A DROP IN THE OCEAN CREATES A NEVER-ENDING RIPPLE

There is an ocean of need worldwide. Our featured project is to aid the extremely poor children in a village on the outskirts of Kolkata, India.
November 14th is Children's Day.

Sophia's Love Story

The quiet little ten-year-old had lost her mother, and her seriously ill father could not care for her. In 2000, Rupali was brought to Sister Nectaria and welcomed into the Theotokos Orphanage. Enjoying warm acceptance by her new sisters, the sweet child flourished. 
Studying diligently, she completed high school in 2010 and was admitted to the University of Kolkata, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Computer Science. Following her college graduation, Rupali (now given the Christian name of Sophia) attended a noted language school and became certified in English. She is also credentialed as an elementary and middle school teacher.
Sister Nectaria describes Sophia as being "very soft, pious, obedient, and with love for every girl." These beautiful qualities were noticed by Somnath, a tall, kind, Christian young man who also studied at the same university. They became friends, and in time, he and his parents approached Sister Nectaria to ask for Sophia's hand in marriage. The wedding, attended by dozens of awestruck little "brothers and sisters" took place in 2017.
This year, in 2021, Sophia and Somnath brought their sweet daughter to the Greek Orthodox Church on the Theotokos Orphanage Campus for her baptism. The work of Sister Nectaria has come full circle. The little girl Sister raised is now raising her own child with the same love, care, and values Sophia enjoyed during her formative years. Following her maternity leave, Sophia will return to her teaching position at the St. Ignatius School where Sister describes her work as "excellent."
The ripple of love continues...
There are many other hard-working young women at the orphanage eager to continue their studies, but are lacking tuition. University education costs about USD $800 a year. The girls continue to live and help at the orphanage, pack their lunches each day and take the long trip into Kolkata for classes. Following is a letter of gratitude sent by two orphans to their generous benefactor. Sponsors receive a personal letter and a picture of the student they help. 
Any amount is appreciated. 

Studious Students in Action
The West Bengal region has been the source for almost a quarter of the over 35,000 cases of human trafficking in India. It is also the location of the Theotokos Girls and Boys Orphanage! Together we are enabling the prevention of indescribable human suffering by rescuing, loving and educating vulnerable children.

Your donation helps protect children from this fate.
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The children thank you! o
All FILI board members are volunteers. We draw NO salary. Our operating costs are kept at a minimum.

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FILI's Non Profit Partner in India
PSOC
Philanthropic Society of the Orthodox Church

This fund was established by local Indian Orthodox individuals from Kolkata to fund The Theotokos Girls and Boys Orphanage and the many outreach programs of the Orthodox Church of Kolkata.