Let's not forget them!

ARE WE FORGETTING THEM?

When we think of childhood, most of us recall happy memories—innocence, the unconditional love of parents, and a carefree life filled with joy. If you were fortunate enough to have such a childhood, you are truly blessed.

But around us are children whose childhoods look very different—marked by hardship, stress, and loneliness. Some have no parents, while others have parents unable to care for them. Some are drawn into crime at a tender age, while others face exploitation far too young. Many live in children’s homes or orphanages, while some survive without any protection—on the streets, under flyovers, or along riverbanks.

For these children, BELIEF runs KITABGHAR—a safe, brave, and non‑judgmental space where books become companions and pathways to hope.

Take Payal (name changed), who lives by the river. Her parents work as daily laborers. Though bright and enrolled in school, she lacks the supportive environment needed to learn. Her days are spent doing odd jobs, eating donated food, catching fish, or sometimes begging.

Or Hussain (name changed), who lives nearby with his siblings under the care of their elderly grandmother. His father and uncle have passed away, leaving no one else in the family. Like Payal, he too works whatever jobs he can find. Poverty and instability have driven many adults in their community to addiction, and our team worries the children may follow the same path.

Are we forgetting the children in our own city?

This question gave birth to KITABGHAR.

Here, children gather around books. They listen to stories, join activities, talk, and connect with the wider world through reading. They find space to reflect on their dreams, feelings, and aspirations. For children living on the streets or riverbanks, we also hold classes in reading, writing, and basic arithmetic.

Even children unintentionally caught up in crime attend Kitabghar sessions. Because our facilitators work with a non‑judgmental approach, these children have begun to trust Kitabghar. Books they had never touched before—storybooks, even textbooks—now spark their interest. They are discovering joy in reading and art.

IMPACT: Today, Kitabghar runs 13 sessions every week across Nashik and Pune, reaching about 200 children. Over the past two years, we have conducted nearly 400 sessions. The impact is visible: children who once couldn’t even sit still and pay attention now stay engaged for entire sessions. They recognize authors, solve word puzzles, recite poems, compose their own verses, create stories, and even stage plays. Those who couldn’t write are now trying, supported by peers and facilitators. Older children are joining discussions, expressing opinions with confidence, and learning to listen and reflect on others’ views.

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS: Kitabghar is entirely community‑funded, and we urgently need financial help to continue.

CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE USED FOR:

• Carefully chosen, high‑quality books for children
• Stationery and art supplies
• Nutritious snacks for children living on the streets
• Modest honorariums and travel costs for facilitators

Cost of support to 1 center for 1 month = 18000

Cost of support to 1 child for 1 year = 6000

Cost of a single session = 2300

Please extend your support to brighten both the present and the future of these children.

Pledge your support, donate now! Let's not forget them!