On the dusty prairies of a small rural village in Chandrakal, south India our story began. A small rural hospital – the first in the state to build a HIV-positive ward – was flooded with families who had someone suffering from AIDS. Many died and left children behind.

Out of the ashes of that tragic time, as the virus was exploding across the south, Hope Now was born. A place where HIV-positive children could be part of a family. Loved, cared for and nurtured into adulthood. Our primary goal, to educate our children through college or vocational school to ensure they have the skills they need to thrive.

For the first time, we have transitioned all of our kids to a college or vocational school. We have spent the last year coaching, guiding and supporting our kids as they make decisions about what they want to do in life, what are their goals and how to achieve them.

Mary came to Hope Now as a young girl in 2010, small for her age and scared. She arrived in a pair of shoes 2 sizes too big, shuffling along the sidewalk as she entered her new home for the first time. It did not take long for her to cast a spell on the rest of the kids, wooing them to do her bidding with her beautiful smile. By evening, the other girls were leading her by the hand to dinner and laughing. This is what life is made of in a home where every child is valued and loved.

Mary is currently enrolled in St. Pious Junior College studying business administration. She dreams of being an HR manager in a multinational company. She is living near campus with two of her sisters who are attending the same college.

Hope now is the bridge to dreams fulfilled. For every child Hope Now pays 100% of tuition and living costs through graduation.