Shanti Nivas Children’s Village – A Living Model of Care, Dignity, and Hope
Project Initiation: 2013
Location: Andhra Pradesh, India
Implemented by: Brighter Future Development Trust (BFDT)
Introduction: A Village Built on Compassion
Shanti Nivas, meaning “Home of Peace”, is not merely a shelter—it is a purpose-built children’s village designed to restore dignity, stability, and hope to children and adults affected by HIV/AIDS, Leprosy, Disability, and extreme social exclusion.
Established and operated by Brighter Future Development Trust, Shanti Nivas stands as a long-term residential care model for individuals who have been rejected by families and communities due to disease-related stigma. It is one of BFDT’s most comprehensive and humane interventions, combining healthcare, education, nutrition, psychosocial care, and community living under one protective ecosystem.
Genesis of Shanti Nivas Village
The idea of Shanti Nivas emerged from BFDT’s decades of grassroots work with HIV-affected families and children. During community surveys and outreach programs, BFDT repeatedly encountered:
Children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS
Mothers living with HIV, abandoned by families
Adults suffering from advanced illness with no access to care
Families evicted from villages due to fear and misinformation
Recognizing that temporary aid was insufficient, BFDT envisioned a permanent, dignified living space where affected individuals could rebuild their lives without fear, shame, or insecurity.
With the generous support of Sri. Ramesh Dewan, Founder Chairman of The Dewan Foundation (UK), Shanti Nivas Children’s Village was constructed and made operational.
Who Shanti Nivas Serves
Shanti Nivas is designed as a multi-beneficiary residential village, supporting:
Children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS
Orphaned and semi-orphaned children
Children from leprosy-affected families
Persons with disabilities
HIV-positive mothers abandoned by families
Men and women were discarded due to HIV-related stigma
This inclusive model ensures families are not separated unnecessarily, and children grow up in a socially balanced, emotionally secure environment.
Scale and Reach of the Village
110 children receive full residential care
75 children are living with HIV/AIDS and receive specialized medical and palliative support
More than 150 children and adults are cared for within the village ecosystem
Continuous care for immuno-compromised adults alongside children
Shanti Nivas is structured to function as a self-contained village, ensuring continuity of care over many years, not short-term shelter.
Residential Infrastructure and Facilities
Shanti Nivas provides high-standard residential facilities designed specifically for vulnerable populations:
Safe and hygienic housing units
Separate living spaces for children, women, and men
Clean water and sanitation systems
Common dining and recreation areas
Child-friendly open spaces
The environment is intentionally peaceful, stable, and nurturing—allowing residents to heal physically and emotionally.
Healthcare and Medical Support
Healthcare is the core pillar of Shanti Nivas.
Medical Services Include:
Regular health check-ups
Monitoring and adherence support for ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy)
Nutritional supplementation
Management of opportunistic infections
Palliative care for children and adults with advanced illness
BFDT ensures consistent medication adherence, a critical factor in improving longevity and quality of life for HIV-positive residents.
Psychological and Emotional Care
Living with HIV or disability often brings trauma, fear, and isolation. Shanti Nivas addresses this through:
Continuous counseling and emotional support
Trauma-informed caregiving
Confidence-building activities
Peer support within the village community
Many children arrive withdrawn, fearful, or emotionally distressed. Over time, they rediscover self-worth, trust, and joy.
Education and Child Development
Education is a non-negotiable right at Shanti Nivas.
Educational Support Includes:
Enrollment in local schools
Academic monitoring and tutoring
Life-skills education
Moral and value-based learning
Encouragement of creativity, sports, and play
Children are supported not only to attend school, but to thrive academically and socially, despite health challenges.
Nutrition and Daily Care
Nutrition is critical for children living with HIV/AIDS.
Shanti Nivas provides:
Balanced, nutritious meals
Special diets for immuno-compromised residents
Hygiene education
Routine health-nutrition assessments
Proper nutrition has played a vital role in restoring children who once arrived severely underweight and weak.
Care for HIV-Affected Mothers and Adults
Unlike many care models, Shanti Nivas does not isolate children from parents unnecessarily.
HIV-positive mothers are provided safe residence
Adults rejected by families receive shelter and care
Residents are encouraged to lead self-directed lives within the village
This inclusive approach helps maintain family bonds and reduces emotional trauma among children.
Combating Stigma and Discrimination
Shanti Nivas is also a living advocacy model.
By demonstrating that people living with HIV can:
Live healthy lives
Raise children
Study, work, and contribute
BFDT actively challenges myths and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and disability.
Impact Over the Years
Since its establishment:
Children once at death’s door have been restored to health
Orphans have found permanent safety and belonging
Mothers have regained dignity and purpose
Families have been rebuilt within a supportive community
Shanti Nivas has saved lives—not only medically, but emotionally and socially.
Why Shanti Nivas Matters
Shanti Nivas is more than a project—it is a proof of concept.
It proves that:
Care must be long-term, not temporary
Healing requires safety, stability, and love
Stigma can be dismantled through compassion
Children affected by HIV deserve the same future as any other child
Looking Ahead
Brighter Future Development Trust continues to strengthen Shanti Nivas through:
Improved healthcare infrastructure
Enhanced education support
Sustainable care models
Advocacy for inclusive policies
