Welcome to season 2, epsiode 47 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.
This week is a special episode as I welcome back my previous guest, Chaya Pamula. Chaya is the Co-founder and CEO of PamTen Inc. and Founder of Shetek. In this episode we discuss her role as the Founder of SOFKIN (Support Organization For Kids In Need). I also interview five children who grew up in SOFKIN homes. Kranthii Vulpe lived in a SOFKIN home for 9 years and is now a Software Engineer at Electronic Arts. Kranthii was the very first child of SOFKIN and is now working for one of the most reputable companies in India. His sister, Mythri Vulpe was in a SOFKIN home for 10 years and is now working as a Product Manager for PamTen Inc. Jagdish Goud lived in a SOFKIN home for 15 years and is now a video editor and designer for Harsha Devi Productions. His brother, Parmesh Goud is still living at SOFKIN as he is working on his Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management. Niharika Beesa still lives at SOFKIN as she is the Operations Coordinator for the organization. She has been there now for 11 years.
Chaya lost her parents during her teen years. As we know those are some of the most formative years. After much thought she decided that she needed to help other children in similar situations. However, in this case she doesn't just help those who have lost family members. SOFKIN provides a safe-haven for children who are living in bad family situations. That could include abuse, neglect, or the inability of the family to afford to take care of their own children. The organization is based in Hyderbad, India and has supported over 100 children to date. They all call her Amma. That means mother.
The children are not only given food, shelter, clothing, medical and education facilities, but are also given a secured home where they are cared for, guided and nurtured by the housemothers. The house mothers are battered and destitute women that are trained in cooking and caring for children, evaluated for efficiency, character, and attitude before being placed as housemothers in these homes. Each home will have 10-15 children with two housemothers. This operating model not only benefits children but also the women to be self-sufficient.
SOFKIN will also ensure the children are provided special training in the field of their interest to prepare them for potential job opportunities to be able to support themselves from 18 years of age.
Listen in to hear the footprint all of my guests in this episode are creating now that they want to leave behind.
Today Is the Day
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The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation
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Have a great week everyone!