A Place of Faith, Family, and Future
1. Origins & Nature
Friendly Home Unit II, Vaniyambadi, was born of the vision of Fr. John Thadews, MSFS, under the guidance of the South-East India Province. From the very beginning, generous and good-hearted sponsors from India and abroad have stood by this mission, ensuring that the dream of offering children a true “home” became reality.
Today, 11 boys find shelter, care, and direction here under the accompaniment of a house mother, cook, and the director, Fr. D. Jaya Kumar, MSFS. The initiative follows the Friendly Home model—a family-style residential care system that nurtures small groups of children in a spirit of love and discipline.
2. Purpose & Ideology
The home embodies the Salesian spirit of compassion and practical wisdom. Its purpose is to provide vulnerable children with a nurturing environment where education, discipline, spirituality, and social responsibility are harmoniously balanced. Guided by faith, the home does not merely offer shelter—it creates a family where dignity and hope take root.
3. Campus & Facilities
The Friendly Home Unit II is beautifully designed with a vast campus that blends functionality with warmth. Spacious community halls, dedicated study halls, a well-organized kitchen, hygienic bathrooms, and supporting amenities create an atmosphere befitting a true home. This infrastructure ensures the boys enjoy both comfort and discipline while growing in confidence and responsibility.
4. Academic Growth & Child Formation
Education lies at the heart of the mission. Individual tuition, mentoring, and special care for slow learners guarantee that no child is left behind. Today, one of the boys is pursuing B.Sc. Microbiology and another has joined an ITI programme, testifying to the home’s success in opening paths for higher studies and professional futures.
The children actively participate in the Children’s Parliament, which trains them in responsibility and leadership. Birthdays, festivals, and cultural celebrations enrich their sense of belonging, while outings, rallies, and book fairs broaden their horizons.
5. Events & Community Engagement
Participation in wider society forms an essential part of formation. The boys have joined Plastic & Drug Awareness rallies, International Yoga Day, Independence Day celebrations, and cultural programmes in their schools and towns. Such engagements instill civic sense, teamwork, and a spirit of service.
6. Progress & Support
The growth of Friendly Home Unit II is anchored in the backbone of the province’s leadership—the successive Provincials, directors, and the daily commitment of helpers and staff. Their tireless efforts provide stability and continuity.
Above all, the home flourishes thanks to the generosity of Kinderpfade Indien e.V. (Germany). Through the unique godparent system, sponsors accompany each child personally and ensure that every project—whether academic, infrastructural, or social—is supported wholeheartedly by the German Board. This partnership has been a lifeline, turning vision into reality and sustaining the home through every stage of its journey.
Conclusion
From the pioneering vision of Fr. John Thadews to the current stewardship of Fr. D. Jaya Kumar, and with the steadfast support of Provincials, helpers, and German sponsors, Friendly Home Unit II stands today as a living testimony of faith and generosity. It remains a beacon of hope and transformation— “where every child finds a family, and every dream finds a future.”
Succession of the Directors at Friendly Home Unit II
Fr. D. Johnson Sahayaraj, MSFS 2016 – 2021
Fr. S. Santhanam, MSFS 2021 – 2023
Fr. M. John Fernandez, MSFS 2023 – 2024
Fr. D. Jayakumar, MSFS 2024 –
