Campaign by Swadhar Institute for Development of Women, Children
Renu grew up in the chawls of Pune’s red-light area in a dingy house, witnessing a flow of unknown men enter and leave their small bedroom day and night. Sometimes while looking at her mother hiding her fresh bruises with her pallu, Renu’s determination not to take up this path that her mother was pushed into only became stronger. She yearned for a way out of this dark world where she could live without fear, not struggle for three meals a day and get an education.
Luckily for Renu (name changed), Swadhar IDWC-Pune took her in with her mother’s consent and put her in school. After years of hard work, she cleared all her grades and has now appeared for her Class 12 final exams.
A fight for the rights of children
Children like Renu, who are born to sex workers, cannot dream of a normal childhood. They are subjected to stress, trauma, and sometimes abuse by their mother’s clients. And without no one to fall back on, they grow up to become prostitutes and pimps themselves.
“What will the child get whose mother is a sex worker? There is no family; there is no schooling, no medical care, and nothing for the child. Children like them are easy prey. Our only concern is the child getting into mainstream society and not continuing in the mother’s profession,” says Sanjivani Hingne, secretary, Swadhar IDWC Pune.
Swadhar IDWC- Pune weaves a safety net for children of sex workers. They strive to prevent second-generation prostitution of children living in red-light areas by providing a secure environment where they have access to shelter, nutrition, healthcare, education, and happiness. The organisation wants to provide a refuge for more children trapped in the sex-trade environment, but they cannot do it without your support.
Project Mohor - a safe home away from red-light areas
Swadhar’s fully functional 24x7 facility looks after the most vulnerable and neglected children of sex workers in Pune’s red-light area. These children often roam the streets till early morning while their mothers engage in prostitution. In view of providing a safe environment for them, Swadhar runs a kitchen for nutritious free meals, a pre-school, an e-learning center, and a crèche for infants who are drugged by their own mothers to put them to sleep during business hours.
“Right from cleaning, bathing, feeding, medical care, seeing that the child is ready for school - all of it is taken care of here, which is impossible in a red-light area. So far, we have taken care of 200 children, most of them now pursuing higher education or have finished school with flying colours. Now, we need more funds because the number of children is increasing and we want to take in more children”.
Swadhar IDWC and its dedicated team are fighting hard to create safe, joyful spaces for these children where they learn, feel loved and become fruitful citizens of society. They urgently need ₹34 lakh, which will help their projects run smoothly for a year. But they are running out of financial support and looking for a helping hand to support vulnerable children who are on the verge of slipping into second-generation prostitution and pimping. Please donate generously.
Renu (name changed) is a little 8-year-old girl who deserves the opportunities of education, healthcare, and a safe and happy home.
But most of all, she deserves to have a childhood.
This basic requirement of a child was brutally ripped from her the day she and her sister became victims of a grotesque sexual crime; a crime that left them severely physically and mentally disturbed.
With a police case registered, Renu was ushered into the protection of Swadhar IDWC. Here she was given special medical care and a nutritional diet prescribed by a doctor, as well as counselling and health monitoring.
She was unfortunately diagnosed with TB but after months of meticulous medical aid, she has made a full recovery and is now enrolled in a school where she has joined over 85 children who have access to food, shelter, education, healthcare services, and co-curricular activities.
These innocent children can now take advantage of hobby classes, e-learning, exposure visits, and life-skill training to give them the tools they need to make a better life for themselves.
Renu's case is not unique to her. This is daily life for so many young boys and girls in Pune, which is why we need your support to end the vicious cycle of exploitation and violence.
Donate now to change the lives of the little boys and girls who are victims of systematic oppression.
Swadhar has been transformed into a place of hope and dignity, all thanks to your unwavering support. Get ready to be amazed by the stories of resilience and triumph that your contributions have sparked! 🌟🏡
Field Visit Date: 13-05-2023
Field Visit by: Sai Saranya, Senior Associate
Visit Summary:
Our visit to Swadhar IDWC, involving a team of six members and commencing at 11 am, was a comprehensive engagement with both the program and accounts teams, led by Shubhangi Abhyankar at the Swadhar Head office. We delved into the intricacies of the Mohor budget, which supports a shelter home for children of sex workers. This two-year project is designed to offer these children not just shelter but also a nurturing environment for education and holistic development. An important change we noted is the division of the project into separate boys' and girls' homes, as mandated by the Child Welfare Committee for children over the age of 11.
Our discussions on fund utilization revealed the organization's transparent accounting practices and careful expenditure, particularly in the purchase of groceries for the shelter. Swadhar IDWC's close monitoring of the project, including rigorous record-keeping in both digital and hard-copy formats, and the regular monthly review meetings, were commendable.
Upon our visit to the Mohor Project at noon, we had the privilege of interacting with the dedicated staff and beneficiaries at the shelter home. It was inspiring to witness the comprehensive care provided to over 65 children, hailing from diverse backgrounds, including orphans, abandoned children, those with medical conditions, and those in conflict with the law. The meticulous record-keeping, provision of nutritious meals in accordance with the JJ Act, and the availability of educational resources like a computer lab and library stood out. The staff's commitment to maintaining the children's well-being and grooming, despite the challenges of their parents' chosen occupation, was truly heartening. The children expressed their satisfaction with the care and educational opportunities they receive and shared their aspirations for higher studies.
🙏 Your kindness knows no bounds, and it's what keeps us going. With your support, we can continue to provide love, care, and support to those in need. 🌈💫
Swadhar Institute for Development of Women, Children
Beneficiary Charity
Chaitanya Sharma
Organiser
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