Rescue 2,000+ Children Trapped in Bonded Labour

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all well. This is Gopa from People First

THE END CHILD SLAVERY PROJECT

Rescue Junction continues to serve as a vital lifeline for rescued child labourers, trafficked, abandoned, street, and other vulnerable children in one of India's most challenging regions. In Bihar, where poverty, migration, and exploitation drive high rates of child labour—particularly in agriculture, brick kilns, factories, and domestic work—this 24-hour rescue and rehabilitation centre has provided immediate safety, care, education, and family reunification or long-term support to hundreds of children.

Your generous support has enabled us to rescue and support over 450 children so far this year, deliver thousands of meals, facilitate reunions, and deliver education and vocational training. We have strengthened partnerships with police, railways, child protection units, and government bodies to combat trafficking and child labour more effectively. Despite ongoing challenges like resource constraints and reintegration hurdles, the impact on children's lives is profound—transforming victims into hopeful, skilled young individuals ready for a brighter future.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your partnership in this critical work.

Background and Context

Bihar remains one of India's poorest states, with significant child labour issues rooted in rural poverty, seasonal migration, and weak enforcement. Thousands of children are trafficked annually for labour in hazardous sectors or face abandonment on streets and at transport hubs. Rescue Junction, operational for over 22 years in Bodhgaya (a district serving a population of millions), stands as the primary dedicated facility offering round-the-clock intervention against child trafficking and labour in the area.

The centre operates as a safe haven, addressing immediate needs while working toward sustainable rehabilitation in line with India's Juvenile Justice Act and National Child Labour Project guidelines.

Project Objectives

Provide emergency rescue, shelter, food, medical care, and protection to child labourers and vulnerable children.

Facilitate safe family reunification or alternative care for those without viable family options.

Deliver education, vocational training, and life skills to prevent re-exploitation.

Advocate for stronger child protection systems through collaboration with authorities.

Raise awareness in source communities to reduce trafficking and child labour incidence.

Key Activities and Interventions

Rescue Operations:

24/7 helpline (including support for 1098 Childline) and rapid response teams work with Railway Protection Force, Anti-Human Trafficking Units, and local police. We respond to tips from stations, highways, and worksites, rescuing children from exploitative conditions such as factories, madrasas, domestic servitude, and begging rings.14114a

Immediate Care at the Shelter:

Safe housing with separate facilities for boys and girls.

Nutritious meals (over 3,000 provided monthly).

Medical check-ups, counseling for trauma, and basic hygiene/clothing kits.

Psycho-social support to address abuse and exploitation experiences.

Education and Rehabilitation:

Bridge schooling and enrollment in formal education.

Vocational training (e.g., tailoring, computer skills, handicrafts) for older children.

Children's Savings Bank initiative to promote financial literacy.

Legal aid for prosecution of traffickers and employers.

Community and Family Reintegration:

Tracing and reuniting families (thousands historically).

Post-reintegration monitoring and family support to prevent relapse into labour.

Awareness programs in villages on risks of child labour and trafficking.

Advocacy and Partnerships:

Collaboration with government schemes, UNICEF-inspired tracking systems, and other NGOs for systemic change.

 Impact (2025-2026 Highlights)

Children Reached:  Dozens reunited with families; others placed in long-term care or education

Meals and Essentials: Thousands of meals served; clothing, blankets, and medical aid distributed, especially during harsh winters.

Education Outcomes: High enrollment rates in schools; vocational graduates securing safe livelihoods.

Legal Impact: Support in cases leading to arrests of traffickers and employers.

Trauma recovery: Many children showing improved emotional health through counseling.

Your support directly helps these outcomes, with high cost-efficiency

Challenges Faced

High volume of cases amid limited infrastructure in Bihar.

Re-trafficking risks due to persistent family poverty—addressed through ongoing family support.

Funding gaps for expansion (e.g., larger facility, more staff).

Coordination delays in government systems, though partnerships are improving.

Future Plans

Expand capacity and establish satellite outreach points.

Strengthen vocational programs and livelihood support for families.

Scale awareness campaigns and community-based prevention models.

Advocate for policy enhancements, including better implementation of child labour tracking.

Sustain and grow sponsor engagement through regular updates and impact visits (virtual or in-person).

Conclusion and Gratitude

Rescue Junction's work is not just about rescue—it's about restoration, empowerment, and breaking cycles of exploitation. Thanks to your unwavering support, vulnerable children in Bihar have a fighting chance at childhood, education, and dignity. Every rupee/dollar invested yields immeasurable returns in human potential.

Together, we are building a safer Bihar and a better India for its children.

Thank you for believing in Rescue Junction.

Gopa Sinha

Chairperson / Project Leader

People First Educational Charitable Trust

Bodhgaya, Bihar

Website: peoplefirstbihar.net

This report is for informational purposes and reflects our commitment to accountability and impact.

NAMASTE!

Warm greetings from BIhar,

We have changed the names in this report .

Because of your generosity, children who were once hidden in the shadows of brick kilns, bangle factories, and agricultural fields are now rediscovering the joy of being a child.

In Bihar, where nearly 12% of India’s child laborers reside, the challenge is vast. However, your support has provided the "last mile" resources needed to turn rescue operations into permanent life transformations. On behalf of the families we serve and the children now back in school, thank you.

"I used to spend 14 hours a day in a dark room making bangles. My fingers were always burnt, and I forgot what the sun looked like. Now, I have a school bag and I want to be a teacher so I can help other boys like me." Sonu aged 11 —

 Sonu is just one of the many children who are now safe because of you. After his rescue, he spent six weeks in our rehabilitation center before being mainstreamed into a local government school. Today, he is in the top of his class in Hindi and Mathematics.

 We ensure 100% of our rescued children remain in school through monthly follow-ups.

 Your donation didn't just provide a meal or a book; it provided freedom. You have broken a cycle of poverty that has lasted for generations.

 Thank you so much for your support,

Gopa