Past and present projects with BKL

The Bishopston Kuppam Friendship Link
Past and present projects

The link was established in 1978, with a principal aim of promoting mutual understanding between the two communities and thus helping to break down prejudices. 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 diarrhea; 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 almost 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 latest Link project.