Sanjo Bhawan now known as St. Joseph Bhavan - was started by Rev. Mother Benjamin - the first provincial superior of Alphonsa Jyothi province, Bharananganam. This orphanage was started mainly to help children from far-off hilly areas like Vagamon and for the poor and needy children from the remote areas of Malayinchippara. It is situated in the revenue village of Poonjar Thekkeksra Panchayat of Kottayam district. It stands by the side of Poonjar - Mundakayam road.
This orphanage was inaugurated on February 1st 1991. For eleven years, it was run in a ...
wing of the convent building. Due to inconvenience, the next Provincial Superior Rev.Mother Ann Teresa and her team decided to build a permanent building for Balika Bhavan. The new building was constructed in the plot donated by the convent. The Balika Bhavan was shifted to the new building on 11/ 02/ 2012. In the beginning, there were more than 40 children.
The aim and goal of this institution is to help the poor and backward students for their intellectual, physical, moral and spiritual growth and their integral development.
Since 2018 according to the decision of our Major Superiors not to join the J.J Act of that government, this institution is running as a free boarding under the name of St. Joseph Bhavan and is financed by the Province.
After the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children in schools and hence in boarding has decreased a lot. At present, there are only 7 children from Std 4 to Std 7. Sr. Rani Maria is in charge of the boarding. Miss Celine Vadakkel - a permanent resident in the boarding house of the convent is also paying individual attention and support to the children in their study and character formation. The children are happy and enjoying their life here.