Child Welfare Committee

The Child Welfare Committee is committed to strengthening child-centred ministry across the Diocese through the Diocesan Fostership Scheme (DFS), child protection, hostel development, educational support, and holistic care. Its work seeks to ensure that children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, receive a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment in which they can grow and flourish.

Sixteen DFS hostels currently provide safe accommodation, education, nutrition, and holistic care to approximately 1,108 children, of whom 339 receive direct sponsorship support through the DFS. To strengthen and expand sponsorship mobilisation, the Committee has appointed DFS promotional workers, conducted orientation programmes, developed donor communication materials, and introduced QR-enabled digital payment facilities to make contributions more convenient and accessible. Efforts are also being made to secure support through Government Grant-in-Aid, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and international partnerships, including collaboration with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Child protection remains a central priority of the Committee. Hostel registration and accreditation processes have been strengthened in accordance with Government requirements, while orientation programmes for hostel wardens address key areas such as child rights, the POCSO Act, safeguarding, counselling, administration, nutrition, communication, and resource mobilisation. Periodic evaluations of hostel functioning are also undertaken to strengthen accountability and improve the quality of care. Continuous attention is given to hostel infrastructure, including repairs, sanitation, and essential amenities, while clothing and other material support are provided to children across the hostels.

Educational advancement is another major focus of the Committee. The academic performance of hostel children in the 2026 public examinations reflects these sustained efforts, with a 94.93% pass rate in Class X and a 90.32% pass rate in Class XII. Alongside targeted academic support, children are encouraged and supported to pursue higher education and explore opportunities for their future development.

The Committee also gives importance to the spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial well-being of children through daily prayer, Bible study, Sunday worship, retreats, counselling, and life-skills programmes. The participation of 32 hostel children in the 2026 SYNOD-wide Children’s Retreat provided an opportunity for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and personal development.

The ongoing digitalisation of child and donor records, development of a standardised Hostel Working Manual, strengthening of monitoring systems, and continued resource mobilisation are further enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of the child welfare ministry. Together, these initiatives are laying a strong foundation for a more responsive, transparent, and sustainable system of care across the Diocese.