Improved Care and Protection of Girl Children

Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) rescues children from the streets and supports them in building better lives by providing nutritious meals, education, healthcare, and mental health support.
Every child deserves a safe space, nourishment, care, good health, and education — these are basic rights, not privileges. Children living on the streets have an equal right to live, learn, and grow.
At Salaam Baalak Trust we have 6 full-time residential homes and 11day care centres where children receive holistic care and opportunities for a brighter future.

Girls living alone without proper protection are especially vulnerable to the risks of trafficking and exploitation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for our organization to provide them with a secure environment, special attention, and dedicated support. Salaam Baalak Trust follows a strict Child Protection Policy (CPP), aligned with the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 of India (JJ Act) and the guidelines of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) under the Department of Women and Child Development, Delhi (NCR).

Education at SBT:

Education is not just about literacy; it’s about empowering these girls to dream, aspire, and build a future. Through our programs, we provide them with formal and informal educational opportunities. We aim to pull them away from the darkness of illiteracy and into the light of knowledge, opening doors for them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Our vision is for education to be a way of living, a tool for holistic development, and a path to personal empowerment.

• A multi-layered education system evolved over 37 years, tailored to meet the unique needs of street children.
• Offers formal school, non-formal education, and open schooling based on individual capabilities.
• Holistic development through vocational courses, skill development, educational camps, trips, and cultural activities.
• Focus on empowering children to choose their paths and become capable citizens.

This project specifically emphasizes the care, protection, and holistic development of girl children at our day care centres. Safe shelter is complemented by formal and non-formal educational opportunities, psychological support, health care, and activities designed to help girls overcome trauma and regain confidence. Educational programs and life skills training are integral to empower rescued girls and equip them for independent, dignified futures.

An Overview of past two years of Girls at our Day Care Centres:

Education (Girls) 

2023-24

1) Formal School Education - 865

2) Non-Formal Education - 1396

3) NIOS (Open school for formal education) - 30

4) Vocational Training/Skill training - 88

2024-25

1) Formal School Education - 882

2) Non-Formal Education - 1389

3) NIOS (Open school for formal education) - 39

4) Vocational Training/Skill training - 109

Our outreach through the day care centres at communities which are placed at the centre of the marginalized areas of Delhi ensures that vulnerable children from the streets or slum areas have access to educational programs, medical care, a nutritious meal, and life skills training. These centres are safe spaces where we nurture trust and encourage children & their families to enroll & participate under various social scheme programs that provide them with the opportunity to grow and realize their potential.

Enrolling these girls and their families under various social schemes and non-formal education is a way to discourage them from child labour (house help) and divert them towards a brighter future through education and career.

Case study: Iccha's Resilience

Iccha began her academic journey at one of our girls’ shelter homes in Delhi. She was later enrolled in a prestigious school in the city, where she continued her studies along with the consistent guidance and support of Salaam Baalak Trust’s in-house teachers under the Non-Formal Education (NFE) program.

With hard work and perseverance, She successfully completed high school education with commendable grades, majoring in Political Science and English. Determined to pursue higher education, she appeared for several competitive entrance examinations and secured an impressive All India Rank of 1563. Based on her performance, she gained admission to one of Delhi’s prestigious universities, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Beyond academics, Iccha actively participates in debates, speech competitions, and media writing, which have significantly enhanced her communication and presentation skills. Her passion for continuous learning and her dedication to excellence truly reflect her resilience and determination to build a bright future.

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