Salaam Baalak Trust: empowering futures for street children in Delhi

IN the bustling streets of Delhi and the National Capital Region, where life’s struggles are palpable and survival is a daily challenge, Salaam Baalak Trust has been a source of comfort for the children of the area during the past 32 years. Born out of the inspiration derived from the acclaimed film “Salaam Bombay,” this NGO has been unwaveringly dedicated to transforming the lives of street children, providing them with a second chance at a childhood and a future they deserve.

How a film inspired this NGO

The NGO’s inception can be traced back to the success of Mira Nair’s 1988 film “Salaam Bombay,” which poignantly depicted the lives of street children in Mumbai. Moved by the stories of these marginalized children, a group of individuals came together to establish the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi. Little did they know that this humble beginning on a balcony of the Ground Reserve Police at the New Delhi Railway Station would evolve into a monumental force for change.

Over the course of the past three decades, Salaam Baalak Trust has emerged as a transformative force in the lives of street children, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of society. The NGO’s efforts have extended far beyond mere charity, focusing instead on holistic support, empowerment and reintegration of these children into mainstream society. 

The NGO’s impact

The heartwarming impact of Salaam Baalak Trust becomes apparent in the staggering numbers it proudly presents. With unwavering commitment, the NGO has reached out to and provided vital support services to over 99,000 children over the years. In a society that often overlooks the plight of street children, this number stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication and the profound change it has been fostering.

One of the most remarkable achievements of Salaam Baalak Trust lies in its success in reuniting over 15,000 parents with their runaway or lost children. The NGO recognizes the deep-rooted emotional ties that bind families and understands that separation is often a result of desperation rather than choice. Through its relentless efforts, Salaam Baalak Trust has not only given children a chance to reclaim their childhood but has also reunited shattered families, offering them a fresh start together.

The NGO has gone beyond immediate reunification with the children’s families, however. More than 19,500 children have found a new home within the walls of Salaam Baalak Trust’s shelter homes and open centers. These children, who may have left behind not just their homes but also their dreams, find solace and belonging in the NGO’s nurturing environment. Salaam Baalak Trust doesn’t just provide shelter; it provides a family, a support system, and a platform for these children to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

How Salaam Baalak Trust serves distressed children 

The journey from that small balcony to an influential entity has been marked by remarkable growth. The organization, which initially began with a modest team of three staff members and 25 children, has expanded its reach and impact exponentially. Presently, Salaam Baalak Trust boasts a team of over 270 dedicated professionals. This team, driven by the same passion that fueled the organization’s inception, works tirelessly to provide essential support services to over 10,000 children on an annual basis.

This support is delivered through a comprehensive network of initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of street children. Salaam Baalak Trust’s infrastructure includes 7 shelter homes and open centers that offer a safe haven to children in need. In addition, the organization runs 3 child helplines, 10 contact points and day care facilities, ensuring that children have access to assistance when they need it the most.

Education, being a cornerstone of empowerment, is a focal point for Salaam Baalak Trust. The organization’s initiatives include a mobile school that reaches out to children who are unable to access conventional educational institutions. A night school program further extends the opportunity for education to those who work during the day, ensuring that the doors to learning are always open.

Recognizing the emotional scars that life on the streets can leave, Salaam Baalak Trust has also established a structured mental health program. This program provides essential counseling and psychological support to help these children heal from their traumatic experiences, fostering emotional well-being and resilience. It’s not just about survival; it’s about thriving. Salaam Baalak Trust believes in uncovering and nurturing the latent talents that these children possess. Through its latent talent development facilities, the organization empowers children to explore their creativity, express themselves and find a sense of purpose beyond their past experiences.

Salaam Baalak Trust’s fundraiser

Amidst India’s harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and neglect, many children find solace on Delhi’s streets, seeking a brighter future. While some families live in slums due to extreme poverty, these environments expose children to crime, labor and violence, marginalizing them further. Yet, these resilient youngsters display an unyielding spirit. To unlock their potential, a girls’ home strives to offer essential services: education, nutrition, health and vocational training via mobile schools and day-care centers. Through Salaam Baalak Trust’s fundraiser, the goal is to ensure their survival, growth, and development, countering the grim statistics of millions of unschooled and working children. Salaam Baalak Trust aspires to empower these girls, fostering independence and dignity, ultimately uplifting their lives.

Salaam Baalak Trust stands as a shining testament to the incredible impact that a group of dedicated individuals can have on society’s most vulnerable members. Over the past 32 years, this NGO’s unwavering commitment to street children in Delhi and the NCR has transformed the lives of countless children and families. From a modest beginning, it has grown into a comprehensive support network, offering shelter, education, emotional healing and empowerment. With each success story, the Salaam Baalak Trust reaffirms that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a chance to reclaim their childhood and build a brighter future. You can donate here to Salaam Baalak Trust and help children have a safe and prosperous future.