THE HEARTBEAT CENTRE
It is both inhumane and unacceptable that in 2024, children are still growing up in institutionalised care, deprived of love, nourishment, and human dignity. The TFT Heartbeat Centre has witnessed firsthand the horrors that these girls have endured every day. The 17 years olds currently in our care have spent their entire lives in orphanages, arriving at our doors, withholding so many hardships and no experience of life or love.
Their suffering is unimaginable, they wrestle with nightmares, haunted by the terror that their abusers might find them again. The physical and emotional scars they bear are profound, and their past experiences have left them battling mental anguish and severe malnutrition.
We learned about the gravity of the situation when a doctor was called to treat the girls. They were found eating plaster from the walls, licking corrosion from window sills, and consuming ash from burnt garbage—symptoms of Pica, a condition that occurs in children suffering from chronic malnutrition. This condition stems from severe nutritional deficiencies and emotional distress, highlighting the dire consequences of institutionalised care.
Despite all they have been through, these girls are strong, courageous and resilient. With the dedicated support of the Heartbeat Centre team and our volunteers, they are now beginning to rebuild their lives. They are no longer defined by the abuse and neglect they have suffered. Instead, they are learning English, passing O’level and A’ level examinations and dreaming of futures which were once unimaginable—one of the girls now hopes to become a chef, a dream that seemed unattainable just months ago.
Empowering Change Through Menstrual Poverty Support and Education
Sathvega and Shreya, high school volunteers from California, have been working with Nimmu to expand our efforts to address menstrual poverty. Together with TFT, they’ve been providing menstrual health education and support, especially for institutionalised children who are often the most vulnerable and underserved.
Nimmu, having experienced the orphanage system herself, understands the critical need for menstrual health awareness and accessibility for young girls in care. Their recent workshops have focused on providing essential menstrual hygiene products, alongside education on reproductive health, empowering these girls with knowledge that is crucial for their well-being.
Through the combined efforts, they’ve reached dozens of girls in institutional care, offering both practical support and a safe space for them to ask questions and learn about their bodies. We remain committed to addressing menstrual poverty and ensuring that all girls, especially those in institutional care, have the tools they need.
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