024, Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj, MSFS, Provincial, made his Canonical Visit to Friendly Home.

Friendly Home continues its mission of creating a new generation by nurturing the underprivileged children of our state. Many children are receiving this blessing by staying here. For the past thirteen years, Friendly Home has been a place of hope and growth, now journeying with 13 college students and 31 school children from Friendly Home Unit–I, Alangayam

Unit – I

Location and Structure:

Unit–I is situated at Alangayam. It serves as the Feeding Mother Unit for the entire Friendly Home and is designed to accommodate 40 children. The unit consists of:

  • Two individual cottages
  • Two two–floor cottages
  • One Administrative Block

In each cottage, 10 children live together with a housemother (caretaker).

  • Boys remain in this unit until their 5th Standard.
  • Girls continue to reside here until their 12th Standard.

At present, the unit houses 23 girls (from 3rd Std. to 12th Std.) and 6 boys (from 3rd Std. to 5th Std.).

Compliance with Government of India

Unit–I strictly follows all government requirements and maintains updated documentation:

  • ABC Form, D Form, Fire Certificate, Sanitary Form
  • Food Safety and Standard Authority Form
  • Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act related documents (Form–VI, Form–VII)
  • Society Renewal Receipt, Form No. 10AC
  • Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protective Office records

All documents are maintained well in advance. At present, all registered Homes across the State are linked to the Central Government system.

Support from Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V., Binsfeld, Germany

Friendly Home gratefully acknowledges the continued generosity and concern of the Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V. (FKI) Association. The Directors maintain regular communication with the Chairman, and monthly reports are sent. The Association remains supportive even during their own difficult times, and Friendly Home is sincerely thankful for their enduring help.

Financial Support

The financial needs of Friendly Home are met through multiple sources:

  • Province
  • Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V. (German Society)
  • Sponsors and Benefactors
  • Local Contributions
  • Guardians’ Contributions

Functions of the Home

  1. The daily and annual life of Friendly Home is structured around the following practices:
    A well-maintained timetable
  2. Celebration of birthdays (children, housemothers, and Director).
  3. Treatment for minor sicknesses (fever, cold) is provided at the Home; major illnesses are the responsibility of guardians/parents, documented on bond paper.
  4. Children (school and college) have annual holidays only.
  5. Second Sunday of every month is Parents’ Visiting and Meeting Day.
  6. Regular motivational and awareness programmes: counselling, hygiene,     ECA, medical camps, spiritual, social, and educational events.
  7. Children receive gifts only at Christmas.
  8. Celebrations: New Year, Pongal, Patron’s Day, Easter, Foundation Day, Patroness’s Day, Founder’s Day, Diwali, and Christmas.
  9. Government-recognized celebrations: Pongal, Republic Day, Kamarajar Day, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, Girl Child Day, Abolition of Drugs Day.
  10. Annual picnic for children.
  11. Social evenings every Sunday.

College Students and Higher Education

The vision of Friendly Home is to help children achieve dignified employment and successful settlement in life. After their schooling, students pursue higher studies according to their interest, aptitude, and capability.

  • Accommodation: Students are placed in college hostels or private (preferably Catholic) hostels. They remain connected to Friendly Home, especially during holidays.
  • Courses: Students are encouraged to pursue courses like B.A., B.Ed., B.Sc., B.Sc. Nursing, Diploma Nursing, Fashion Design, and other professional courses.
  • Current Students:
    • 3 girls at Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur
    • 3 girls at Auxilium College, Vellore
    • 1 girl at St. Teresa of Child Jesus Nursing College, Chennai
    • 1 girl studying Fashion Design in Chennai (residing with relatives)
    • 1 girl pursuing B.Sc. Nursing in Bengaluru

Guardianship: For college students, guardianship remains with their parents/guardians, not Friendly Home. Friendly Home provides financial assistance only.

Leave Policy: College students may spend short holidays at Friendly Home, following the timetable and participating in common celebrations.

Financial Assistance: Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V. supports 3 years of graduation studies. Bills are collected by the Director and submitted to FKI.

Projects Established in the Last Two Years:

  • Volleyball and Shuttle grounds
  • Dry cloth shed
  • Domestic animal cage
  • Free T-shirts and tracks for children
  • Free English–Tamil dictionaries for children
  • Speaker and microphone sets
  • Picnic to Queens Land amusement park
  • Two-day counselling sessions for children
  • Participation in inter-school competitions (dance, singing, English and Tamil speech)
  • Participation in the 400th Death Anniversary Celebration at Province, Trichy
  • Monthly Child Club, Child Committee, and Child Parliament meetings
  • Frequent inspections by CWC, DCPO, medical teams, RTO team, Food Safety team, and Social Defence officers
  • Significant local contributions in cash, food, snacks, stationery, and supplies
  • Cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and flowers on Friendly Home land.

The Fourteenth Year 2024 – 2025:

This academic year began on a positive note, with all the children returning during the last week of May. The strength of the children is 37 school-going students.

The house mothers for this year were Ms. Merlin Jeevitha, Ms. Siril Sujitheen, A. Sowmiya, J. Jenifer, and D. Sowmiya. Notably, J. Jenifer and D. Sowmiya, after completing their undergraduate degrees, returned to Friendly Home to serve as house mothers and as the first teachers at SFS School, Alangayam.

Friendly Home follows a well-structured timetable to ensure the holistic development of the children. Celebrations, such as birthdays, are observed with joy and shared among all the children and staff, creating a warm and family-like atmosphere.

Friendly Home follows a structured timetable for the children. Birthdays of children, house mothers, and directors are celebrated with joy. The second Sunday of every month is marked as Visitors’ Day and Parents’ Meeting Day. Every Sunday, social and cultural programmes are conducted to animate the children, alongside motivational programmes such as counselling, hygiene sessions, extracurricular activities, medical camps, spiritual guidance, and social awareness programmes. Christmas gifts are given every year, and we also celebrate New Year, Pongal, Patron’s Day, Easter, Foundation Day, Patroness’s Day, Founder’s Day, Diwali, Christmas, Republic Day, Kamarajar Day, Teachers’ Day, Children’s Day, Girl Child Day, and Abolition of Drugs Day.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, both Friendly Homes had several joint activities and celebrations. Three major common celebrations took place:

  • 15th June – Foundation Day
  • 8th September – Birthday of Our Lady
  • 31st October – Diwali, celebrated with our local MSFS confreres

Each of these occasions was marked with the Eucharistic celebration, cultural programmes, and a family dinner. In addition, national and government events such as Kamarajar’s Birthday, Independence Day, Teachers’ Day, and Children’s Day were observed in our respective homes.

The children continue to excel in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Some of them are the first-generation learners in their families, making their achievements even more meaningful. Special classes are provided for selected boys and girls to strengthen their skills in reading, writing, and spoken English. Our 10th, 11th, and 12th standard students are working diligently in preparation for their public examinations.

Many of our children actively participate in zonal-level games, sports, and athletics. This year, five of our children joined the school kabaddi team for the CM Trophy and won the first cash prize, for which they were appreciated by the CWC and DCPO. Our college students are also doing well in their studies. Notably, two of our children who completed their undergraduate degrees this year have taken up roles as housemothers and teachers at our SFS School, Alangayam.

The Fifteenth Academic Year: 2025–2026:

The academic year 2025–2026 commenced on 29th May 2025 with the joyful arrival of all the children. Friendly Home has now journeyed through fifteen fruitful years of service, nurturing 16 college-going children and 38 English Medium School children from Unit–I, Alangayam. According to the Government allotment, the sanctioned strength for girls is 36 and for boys 6, making a total of 42 children. At present, Friendly Home Unit–I accommodates 32 girls and 6 boys, with four more children expected to join soon.

In addition to the quality education provided by SFS School, Friendly Home offers the children a true family atmosphere with motherly care and concern. For this reason, Friendly Home is called a Children’s Village rather than a hostel. All government certifications are up to date, and officials make regular inspections.

Friendly Home continues to remain ever grateful to Forderverein Kinderpfade Indien e.V Association and to Fr. John Thadews for their generous support and constant encouragement. Their satisfaction with our work is expressed often, and the Director maintains regular contact with the Association Chairman through monthly reports. The Godparents also remain generous even amidst their own challenges.

As in previous years, Friendly Home celebrated all official and cultural events with joy and dignity. The Canonical Visit by Rev. Fr. Provincial was a significant moment of blessing. Our 10th, 11th, and 12th Standard children excelled in their public examinations, and all the college students continue to perform well. With gratitude, we acknowledge the first batch of college graduates who, upon completing their degrees, began rendering one year of voluntary service as house mothers and school teachers. This year, four girl children are serving in this noble role.

The new academic year was formally inaugurated on 29th May 2025 with a warm welcome extended to the children, the newly appointed house mothers, and our school fathers. On 5th June 2025, Friendly Home joined the global observance of World Environment Day with a Eucharistic celebration led by Rev. Fr. Christu Raj, MSFS, General Councillor, together with local fathers and the Government Forest Department. On this occasion, the Forest Department generously gifted 50 teak saplings for plantation at Friendly Home.

The community joyfully marked the 15th Foundation Day on 15th June 2025 with the participation of local confreres, members from both homes, and parishioners of the local substation. Further, the children actively took part in International Yoga Day, Anti-Drug Day, Educational Development Day, Children’s Parliament Meetings, and Social Evenings.

All the children have settled into their studies with enthusiasm, showing remarkable progress in academics, discipline, and overall growth. On 15th August, we celebrated Independence Day meaningfully at both Friendly Home and SFS School. Our children actively participated in various activities, making the day memorable.

Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj, MSFS, Provincial conducted a Canonical Visit from 31st August to 1st September 2025. During his visit, he met with all of us, interacted with the house mothers, domestic workers, and children. The day was truly grace-filled, and we had a family dinner with him.

We celebrated the meaningful birthday of our mother on 8th September, followed by the celebration of our MSFS Patroness Day on 15th September 2025.

This year, our house mothers are Ms. Merlin Jeevitha, Ms. Siril Sujitheen, P. Katharbari, P. Valarmathi, and G. Keerthika. The college children number ten for this academic year, and four children are teaching at SFS School, Alangayam.

Succession of the Directors

Fr. A. Jayakumar, MSFS                     2011 – 2012

Fr. L. Arul Sundaram, MSFS              2012 – 2013

Fr. Simon Prabu, MSFS                      2014 – 2016

Fr. L. Sahaya Basker, MSFS               2016 – 2017

Fr. George Navin, MSFS                    2017 – 2019

Fr. D. Amirtharajan, MSFS                 2019 – 2020

Fr. Santhanam, MSFS                                     2020 – 2021

Fr. D. Johnson Sahayaraj, MSFS        2021 –