Scores of Nepalese children cross the open border into India each year. They may be fleeing domestic abuse or seeking a better life, maybe some adventure. Unfortunately they often get picked up by the Indian authorities to be placed in Dickensian children's homes where they are trapped, often abused. No one makes much effort to trace their families and parents presume them dead. ChoraChori finds the children, repatriates and rehabilitates them, ultimately reuniting them with their families.
Scores of Nepalese children cross the open border with India each year in search of a better life, only to enter the abyss. They are frequently found at railway stations or in child labour situations, "rescued" by NGOs or the authorities, and put into abusive, grim children's homes. They would remain there until they are 18 when they are discharged onto the streets. No one traces their families, with the exception of ChoraChori. We then repatriate, rehabilitate and reunite where possible.
We need funds for field research - finding the children and tracing their families. We then have the logistical costs of repatriation and temporary care of children pending reunification. For this we operate a children's refuge in Kathmandu. If we cannot find families or the domestic circumstances are unsuitable (usually an abusive step-parent) we provide long term care and education. Around two thirds of rescued children can be reunited with families, we look after the remainder until adulthood
We are freeing children from abusive children's homes, returning them to family life. If the latter isn't possible we care for the returnees, covering also the costs of their education or training. Essentially we assume the responsibility of looking after all returnees, whatever the cost, ensuring their safety and that they progress to become well-rounded adults. At time of writing we are providing full time care to 20 teenagers.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
