Provide underprivileged children with nutrition, accommodation and education

The streets are a tough place to grow up in. Every year in Mumbai, thousands of children are left to fend for themselves as they live off the street. Poor or orphaned children are unable to get a chance to be educated. Those who go to school often drop out of school to earn livelihood for themselves or their family, even at an early age.

Without an education, the children will be subject to a life of extreme poverty and, at times, may be forced into bonded labor. Those without families or any one to care for them could be exposed to the perils of substance abuse and negative influences. They are vulnerable and thus open to acts of physical violence and abuse.

Lack of nutritious food could leave them malnourished and susceptible to health hazards. They face a bleak future on the streets and each day brings forth newer and bigger struggles of food, water, security and education.

Sahaara saw this need to house homeless children and began the Mahima Children's Home in July 1999 with just two boys.

Today, the home is a haven for 8 boys between 6 and 18 years of age and 5 boys over 18 years of age, all either orphans or with terminally ill parents or children of trafficked women unable to care for them.

Mahima provides these children with nutrition, accommodation and education. These boys, who are educated at English medium schools and colleges, actively participate in sports, school dramas and have been elected school leaders and captains.

15 boys were cared for last year in Mahima Home.

In a family atmosphere these boys are nurtured and raised to believe in a dream that was once far away, but now within grasp!

They are on the way to making their dreams a reality. And each child has bigger dream. These children will grow up to be reintegrated as responsible and positive contributors to society.