Givesters On Ground: visiting child sex abuse survivors

THE day began promptly at 11:00 am as I arrived at the doorstep of Social Activities Integration, an NGO for child sex abuse survivors that is based in Mumbai. I had a brief introduction with the project team and was then given an insightful overview of Social Activities Integration’s work and mission for children who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Social Activities Integration was founded by Vinay Vasta, who I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with. He took me through the inspiring journey of how Social Activities Integration began and what followed was a deep and meaningful conversation with Vinay Vasta, in which we discussed everything from the NGO’s humble beginnings to the remarkable progress it has made over the years. 

It was truly moving for me to learn how this nonprofit has worked relentlessly to break the chains of sexual abuse that children in red-light areas face, providing child sex abuse survivors with safety, protection and a chance for a brighter future. Hearing about the impact that Social Activities Integration has had on these vulnerable children left me with immense respect for the work being done and the dedication of everyone involved, since the organization was founded in the 1990s. It is a testament to how compassion and relentless effort can transform lives. 

My interaction with the children’s parents 

I had the chance to visit the home of one of the children being helped by the organization. The home was a small 10 x 10 space with minimal living conditions. I, along with Vinay Vasta and the Project Coordinator, saw firsthand the challenging environment that these families face and live in. The building was unhygienic, with garbage and paan waste around, making it an unsuitable place for children of sex workers to grow in a healthy manner. In my mind, this reinforced the importance of Social Activities Integration’s project for child sex abuse victims which build shelter homes for the children of female sex workers. When speaking with some of these women, they expressed a strong desire to secure a better future for their children, particularly their daughters, and to protect them from the harsh realities of their current environment.

My thoughts as I wrapped up my day

What touched me was that the team from Social Activities Integration is an open book about the issue of child sex abuse, the need for organizations such as this one, their interventions and the impact they are making in the lives of child sex abuse survivors. Social Activities Integration believes in making the world a safe space for everyone and I witnessed this during my visit to this life-changing organization. As I walked through their offices, I could see each team member occupied with piles and piles of files, working hard to make sure that these innocent children and their families receive the support they so desperately need and deserve. 

by: Edin Jayanti

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Support Social Activities Integration

Social Activities Integration was started in 1991 as an organization for child sex abuse victims when its founder Vinay Vasta witnessed a child, no older than 8, being gang raped by a group of men. Recognizing that work needed to be done to help these children, he founded  an organization that provides nutritious meals, medical care and educational support to children who have escaped or been rescued from sexual exploitation in the red light district. Having helped more than 2,500 child sex abuse survivors so far, Vinay Vasta and Social Activities Integration realized that these children need a safe shelter home to be protected from the horrors of the red light district. Living so close to areas where prostitution is widespread places them in danger of sexual abuse and exploitation. 

This fundraiser is raising funds to help the organization build a shelter home for the children to give them a place to be safe from the dangers of red light areas, often where their mothers are involved in sex work. Your support to Social Activities Integration’s fundraiser can help protect children of sex workers and make sure they are not sexually abused and exploited in brothels. To support Social Activities Integration: 

Support Social Activities Integration

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Edin Jayanti

Edin Jayanti has been working with Give for over six years and is also an active volunteer. Guided by the belief that “someone cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” Edin is passionate about making a positive impact in the community.