Alfredo and Maria Elena Cuomo first came into contact with the local populations and their needs of Tamil Nadu in 1999. Their desire to give them, mainly the youngsters, a helping hand, shaped their philanthropic impulse and ultimately paved the way to creating a foundation which would bear their names.

The first school to receive foundation’s support and guidance was John d’Monte Primary Schoool, located in the remote coastal village of Kovalam. Soon after, the Cuomo Foundation built its first school compound, St. Joseph’s Higher Sec. School, then a rudimentary structure barely suitable for any occupation, let alone a school for children.

KOVALAM

Sir John d’Monte Primary School

The Foundation supports the maintenance of this pre-existing primary school, which supplies a basic education for nearly 350 boys and girls (age range 5 yrs – 10 yrs).

All classes are taught in Tamil, with weekly additional classes in English.

 

KOVALAM

St. Joseph’s Higher Sec. School

The first and largest series of projects began in Covelong, known locally as Kovalam. A small pre-existing basic school site where pupils ate and slept in the open bare ground, has now been transformed into a highly successful educational compound. Major purpose-built  structures have been built since 2001.

Almost 3,000 pupils (age range 3 yrs – 18 yrs), mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds are educated and cared for annually.

Although administered by Catholic Priests, the schools offer a multi-faith education in Tamil and English to Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

St Joseph Senior High School consists of 4 substantial buildings – including a technical learning centre, a fully equipped chemistry laboratory, a library and computer studies facilities.

There are over 50 classrooms with just over 2,200 boys and girls (age range 11 yrs – 18 yrs) receiving a full education in Tamil, English teaching of subjects is available to some students. 

SENDIVAKKAM

Alfredo Cuomo Higher Secondary School, Sendivakkam

CHENNAI

Cathedral Free Primary School

CHENNAI

St. Anthony’s Primary School

The Cuomo Foundation helps to support this existing school by providing school equipment such as uniforms, books, etc.

 

KG KANDIGAI

St. Charles Higher Sec. School

To help support regular attendance at the local schools, the Cuomo Foundation built a boarding home for boys on the grounds of St. Charles Higher Sec. School in KG Kandigai, a remote village located 100km west to Chennai.

Completed in 2005, the dormitories accommodate male students of from 11-18 years old.

The complex provides a dining hall, kitchen, study and recreational rooms, toilets and showers.

The home can accomodates up to 100 girls of  and provides them with all the basic necessities.

Following the success of the boys boarding home, a similar building with full facilities was completed in 2010 for girls. This action has enabled female students to regularly attend St. Charles Higher Sec. School.

MAMBAKKAM

Amala Annai Higher Sec. School