Each child has their own story and the following are the stories of several HOINA’s children:

Aruna Kumari came to us unable to walk due to the effects of polio. She was flown to the United States, where she underwent corrective surgery. She returned to India, able to walk for the first time since having polio. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work, and currently works at the University at Tirupati. She has one daughter.

Sambaiah was nine when his father abandoned the family. His mother had 6 children and could not care for them all on her meager wages. She brought the youngest to HOINA and asked for our help. When Sambaiah was 17 the other children voted him HOINA hero of the year. He went on the complete a hotel management course and now works at the Chola Sheraton. He gives part of his salary each month back to HOINA to help other children.

Gayathri was brought to HOINA after her father, who wanted a divorce, poured acid on her and her mother’s face while sleeping. She required five surgeries to correct the damage to her face. Currently, Gayathri is a nurse in Chennai.

U. Shiva Kumar was found begging in a train station near Hyderabad in 1997. Today, he leads the tailoring unit at the boys’ home.