A Brief History of the Project to Date (Reads in reverse chronological order) February, 2008 - We have signed the paperwork to support this program for another year through Hope Foundation India, and are continuing to fundraise with friends and family because we do not have enough money in the bank for the entire year! December 2007 - Thanks to those of you who responded to an e-mail appeal for donations, so that we could keep this program running. Your generosity is what keeps it running! November, 2007 - Local partners Hope Foundation India have completed another year of successfully managing this program, and we are looking forward to their continued management of the program through 2008. We will need the support of many donors to make this happen - annual operating costs of the playroom and social work program in the Tambaram Hospital pediatrics ward this year will be about $7,000. Summer, 2007 - The pediatrics ward is continuing to serve many children, most months we are seeing between 50 and 90 children come through the ward for HIV, TB, and other treatments. With more children going on HIV antiretroviral therapy, and facing an initial 14-day stay as they begin the therapy, the playroom, activities, and attention of the social worker continue to be a vital addition to the ward. June 2006 - For their international edition, Newsweek's cover features an image shot in the Tambaram Hospital pediatrics ward. February 2006 - Many thanks to all of you who continue to donate to this program. A site visit to the pediatrics ward finds the program running full steam ahead. Ms. Mini continues to provide structured activities for the children every day, in a dedicated play space full of toys and bright educational posters. Occasional special activities include crafts-making, puppet shows, costume parties, and seasonal festivals. An increasing number of HIV+ children are receiving free antiretroviral medications from the hospital. This requires a 14-day inpatient stay at the beginning of therapy, to monitor for side effects. As these children stay in the ward for two full weeks, the structured activities of the social work program are of particular value in providing them with outlets for youthful energy and curiosity. December 2005 - Funding was provided to Hope Foundation South India to continue their excellent administration of this program for another year. We are pleased to have such dedicated and energetic partners as Hope Foundation. Summer 2005 - The pediatrics ward has been given a "facelift" including new paint and some remodeling, supported by our donations. Our social worker Mini (who was married and is now Mrs. Mini!), continues to provide dedicated service in the ward five days a week, with the support of other staff members from Hope Foundation India. In January, 2005 the pediatrics ward moved back to Ward 4, where there is an attached playground. We are pleased at this space and are working with the hospital to remodel and repaint it. In November 2004 we agreed to provide Hope Foundation India with a grant to continue this program through 2005, and to begin exploring how to expand it to include nutrition, remodeling, and occasional visiting performers or magicians to entertain the kids. We are also considering expanding the program to support the home for AIDS widows and orphans which Hope Foundation runs a few miles from the hospital. In May 2004 a followup visit found the program working smoothly, with a playroom established and a gaggle of kids happily following Ms. Mini the social worker everywhere she went. In March 2004 a first grant was provided to Hope Foundation India to hire a social worker and begin implementing programs. In January/February, Tom Furtwangler returned to Tambaram, and in collaboration with the hospital administration, identified Hope Foundation India as a suitable partner for implementing programs in the pediatric ward. After meeting with Hope Foundation, the general outline of the project's logistics began to take shape, and candidates were identified for the social worker position in the ward. In late November 2003, the first fundraising appeal was mailed, and more than 40 donors responded by donating more than six thousand dollars. In November 2003, The Pediatric Center at Tambaram was conceptualized and a comittee was formed to coordinate the fundraising effort. Sahaya International agreed to provide fiscal sponsorship. In May 2003, Tom Furtwangler visited Tambaram as an employee of I-TECH, which collaborated with the CDC on the implementation of HIV clinical training programs in the developing world. Moved by his experience visiting the pediatric ward, he returned to Seattle and began coordinating an advisory committee for fundraising.