‘I feel very lucky. I owe everythig to Isai Maiyam. I hope someday I will be able to give back’ ~ Manimaigalai Trust girl and danceteacher Mani (2004) was eight years old when she moved into the Isai Maiyam children’s home. Her younger brother was already living there. After her father passed away, her mother remarried under family pressure. With her new stepfather, the home situation became unstable. Although it was difficult for Mani to leave her mother, she has fond memories of her childhood at Isai Maiyam. It felt like being part of one big family, and she is still in touch with most of the boys and girls she grew up with. Now a young woman, she is studying to become a nurse while living semiindependently at the Art School. Mani is also a professional dancer and teaches dance at the Art School on weekends. Her dream is to one day become fully independent and to be able to support her mother and brother. 98
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