Diocesan Fostership Scheme
A Continuing Commitment to the Welfare and Development of Children
The Diocesan Fostership Scheme (DFS) of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese reflects the Diocese’s longstanding commitment to the education, care, protection and holistic development of children from economically vulnerable and difficult family circumstances.
One line, never broken
From the DFS document.
Support Through KNH Since 1967
An important chapter in this journey began in 1967, when the Kindernothilfe (KNH), a German child-rights and development organization partnered with the Diocese to support the education and welfare of children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds. The support included educational assistance, hostel accommodation, food and clothing, books and school requirements, medical assistance and broader child care.
This partnership enabled many children from rural, economically disadvantaged and socially vulnerable families to continue their education and pursue opportunities that might otherwise have remained beyond their reach.
The Diocese Takes Forward the Responsibility
In 2023, KNH support came to an end as Kindernothilfe extended emergency drought assistance in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Kenya, redirecting the funding to them. The needs of the children, however, remained. The Diocese therefore took responsibility for continuing this work through the Diocesan Fostership Scheme (DFS), with the conviction that the cessation of external funding should not interrupt the education and care of children who depend on this support.
DFS represents this continuing diocesan responsibility. Through its hostel ministry, the Diocese seeks to provide children with accommodation, food, educational support, safety, spiritual and value-based formation, and an environment that supports their overall development.
Every light is a child
From the Child Welfare Committee's 2026 report to the Diocesan Special Council.
children with direct DFS sponsorship — the lit ones
children in 16 DFS hostels
The DFS document itself records 17 diocesan hostels serving approximately 1,100 children.
A Legacy of Education and Care
The Diocese’s concern for children is rooted in the wider Christian missionary tradition in Tamil Nadu, where education and hostel ministry became important means of promoting social development and widening access to education. Within this tradition, the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese has continued to support schools, hostels and child welfare initiatives, particularly for children who face economic and social barriers to education.
A Supportive Environment for Growing Children
The purpose of DFS extends beyond meeting immediate material needs. Children require stability, encouragement, protection and opportunities to develop their abilities. The Diocese therefore seeks to strengthen hostel environments so that children can learn, develop confidence, receive appropriate guidance and prepare for responsible and independent adulthood.
The current DFS document records 17 diocesan hostels serving approximately 1,100 children. The children come from varied vulnerable circumstances, including families dependent on daily-wage labour and other insecure livelihoods, as well as children who have lost one or both parents.
The Bishop’s Commitment
The Bishop of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Samuel Rajadurai, has given particular importance to the welfare of children supported through DFS. Since assuming office in December 2025, he has demonstrated a personal commitment to mobilising resources for their needs, including seeking support for hostel provisions and directing resources towards the children rather than ceremonial and promotional expenditure.
His concern reflects the pastoral responsibility of the Diocese to remain attentive to children who need care and support. The Bishop’s involvement has helped reinforce DFS as an important area of diocesan ministry and social responsibility.
Looking Towards Holistic Development
The Diocese recognises that contemporary child and youth development requires attention to education, protection, emotional wellbeing, digital learning, skills, career guidance, safety and opportunities for participation. DFS therefore looks towards strengthening these dimensions within the hostel and educational environment.
The continuing journey from the KNH-supported programme to a diocesan-led fostership initiative represents an important commitment: the Diocese has chosen to assume responsibility for ensuring that children in vulnerable circumstances continue to receive the support they need to learn, grow and build a secure future.
A Ministry at the Heart of the Diocese
For the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese, DFS is not simply an assistance programme. It is part of the Diocese’s continuing concern for the dignity, welfare and future of children. By investing in their education, care and development, the Diocese seeks to help each child grow within a supportive environment and move towards a life of greater opportunity and dignity.
And in the History of the Diocese, a central conviction:
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow in safety, to experience dignity and to hope for a meaningful future.
The 2026 public examinations
Pass rates of the children in the Diocese's hostels.
DFS Donors' Meet, 2026
10 photographs sent by the Diocesan office. Choose one to see it whole.
Who to contact
As the DFS document lists them.
Promotional workers
- M. Jasper KirubairajTrichy & Perambalur Kollidam DCC7598831998
- R. Hendry PriyadharsanThanjavur & Tharangai Nagai DCC85250 09457
- T. JarleeUdumalai & Anaimalai DCC96550 27470
- S. Sam ChristopherKarur & Dharapuram DCC94898 36350
CSI TA TTD Diocesan Fostership A/c
- By
- Cheque / DD
- Bank
- Canara Bank, Puthur, Trichy - 17
- Account number
- 1249101023683
- IFSC
- CNRB0001249
- UPI
- 20767813023683@cnrb
