Who we are
The KMH projects were started in 1998 by Rev Jeyapaul, a pastor in the Church of South India. Jeyapaul was one of the first Dalit children from his remote village to receive a secondary education. This experience drives his passion to help children who face the same poverty and deprivation he escaped as a child.
Jeyapaul writes "Devakottai is a small town surrounded by many remote villages in Tamil Nadu in the South East of India. It is a very dry and poor area where people depend on agricultural work for 6 months of the year, and for the remaining time they cut firewood and work in brick manufacture. There are no factories or industries in the district. Children have to travel 20 or 30 miles to attend high school and the result is that poor parents put their children to work in the fields. We started the project in 1998 with fifteen boys. Now there are over 200 poor children receiving an excellent secondary school and college education. Through this project over 325 boys and girls have successfully completed their higher secondary education. 20 boys and 96 girls have completed their vocational courses and work in various places. Through our financial support we have trained 45 Engineers, 52 Teachers, 64 Nurses and Staff Nurses, 16 drivers, 38 Poly-technicians and 83 undergraduates; two girls and one boy have successfully completed a Ph.D. in Allagappa University in Karaikudi. With the kind support of the sponsor parents, schools and churches many of the children are now studying in colleges and on vocational courses.''
KMH has five UK trustees who share Jeyapaul's passion to make a difference. They visit Devakottai regularly and took part in the 25 years celebrations in September 2023. As well as meeting children currently in the projects, they met some of the former students who are now grown up and supporting their own families.
KMH works in partnership with Indian government authorities, and has the benefit of statutory child welfare. However, there is no government financial support so KMH depends almost entirely on the nearly 300 individuals, churches and schools in the UK who contribute monthly or annually. Jeyapaul keeps in contact with the regular supporters. His latest report can be found here
Supporters and volunteers are welcome to visit. Some visitors help the children in their English lessons. See our safeguarding policy.
Jeyapaul is assisted by his son Charles, a school teacher. They occasionally visit the UK to meet with trustees and supporters. These visits help to raise awareness of the projects and attract new supporters.
How you can help
Provide extra classrooms
KMH has recently finished the building of eight new classrooms at Kathryn's Nursery and Primary School. This extends the existing classroom block and will allow 200 more children the opportunity to go to school. Help us to raise the outstanding £45,000 for this project.
Transform a young life
Every new sponsor allows us to care for and educate another child. For £15 per month or £180 per year you could transform a young life.This makes a wonderful gift, or could be in memory of a loved one. Email kmhuk88@gmail.com for more information.
Support an elderly woman
Every new sponsor allows us to admit another elderly woman into Joan's Old Age Home. For £15 per month or £180 per year you could help us to care for an elderly woman.This makes a wonderful gift, or could be in memory of a loved one. Email kmhuk88@gmail.com for more information.
Make a donation
> Use the Donate Now button (we are charged a 3% fee for this):
Alternatively, with no associated charges:
> Transfer your donation directly to KMH(UK), Sort code 40-52-40, Account number 00018566. (Some banks don't like the brackets. In this case, KMHUK is fine.)
> Set up a standing order for regular giving, either by using the standing order form which you can download here or set the standing order up yourself using online banking, or in person at the bank.
> Send a cheque made payable to KMH(UK) to 48 Ditton Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6RB.
> Consider leaving a gift in your will to help the work of KMH for future generations. Please email kmhuk88@gmail.com for more information.
Kathryn's Mercy Home Trust (UK) or KMH(UK) is a registered charity (no 1129791). If you are a UK taxpayer, please complete a Gift Aid form which you can download here . This way we can add 25% to your donation at no extra cost to you. The Gift Aid form can be sent to us either by email kmhuk88@gmail.com or by post to 48 Ditton Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6RB.
Every pound you give us is put to good use in all the KMH projects. The projects are managed by our partner in India, Kathryn’s Mercy Home Trust (India). Registration Number 075930017. (President: Rev J Jeyapaul). All the projects are staffed by Indian nationals and are regularly inspected for welfare and child protection by the Indian authorities. None of the trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. There are no intermediaries, administration costs or expenses. See our Internal Financial Control and Due Diligence Policy
Together we can help break the chains of poverty and transform lives
Contact us
If you require further information or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Trustee and Secretary of KMH(UK): Rev William Allberry
E-mail: kmhuk88@gmail.com
Address: KMH(UK), 48 Ditton Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6RB
Telephone: 07818 641576
Internal Financial Control and Due Diligence Policy
Kathryn's Mercy Home Trust (UK) or KMH (UK) is a registered charity (1129791)
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