Educate and Shelter Children in Red Light District

Dear Donor,

Thank you for your continuing support of New Light in Kolkata. Child safety and security remains a matter of low priority in India. Recent research reveals that fifty percent of all children in India are abused either physically or sexually or both. What comes as a shock is that fifty four percent of those are boys covered in the shroud of denial.

 At New Light the need for a safe shelter is a top priority for boys and girls. In the lanes of many red light districts where the mothers need to work in the evenings and sometimes all night long children are often left with indifferent adult supervision or are totally unattended.

New Light began as a program that began with an evening shelter. Now the shelter has grown to include safe homes for both girls and boys where the children are educated and kept away from the evil influence always lurking. The beauty of New Light is that it is not just a safe space and home but is also a place filled with music, dance and art where the children express themselves creatively.  

The photo was taken as part of Rotary Young-Person Leadership Awards for youth14-30 year-olds. The New Light youth placed well. Barsha Sarkar, from Sonar Tori, secured the First prize in Solo Dance category and Second position in Debate. The group participation from New Light won the Second position in Drama and Third in Collage Making. Team New Light came in Second in overall participation.

Team New Light stood Second in Overall Participation. Kudos to the entire team!

Donations are what helps us keep the kids learning and breaking the cycle of abuse. The children love having volunteers too so if you are incluined, you can apply https://www.villagevolunteers.org/

Thank you!

Shana