In 1978 the Bishopston Kuppam Link was set up as a charitable trust to form a friendship link between Bishopston in Bristol and K.V.Kuppam in south India. The Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) has been a vital support in the growth and development of this friendship link.
Through direct contact it was hoped to promote a wider understanding between the two communities, create opportunities for friendship and mutual respect and a chance to question old prejudices and misconceptions.
Carolyn and Sally, who set up the Bishopston Kuppam Link, with Selvi and Sorja Amma, on a visit to K.V.Kuppam.
Meeting with the head of RUHSA and village leaders in 2003.
Over the years of the Link, funds were raised for many projects in K.V.Kuppam including: a rotating fund which enabled the start-up of small income-generating schemes; equipping a rural training centre for training for self-employment; a campaign against deaths due to diarrhoea; equipment for secondary schools in the village; setting up several small nursery schools in K.V.Kuppam and surrounding villages; and many more similar projects to improve the health and economic well-being of the community.
The Link also funded visits in both directions. These visits have been the foundation for real friendships and as such they have resulted in increased, mutual understanding. Visitors to the UK have ranged from Directors of the Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs to a village Family Care Volunteer who speaks only Tamil.
Sally Whittingham continues to be involved with the Link after more than 30 years.
Sally with Padmavati who visited Bishopston.
Emily spent 6 months in K.V.Kuppam teaching in the Government Girls High School.
Children enjoy themselves at one of the Link funded nurseries.
Sally and Andy Whittingham celebrate the purchase of land for the Pachaikili Play Centre in 2006.
If you would like to learn more about this friendship link, plan a fund raiser event or make a donation to one of our projects, please click HERE
Friends of Vellore UK 