Swami Bede Dayananda Trust

The Swami Bede Dayananda Trust: for the Education of Poor Children, Trade-trainees, & Day-Care for the Elderly.

Sr Rose Mathew’s Multi-level School for the Poor:  Pre-school to Trade School & Elderly Day-Care

Many years ago, as a young woman, Sister Rose Mathews (see photo – Rose, centre, flanked by two of her teachers) came to Shantivanam and met Fr Bede (Swami Dayananda), whose vision inspired her greatly.  She decided to stay, and put into action, some of Fr Bede’s teachings about making the interior life of contemplation become active through practical love.               

Little by little she started teaching children under groves of trees, and visiting poor families in and around the village of Tannirpali. As time went on she was able to gather funds from well-wishers and build small classrooms in which to hold growing numbers of children, the families of whom were eager to avail themselves of her facilities.                                           

Today she has a small but comprehensive cluster of fine buildings that during the day act as four kindergartens and primary school for the poorest children of the area. The children receive the best education from eighteen qualified teachers and aids employed with funds from friends all over the world.                                      

After school, the whole complex is taken over by young adult trade-trainees for the rest of the night.  Eager young adult men and women, learn their trades at two tailoring centres, two typing / secretarial centres, and two computer / IT centres.

These young adult students come for nightly lessons, each of two hours, after which they depart with their skills and knowledge, then the next group come in.  With larger classrooms, and if Sr Rose had funds for extra equipment, more students could be accommodated for longer. But, as the adage goes, “Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”                                                     

It is a rare treat to visit this quiet woman, who for years has nurtured the mustard seed of her faith for the sake of her many children and beneficiaries.

For those who wish to find out more, or help with this great work of love, Rose’s email: rosemathew1958@yahoo.co.in