Educate and Shelter Children in Red Light District

Dear Donors,

After my trip to India to visit New Light and the shelter, I'm very moved by the experience.

What began as a shelter for 8 children whose mother were prostitutes in two rooms in a dark alley of the Kalighat red light district, fifteen years ago, has evolved into a 24/7 program for more than 200 kids today. The shelter, located in a permanent structure above a temple situated deep inside the Kalighat red light district, offers comprehensive care and support to the children ranging from a few months old to sixteen years. 

The strength of the New Light shelter is in the dedicated staff and volunteers that provide the sex worker mothers, an opportunity to keep their young kids in the safe and loving custody of caretakers instead of being in the streets or sleeping under the bed of their mother. 

Most children from the neighboring areas use the shelter 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 relax at the shelter after a hard day outside or sit and read a book in the library. 

For many of the kids whose mothers don't have any permanent residence, the shelter is the only place they can call their own. This is not just a shelter but a place where children are mentored and educated. The older children are in housing separate from the red light district. Instead of it being a warehouse for children in dire circumstances, the children are mentored and tutored and all talents and interests are taken into consideration. 

They do accept volunteers so if you are also interested in visiting New Light, please don't hesitate to contact me at Shana@villagevolunteers.org  You will never forget this community filled with love and laughter. 

Thank you!

Shana