About Charitas Foundation
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit that works as the support arm for an NGO on India’s east coast that brings rural people out of poverty through a school, children’s home, and vocational opportunities.
Since 1996, the Mekala family has worked with those in need in their native Andhra Pradesh on the east coast of India. Through their children's homes, schools, medical facilities, and vocational training, they have been a beacon of hope to thousands of people.
Their facilities on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam can house 200 orphan children while providing education to 600 children from surrounding villages.
Charitas Foundation was incorporated to continue the work at their established campus sustainably and thoughtfully. This includes expanding the reach of the children's home, reopening the public school, building small business initiatives, and developing partnerships worldwide to support their vital work.
Please read our story, take a look at our plans, and feel free to invite us to share at your church, school, or community gathering during our upcoming visits to North America!
Amy Mekala shares her story of overcoming disabilities to be a light to the poor of India.
“The land is here, the buildings are here . . . and we are here with open doors and open hearts.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Cindy’s House of Grace
Lipscomb Global School
history of children's home
The Children's Stories
History
For over 40 years, Mekala Devadas and his family have been a bright beacon of hope for impoverished communities around their home near Vishakapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Pastor Mekala’s story of growing up as a Dalit (or ‘Untouchable’) orphan, going to University, becoming a medical professional, and eventually housing hundreds of orphan children has inspired people worldwide.
His family, including his two oldest sons, Subhakkar and Sudhir, and their families have followed in Mekala’s footsteps, carrying on his work by continuing the school caring for orphaned, destitute children.
In recent years, three events conspired to devastate their work and caused the Mekala family to consider how to operate more effectively.
In short succession, the Mekalas saw considerable American support withdraw around the 2008 economic downturn. In 2014, a hurricane devastated the campus—where they could house and feed 200 orphans and school 600 children—and the COVID-19 pandemic weakened their connections with supporters in North America.
The family was determined to rebuild more sustainably, rely less on constant Western support, and serve their community within the boundaries setup by the current government.
“If it weren’t for this children’s home, I would have no education and no hope.”
