Up in the hills of a harsh but otherwise beautiful terrain of North-East India is to be found one of few surviving matrilineal societies of the world, who for centuries have lived in peaceful coexistence with each other and the environment. The Khasis, classified in India to be one of the backward scheduled tribes, are actually known for their high literacy and the absence of any homeless child. Under a matrilineal society, property is inherited by the youngest daughter. Because all children belong to the mother's clan, all are considered an important asset of the family and you will never find a boy or girl abandoned by the community.

With the coming of industrial development and the growing gap between the rich and poor, many of the poorest households are suffering in silence. For those who have to bear a death of a sister, life is almost impossible as they try to maintain the children of a deceased sister particularly when such children are not yet able to bring some income to the family. For such families and children, life is a long run of miseries

The Khasi-Jaintia Orphanage is situated in Shillong, the capital of the Indian State of Meghalaya. In 1989, the Orphanage was able to cater up to only 22 children between the age of 5 to 12. The children come from amongst the poorest families whose aunts are unable to any longer bear the cost of bringing up the children. The children attend school and when they are 13 they leave the institution but are encouraged to continue with their education or help their aunts when they return to them. The Orphanage started about 13 years ago in an attempt to meet the increasing need of these households. The facilities are very basic as the institution is run solely from donations. In 1989, one of Ambrit's Kindergarten teachers, an Indian national, visited the Orphanage. It was observed that it was kept immaculately clean and the food was good. However, there was obviously not enough financial resources to provide basic requirements.

The new boys orphanage being renovated with domations from Ambrit.

Wall we built last year

Ms Anita visits the orphanage

 Inauguration ceremony of the William E. Lewis Boys Home in Mawphlang.

Beds that were bought with the kind donations from Ambrit families.

Young boys from the orphanage.