Educate and Shelter Children in Red Light District

Dear Supporter of New Light,

It is every child's right to grow up in a world that is safe and secure.  It is reported that 50% of all children in India are abused physically, and too often sexually.  Surprisingly, 54% of those abused are boys. Organizations like New Light have been working to wake people up to this disturbing fact and to act to provide the next generation with a better future.

At New Light, located in a red-light district in Kolkata, the need for safe shelters could not be more urgent. In the lanes of the redlight district, children are left totally unattended or left with indifferent adult supervision.

This was the motivation for the beloved founder of New Light to create a program that began with an evening creche/shelter for 8 children fourteen years ago. The program has evolved into a 24/7 program for more than 200 children daily. The shelter offers comprehensive care and support to children ranging from a few months old to 17 years.

In neighboring areas, children use New Light as a drop-in center where they can rest, play, read or acquire computer skills. During the day the shelter is abuzz with the continuous stream of children who attend the local schools and come to shake off the stress of their day and just be children. For many of the kids whose mothers don't have any permanent residence, the shelter is the only place they can call their own and rest their heads. 

Kindness is one of the most powerful and positive tools for creating a more happy and healthy society. The benefits of kindness for children go even deeper. Experts have determined that practicing kindness changes the brain and provides physical and mental health benefits that can have lasting positive effects. This is why it’s essential for children to learn kindness at a young age for their future.

Your kindness matters.