South Kolkata Hamari Muskan

In a child's first eight critical years, SKHM's Safe Centre provides a nurturing environment for rapid cognitive development. This sanctuary supports rest, learning, relaxation, and nourishment.

During the formative first three years, SKHM guides parents in shaping their child's identity through the Mothers' Group, led by Mental Health Counselor Jolly Laha. Play and Art-based Therapy aids in identifying abuse, reducing anxiety, and fostering self-expression and confidence. Early education reinforces shape, colour, numbers, and English skills. Nutrition includes three meals and an evening health drink. Age-appropriate arts, music, dance, and storytelling enrich children's growth.

Play and Art-based Therapy, led by Mental Health Counsellor Suparna Rudra, begins at age 11, fostering confidential discussions led by children. Art therapy workshops persist during breaks, while play therapy concludes around age 11. SKHM readies children aged 6+ for mainstream schooling, aiding the shift from informal to Government schools, facilitating paperwork, admissions, and academic support. Consistent teacher follow-ups ensure progress, with mothers' participation encouraged through the aligned Mothers' Group. The education programme includes digital literacy and Spoken English classes. SKHM's nutrition plan offers three meals, energy drinks, and periodic pediatric check-ups for physical health. Extracurriculars comprise karate, drama, creative writing, photography, music, dance, fine arts, cricket, and football coaching at dedicated academies.

Mothers, as household leaders, wield significant influence within families, particularly in safeguarding their children's welfare. In 2010, SKHM initiated the Mothers' Group Programme as a core component of its strategy to rehabilitate children and women involved in prostitution. The primary aim was to train women from red-light areas in alternative livelihoods and support those seeking to escape harmful professions. Under the guidance of mental health professionals, these women met bi-monthly to converse, relax, acquire new skills, and form a support network. This evolved into Project Dignity, offering mental health support, occupational training, hobby classes, document management, financial literacy, health initiatives, outreach, education options, and recreational activities.

Often, youths raised in red-light areas, having endured childhood abuse, perpetuate a cycle of violence. SKHM's mission is to disrupt this cycle through education and psychological support. Project Breakthrough, established in 2014, focuses on psychosocial interventions, including mandatory counselling, art-based therapy, and a dedicated de-addiction programme for youth. Vocational training encompasses cooking, jewellery making, driving, computers, and Spoken English. Encouraging identity documentation and financial literacy fosters responsibility. Outreach efforts, literacy classes, NIOS enrollment, and college support offer pathways to better lives for Breakthrough youths, emphasizing breaking the cycle of violence and achieving self-sufficiency.