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Salaam Baalak Trust - Annual Report 2002 - 03

Preface
The eyes of a child are windows into the future.

Look deep into these windows.

Especially if they belong to a child of the street.

At first, you may encounter a cloud of pain, even mistrust – hardly surprising given their world of uncertainty, deprivation and fear. Look deeper, and there is a spark of joy, a conviction that, one morning, they will wake to brighter days.

Give these children more than a second glance – give them a second chance. Allow them to make the leap from menial, exploitative jobs to situations that help them realize their potential. Given a moment of hope, our children have an amazing ability to rebound from life’s hardships. Give them the freedom to dream, the opportunity to trust. Their only limitations are the ones society places in their way.

While India advances on the global stage, at home there is a widening gap between our cities and our impoverished rural communities. Just as adults are lured to the city by the promise of opportunity, these children seek to escape from poverty and, often, abuse. The first step is up – into a carriage on one of India’s myriad trains. The next step is down – into the harsh reality of an Indian city.

In Delhi alone, it is estimated that there are close to half a million street children. The sheer magnitude of this number can cause one to feel helpless. But this is a problem that will not go away on its own. The future of the nation, indeed the future of the world, depends on our paying attention to these vulnerable, yet special children.

Salaam Baalak Trust is driven by the desire to lift the clouds from these eyes, to nurture their spark and kindle a flame. We begin with the basics - food, shelter, guidance, a warm heart and a kind ear. Then, our larger goals kick in: education; a place to call home; and an adult, a surrogate didi or bhaiya (elder sister or elder brother), who is always there to listen and help. With your help, we can face the challenge of the mean streets, and provide these children with their fundamental rights, and, yes, love.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Brief History
Founded in 1988, following the success of the film ‘Salaam Bombay’, Delhi-based Salaam Baalak Trust has been dedicated to the care and protection of street children, regardless of caste, color, creed or religion. Working primarily in and around New Delhi Railway Station, our work place is the raw, harsh underbelly of the city- its platforms and rail-sidings, its crowded bus stops and budgets hotels, its slums and congested trading districts. In this milieu, we provide aid for nearly 5000 children annually through our various programs, shelters and activities.

Salaam Baalak Trust is proud to be one among of the first of the NGO’s whicho realized the dire conditions of street children some 15 years backago. We still keep in touch with the our veveryry first batch children we worked with – many have their own homes and are well settled, in small scale businesses, in a wide range of professions, and a few of them as Salaam Baalak Trust staff members. Despite the occasional setback, Salaam Baalak has evolved hugely since then, and is backed by donors from around the world, supported by a growing list of partners, enabled by the government, but most importantly, sensitive to the changing needs of the children who are its sole reason for existence.

Vision and Ambitions
The vision of Salaam Baalak Trust is to create an environment conducive to the holistic development of Street and Working children, enabling them to become a part of mainstream society.

To achieve this vision, we have to begin with the essentials of life- food, shelter, health, and love. But we seek to deliver more – a sense of community, and an appreciation of the value of family and of education. At the same time, we reinforce the self- reliance of these children; and, finally, help to provide opportunities for their future.

Catering to the varied needs of these children, Salaam Baalak Trust has a wide range of interventions- from contact points and counseling programs to drop-in centers and residential facilities. All of these have but one aim- to help the children of the street become meaningful members of a healthy, progressive society.

Contact Points, Shelters and Outreach
Contact Points
Contact points serve as the most convenient sites for children newly arrived at the station to get in touch with SBT. These points are run as day-care centers for working children. SBT has three contact points –
1). GRP Center, New Delhi Railway Station
2). Platform Center, New Delhi Railway Station, and
3). Hanuman Mandir Center.

The First and the primary aim of these centers is to try to reunite runaway children with their families. Those children who have nowhere to go, or are unwilling to go home are encouraged to leave the streets and join the full care shelters run by SBT or other NGOs.

Major activities of all SBT contact points:
a) Counseling children to achieve reunion with their families.
b) Provision of proper nutrition, clothing and hygiene facilities.
c) On-going education, through non-formal education and the National Open School (NOS) system.
d) Provision of first aid, medical check-ups and tests, HIV/AIDS testing (on voluntary basis), and referral to drug de-addiction programmes.
e) Recreational facilities: art and craft, music, out-door and indoor games, excursions within Delhi, and an annual educational tour to a hill station.
f) Encouragement to save money through savings schemes with inbuilt financial incentives.
g) Building awareness of child rights, in association with Child Rights Club and Bal Adhikar Manch.
h) Fostering a sense of communal harmony and an awareness of other religions, through observance of all major festivals.
i) Capacity building of the contact point staff.

1) General Reserve Police (G.R.P) Center, New Delhi Railway Station
Located at New Delhi railway station, this was the first center from where SBT started its operations 15 years ago. This half-day care center provides the basic contact with the children, reassuring them about the Trust’s concern for them.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 488 children benefited from this center.
b) 33 children were restored to their families,
c) 488 children received non-formal education; 2 through National Open School,
d) 3 children got vocational training in different trades,
e) 5 children were rehabilitated through job placement,
f) 41 children referred to hospital
g) 4 children have gone through long- term treatment of TB/Jaundice.
h) 9 staff training workshops organized on issues like HIV/AIDS, Non Formal Education (NFE), Counseling, Sex & Sexuality, Child labor, Care & Support, Communication skills, Health & Hygiene, and child labor.

2) Platform Center, New Delhi Railway Station
The platform center has been a permanent contact point since 2000, catering to around 20 street children per day in the age group of 8- 17 years. SBT social workers conduct field visits on the platforms to look for new children and motivate them to come to the contact points.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) Total 212 children benefited from this center,
b) 12 children were restored to their families,
c) 212 children received non formal education,
d) 2 children rehabilitated through job placement.

3) Hanuman Mandir Center
Kishalaya – a day care center at Hanuman Mandir – has been operational since 1999. It caters to over 25 boys and girls in the age group of 3-18 years. Most of the children in our contact here are drug-addicts; therefore drug de-addiction, education & counseling are the main objectives at this center.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) Total 190 children benefited from this center,
b) 9 children were restored to their families,
c) 6 children sent to formal schools,
d) 184 children received non formal education,
e) 8 children joined NOS,
f) 1 child got vocational training,
g) 4 children have gone through long-term treatment of TB/Burn case & 4 children have been sent to Caring Foundation for drug de-addiction.
h) 29 children have been referred to hospital

Shelters
Street children are easy prey to all sorts of crimes, including sexual abuse. With their low resistance, they are also extremely vulnerable to a whole host of diseases; and, victims of their environment, many become recruits for the drug trade. Taking them off the street, and into a secure space, is the most lasting remedy to their situation. Over the years, SBT has established three full care shelter homes – Aasra (for boys), Apna Ghar (boys) and Arushi (girls), as well as one 24-hour drop-in shelter (for older working boys).

Children reach the shelters through SBT’s three contact points, through the telephone service Child-line or through concerned citizens. The shelters are equipped according to age groups and needs of the children.

The shelter homes provide:
a) A safe environment : - Physical safety, a secure place for their meager possessions, refuge from the elements – these basics go a long way in the psychological rehabilitation of children from the street. Above all, the home becomes a place children can call their own.
b) Education :- Formal schooling is seen as the ideal solution for children in our shelters, and we try to enroll them in regular private or public schools. Where this is not possible, due to huge gaps in their education, they go through non- formal schooling, and/or the National Open School system of education. Children are assisted in their homework; where necessary, they are provided extra tuition/remedial classes.
c) Clothing& Nutrition : - All children are provided with school uniforms and shoes, and with summer and winter daily wear. Their food intake is carefully planned to ensure a balanced diet and adequate nutrition.
d) Medical Facilities : - Children’s health is monitored through regular medical check-ups, including pathological screening, and individual health records carefully maintained. SBT retains a full-time doctor on its rolls, and depending on the situation, also invites specialists to visit, or sends children to them for consultations.
e) Sports : - We have a full time sports coordinator for SBT. The children get training in various sports like cricket, soccer and squash. Children also attend swimming and karate classes and participate in various local and inter-organizational games & sports competitions.
f) Recreation : - Boys and girls of the shelters learn dance and music from renowned artistes. Every year, children from our centers take a ten-day holiday to a hill station or nature resort. In addition, there are weekly outings, and regular screening of movies.
g) Life Skills : - This program aims to enhance the ability of children to take responsible, energizing decisions on a day-to-day basis. A full-time Life Skills Coordinator prepares structured modules and guidelines towards this end, and works in tandem with counselors from all the centers. For older children, there is an increased focus on providing livelihood options through vocational training, education and job provisions.
h) Income Generation : - SBT children are involved in candle making and paper mache work. Products are sold through prestigious outlets such as Fab India, Dilli Haat and Full Circle. Income from sales is deposited into the savings accounts of the respective children.
i) Saving Schemes : - Children who earn money are encouraged to open bank accounts, in order to inculcate the habit of saving. Incentives are given to children who are able to maintain their bank balances for stipulated periods of time.
j) Mental Health Program : - This activity is steered by a core group, which consists of a trained panel of counselors, a psychiatrist and a psychologist. The team evolves strategies to deal with mental stress, depression and anxiety; to enhance communications skills; and to ensure an on going, effective counseling program. All SBT children undergo both group counseling and intense ‘one-on-one’ counseling.
k) Vocational Training : - Is provided to children above 15 years. Guided by their individual interests and aptitude, SBT children have been trained in trades such as candle making, tailoring, electrician, motor mechanic, cooking, photography, computer, and driving.
l) Skill development : - includes training in crafts, music, needlecraft, and handicraft.
m) Job Placement : - After providing vocational training SBT also assists children in getting suitable employment. The trust supports promising candidates by providing small loans in order to help establish them in small-scale businesses or jobs.

Milestones at our shelters -
AASRA : Its name means ‘safe haven’, and since 1992, this full care shelter has looked after boys in the age group 5-13 years. With a capacity of 50 children, Aasra’s emphasis is on providing a nurturing and loving environment, and on giving its residents an opportunity to enjoy their childhood. Given their age, Aasra children are repatriated to their families in large numbers, so the population is quite mobile.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 404 children benefited through this shelter,
b) 130 children were restored to their families,
c) 50 children were sent to formal school classes (1st to 8th),
d) 354 children received non formal education,
e) 12 children joined National Open School (distance learning),
f) 91 children have been referred to hospital
g) 2 children under-went long-term treatment of Tuberculosis.

APNA GHAR : A Shelter for boys in the age group of 14 - 18 years, Apna Ghar, literally means ‘Our Home’. This shelter was established in the year 1999, and has a capacity of 50 children. Boys in this age group receive a great deal of psychosocial intervention, in the areas of behavior change, self-analysis, rational and independent thought, and adjustment to mainstream society. The trust tries to ensure that the boys pass class 10; subsequently, they are enrolled in career-oriented courses, unless they have the aptitude and desire for higher studies. Here the population is stable, as the boys are older and committed to the prospect of an improved future.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 58 children benefited from this shelter,
b) 45 children received formal schooling- classes (4 to 12)
c) 1 child received non formal education,
d) 12 children joined NOS,
e) Boys were referred to hospital 261 times,
f) 6 children underwent long term treatment of TB & heart disease,
g) 9 children got vocational training in different trades,
h) 1 child was rehabilitated through job placement,
i) 1 child was restored to his family.

ARUSHI : A Shelter for girls, started in 1999 with the help of US AID, situated away from the railway station, in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi. The word ‘Arushi’ means ‘first ray of the sun’ and this home has truly become a ray of hope for the young street girls who are otherwise easy victims of pimps.

An important objective at Arushi is to educate the girls about their sexuality, reproductive health and sexual rights. SBT aims to enable these girls to stand on their own feet through education, vocational training courses and income generation programs.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 72 girls benefited through this shelter,
b) 25 girls were restored to their families,
c) 32 children went to formal school,
d) 40 children received non formal education,
e) 13 children joined NOS,
f) Children were referred to hospitals 147 times
g) 2 children underwent long term treatment of TB,
h) 3 children were enrolled in nursing training.

DROP-IN-SHELTER : This 24-hour drop-in-shelter was started in 1997 for older street and working children. Most of the target group work for their livelihood, so they need more freedom to come and go at will. Accordingly, any boy can drop in at any time to take a shower, wash his clothes eat or rest; insulated from the harsh environs of New Delhi Railway Station. In addition, the center offers special counseling, vocational training and assistance in job placement.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 204 children availed of the center’s facilities,
b) 40 children were restored to their families,
c) 204 children received non- formal education,
d) 21 children entered distance learning programs of the National Open School (NOS) or Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
e) Children were referred to hospital 245 times.
f) 6 children underwent long- term treatment of TB & leprosy,
g) 15 children were placed in vocational training in different trades,
h) 23 boys placed in regular jobs- earning Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 per month.

Outreach Center
Akanksha : The activities of Salaam Baalak Trust are not confined to working with street and working children. The trust also undertakes a preventive program for children in slums near the railway station, at its center called ‘Akanksha’, established in 1993. By providing formal and remedial education, and other support, Akanksha hopes to prevent the children of the slums from becoming street children. To this end:
a) Over 130 boys and girls in the age group of 6-18 years are provided with education, medical aid/ check ups, recreation facilities and vocational training.
b) A special education format has been prepared for the slum areas. It starts with formal coaching classes for school going children, whereas dropouts are encouraged to study through the National Open School (NOS). For children unable to go to school, non-formal education methods are employed. And finally for children below 5 years, the Play way method is used to prepare them for school.
c) Credit facilities or small loans are made available to women from the community. Training in Income Generation Programs is also organized.
d) We organize adult literacy classes and health programs in the areas of family planning, HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy, personal hygiene, Child Rights and Women’s Rights.

Between April 2002 and March 2003
a) 132 children benefited from this centre,
b) 2 children were restored to their families,
c) 76 children were educated in formal schools,
d) 56 children received non-formal education,
e) 26 children joined NOS/IGNOU,
f) 10 children were rehabilitated through job placement,
g) 1 child got vocational training,
h) 25 children were referred to hospital.

Health Programs
The health status of street children is derived from their unhygienic living conditions and poor nutrition. These factors are compounded by their poor access to medical services and health information. Often ignorant of safe sexual practices, older children lead a high-risk lifestyle, making them susceptible to STDs and HIV/AIDS. Substances abuse is another common phenomenon.

Health programs are a major thrust area of our work, and we have consistently strengthened interventions in this area. At the same time, we have also developed new approaches to meet the emotional, social, spiritual and cognitive needs of the children.

a) Strengthening of Medical Services: Our children are especially prone to skin diseases, chest infections (including pulmonary TB), diarrhea, infectious diseases, and minor wounds. Regular medical check-ups ensure early diagnosis; a rigorous vaccination program immunizes children against the most common contagious diseases; medical social workers draw up preventive programs; and a referral program with leading hospitals ensures timely intervention when more specialised care is required. In addition, healthy nutrition and a balanced diet go a long way into ensuring the on-going health of our children.

We extend the reach of our medical services to other street children at the railway station, through Health Camps and Health Melas. The scope of these sessions includes screening, free medicines and referral for investigations and specialized medical services.

b) Referral System: An elaborate referral system exists at SBT for children needing specialized health care. Through the UN Volunteers group (UNV), of which we are a member, the Indian Association of Pediatrics offers us volunteer services at the Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital. In addition, we maintain strong links with, among others, Smt. Sucheta Kripalani Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. As a result, emergency medical services, hospitalization and surgical intervention are always accessible to our children.

c) Counseling: is central to the SBT experience. Beginning with the first contact, it helps us understand the child’s compulsions for leaving home, and is the critical component to our facilitating his/her repatriation. Often, trauma counseling is necessary, especially for girls. If the child stays on and becomes part of the SBT family, integration requires on-going counseling, both, on an individual and a group basis. As children grow, and attempt to integrate into mainstream society, the need for counseling takes on a different shape To ensure a high quality of on-going counseling, SBT has a pool of experienced counselors, who themselves are continually exposed to new methods and ideas in the field.

d) Advocacy: recognizing the on-going exposure of our target children to high-risk health situations, advocacy is an important tool of our health program. Focusing on communicable diseases like STD, HIV/AIDS, TB, as well as on drug abuse, a gamut of techniques is used to continually alert children to the health problems inherent in their environment. In the AIDS advocacy area, SBT networks with 6 other Delhi NGOs, which are members of the NGO AIDS Forum. Similarly, SBT is part of the Anti Trafficking Network (ATN), which works on issues related to rescue & rehabilitation of trafficked women and minor children.

e) Drug De-addiction: is an urgent need, as an alarming number of street children are prone to substance abuse. Many children have done a fair amount of time on the streets before joining SBT; whether due to peer pressure, or the inducements of pushers, they come to us already addicted to solvents or spirits, hallucinogens or pain-killers, tobacco or pan masala. Some of the more persistent cases need intensive de-addiction at specialized facilities. Subsequently, our counselors need to work with them on an on-going basis.

f) Community Mobilization/Mass Sensitization: utilizing our experience in advocacy among our own children, we also reach out to the communities around us with inputs in relevant areas, including family planning and reproductive health, hygiene, Immunization, and HIV/AIDS. From time to time, our children stage street plays and puppet on areas of particular interest to us, especially child rights and women’s rights.

Projects: Childline, Salaam Award Project
CHILDLINE PROJECT
CHILDLINE is India’s first 24-hour free phone outreach service for children in need of emergency assistance. A collaborative project between the Government of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and NGOs, it has assigned each of five Delhi zones to one organization. Salaam Baalak Trust runs Childline in the Central zone.

Target Group
Childline addresses issues pertaining to:
a) Runaway and homeless children
b) Children living on the streets
c) Child Labor.
d) Mistreatment of juvenile domestic staff.
e) Child abuse

Functioning of Childline
Located in Paharganj, our Childline project provides emergency assistance to distressed children in the first instance. We then endeavor to link children to the organizations best equipped to help them – in many cases, they are taken into one of our own programs.

In the period between April 2002 and March 2003, there were a total of 37,932 calls that were received by the SBT CHILDLINE out of which 1,323.i.e. 34.9% of the calls were actually assisted. Major categories of calls:
a) Direct intervention (574 calls)
b) For shelter (313 calls),
c) Repatriation (177 calls),
d) Missing/lost children (132 calls)
e) For medical help (61 calls),
f) Rescue/protection from abuse (21 calls),

Aside from handling calls, SBT has worked to spread awareness of the service through campaigns, open house meetings, and night outreach programs. Some of the significant platforms utilized to this end were:
a) The SBT Annual Program at Chinmaya Peace Center (Oct’ 2002).
b) Health Camp in the SBT community project areas (Oct 2002).
c) Awareness Campaign at ASVJ Senior Secondary School (April 2002)
d) Interaction with participants at the NGO Forum Sports Program.
e) Information stall at the Rashtriya Bal Sanskar Mela (Nov. 2002).
f) The SBT Diwali Mela in Paharganj.
g) The Nature Bazaar at Dilli Haat. (Jan 2003)

SALAAM AWARD PROJECT
The Salaam Award Project is an international program for young people (12-24 yrs), which aim to channelize the potential of disadvantaged urban youth. The Award Program seeks to encourage independence, inter-dependence and self-help among socially isolated and vulnerable youth.

This program is an extension of the “Duke of Edinburgh Award”, which was traditionally restricted to children of elite schools. In January 1999, Salaam Baalak Trust became the first NGO to conduct the program among socially disadvantaged children.

Now referred to as the Salaam Award Project (SAP), it has four components:

a) Social service: children get accustomed to serving those in need; they visit old age homes and schools for the blind; get involved in community service; assist adult education, and volunteer in hospitals.
b) Skill development: computer training, tailoring, T.V./radio mechanics, motor driving, dance, music, photography, needlecraft, graphic arts, workshop crafts, surveys/collections etc.
c) Physical activity: children train in soccer, squash, volleyball, badminton etc.
d) Expeditions: camping, trekking, mountain climbing, river rafting, horse riding etc.

Different levels of awards (bronze, silver, gold) are decided pertaining to the activities involved, age and performance of the child. There are adult guides to instruct these children and there is no competition between two children but it is a self-analytical process with the whole aim of total personality development.

In the year 2002-2003
- 17 girls & boys qualified for Bronze Level and received medals
- 31 girls & boys qualified for Silver Level and received medals
- 7 girls & boys in the process of finishing Gold Level (highest achievement).

HIV-Care & Support project
Salaam Baalak Trust conducted a survey among 100 street children at the New Delhi Railway Station, and found that 86% of sexually active older boys (14-19 years) had never used condoms and had no knowledge of their proper usage; the balance 14% had a superficial knowledge of condoms, but had not used them either. Clearly, street children are a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS. In addition to their lack of knowledge about sex, safe practices and sexually transmitted diseases, their risk derives from:
a) Lack of access to health services for treatment of STDs
b) Risky behavior, including unprotected sexual contact, multiple sex partners, rape of young boys & girls, and drug abuse
c) The use of sex to assert power and influence over their peers.

Our project, which began in July 2001, aims to enhance the quality of life of HIV/AIDS victims and those vulnerable to it, in areas in and around the New Delhi Railway Station. Some of the initiatives conducted under this program in 2002-2003:
a) HIV Testing: Following group and individual counseling, children were asked to volunteer for HIV tests - around 50 children referred for tests.
b) Individual counseling: 1705 sessions.
c) Group counseling: 177 sessions.
d) Monthly awareness activities: Awareness of HIV/AIDS has to be maintained at a high level. Some of the activities employed for this purpose: quiz contests, video screenings, question boxes, and painting.
e) Street Play: SBT children mounted five street plays to sensitize stakeholders and communities on care and support issues for HIV/AIDS victims and the stigma and discrimination that affect them.
f) Training Programme: To build the capacity of SBT staff to deal with vulnerable children and children affected by HIV/AIDS, training sessions were conducted on:
  - Community care to vulnerable children and HIV/AIDS victims
  - Hands-on care to children affected by HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS prevention project (CAA)
Children Affected by AIDS

To strengthen the HIV/AIDS prevention programme at SBT, the CAA project was initiated in September 2002. The initiative is intended primarily to modify the risk behavior of street and working children, and hence reduce their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It also integrates with all the other programs at Salaam Baalak Trust, especially in the areas of:
a) Health and Life-skills
b) Education and Recreation
c) Repatriation
d) Capacity Building of staff

Some significant accomplishments between September 2002 and April 2003:

Children covered: 1404 children (1286 boys & 118 girls)

HEALTH
a) Medical Check-Ups-809 children,
b) Medical Investigations-222 children
c) Referred to Hospitals-567 children,
d) Admitted to Hospitals-20 children,
e) Follow-ups- 95 children,
f) Health awareness sessions conducted regularly on topics like health & hygiene, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, first Aid etc.
g) One Health-camp has been held so far.
h) Pediatricians from Kalavati Saran Hospital screened 148 children

REPATRIATION
a) Total number of Children Repatriated is 239
b) Regular follow-up of repatriated children are carried out through visits, letters and telephone calls.
c) Total follow-up with 107 children

CAPACITY BUILDING
a) The staff attended workshops - in-house as well as in other organizations.
b) Total 11 In-house workshops organized.
    - 2 workshops conducted on Sex & Sexuality by resource persons from Naz Foundation.
    - 1 workshop on reviewing formal education system in SBT
    - 6 workshops conducted in Counseling
    - 2 First Aid trainings carried out by a visiting Doctor from the U.K
c) A team of five staff members went for an exposure trip to Mumbai.
d) Two staff members attended a workshop, organized by FHI, regarding development of Progress Indicator Form.
e) Four staff members attended a workshop on Behavior Change Communication organized by FHI.
f) Workshops on issues like - supervisory skills, use of music in teaching special children, alternative creative teaching methods, identification and management of victims of torture, which were organized by other organizations, were attended by SBT staff.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AREAS:
a) Salaam Baalak Trust can assist organizations to train police officers and others in the Juvenile Justice Act.
b) It can share its grass root work experiences especially in the areas of repatriation and rehabilitation of older street children.

Child Sponsorship Program
The Child Sponsorship program is supported by ‘Trees for Life (TFL), an American organization. Under this program, benefactors sponsor children – for a stipulated period – remitting their sponsorship funds through TFL. These funds are then earmarked for the expenses on education, food, medical care and clothing of the designated children. The program commenced in January 1996, with 25 sponsored children. Today, 110 children in the shelter projects and outreach programs are covered by this scheme.

Mental Health Program
Aside from the physical, material and educational needs of street children, the Trust has always worked to resolve the mental health issues of children who are a part of our program. Many of these problems arise from their traumatic experiences; others are inherent in the process of growing into adolescence outside of the family structure. Realizing that compassion alone is not enough to address all of these problems, SBT set up the Mental Health Program in February 2003.

The initial core group has 4 members, headed by Dr Amit Sen, (MD- Psychiatry; MRC Psych, London; Specialist, training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, UK).

The Mental Health Program is designed to deal with crisis situations. More importantly, it encompasses a Preventive Program that stresses early identification of relevant cases. Aside from individual counseling, the program has signaled the formation of support groups for children going through transition or stressful phases.

This program also attempts to train SBT staff to enhance their skills in the areas of counseling and mental health education. The aim is to equip our staff to identify cases and refer them to specialist help; to make suitable interventions; and to document all cases dealt with.

Theatre, Street Plays & Puppetry Program
We have found theater to be an extremely effective way to get street-children to express themselves and unleash pent-up emotions. At the same time, dramatic activity helps to build a sense of belonging within the group. Besides being great fun, our theater work has also thrown up exceptionally talented artistes, some of whom have made theater their profession.

Kapil Dev –a SBT Child - is now an acclaimed Theatre Director & Puppeteer

At SBT, children write the scripts, plan scenarios and organize the production of both live action and puppet shows. Much of our outreach work uses puppets designed and fabricated by our own theater troupes.

During the year 2002 – 2003 SBT children staged:
7 stage plays, 20 street plays, and 10 puppet shows including:
a) ‘Nature hi future hai’, at the Dastkar Mela
b) ‘Kanglistan’ at the Gandhi Smriti program on Martyr’s Day
c) ‘Yamlok mein Hulchul’, at the India Habitat Center
d) ‘Mein bhi ek Baccha Hun’, at the British Council
e) Street plays on HIV/AIDS and Discrimination at New Delhi railway station.

National Open School
Salaam Baalak Trust is committed to providing, at the very least, basic literacy to all children who are part of our programs. However, many determined children have progressed a great deal further, some studying up to the university level. We work with a wide range of institutions and systems to be able to offer the appropriate educational opportunity to each child enrolled with the Salaam Baalak Trust.

Formal Education: Where possible, we seek to introduce a child into formal education. This enables the children to mix with other children with a normal family-oriented background, and also introduces a sense of routine and permanence into their lives. When necessary, we organize Bridge courses to address learning gaps among children preparing for school admission.

SBT children go to government and private local schools situated in the vicinity of the shelters. We find this process easier for younger children; older boys usually have a more disrupted schooling background, and are encouraged to join the NOS stream.

National Open School (distance learning): The NOS program is ideally suited to children whose educational progress has been irregular. Many of our street children are several years older than others at the same level of scholastic attainment, and find it difficult to fit into regular schools. The NOS system is flexible, allowing them to begin at a suitable level and progress at their own pace.

SBT was accredited to the NOS in September 2000, and in 2001, we were allowed to formulate our own syllabus for the first three levels of the NOS. In addition to our own children, we have enrolled other late starters on our NOS program. During the year 2002-2003, 21 children registered for ‘A’ level (3rd std), 28 children for ‘B’ level (5th std) & 15 children for ‘C’ level (8th std).

Non-formal education: Many children are unsuited to the more formal educational streams - because they are working, have not studied for many years, or because of severe trauma. In such cases we tailor-make non-formal education programs to suit the individual needs of the child. Our life-skills education curriculum is a major component of this process, and we employ a wide range of activities to engage and stimulate the child’s mental and creative faculties – craft using waste materials, painting, games, story-telling, body language, song, quiz-sessions, question box, Bacchon Ki Adalat (children’s court) etc.

Landmarks of the year 2002- 2003
a) Licenses Procured: Salaam Baalak Trust procured licenses from the Government of India for its three operational shelter homes for boys (Aasra, Apna Ghar and Drop-in shelter).
b) SBT boy visits Sweden: Under a scholarship from the ‘Dramatics Institute of Stockholm’ Kapil Dev went to Sweden to study modern puppetry for two months in 2002. He had earlier trained under master Indian puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee.
c) SBT boy opens DHABA: Abhishek undertook a course in cooking, and management of small restaurants. He took a loan of Rs 60,000/- from SBT and set up a Dhaba (small restaurant). His business is doing well, he has employed three street children, and is gradually repaying the loan.
d) Two SBT children visit Indonesia: Plan International and Homeless World organized a photography workshop in 13 nations. Aimed at spreading awareness of young homeless people and their problems, in India, the program was organized by The Netherlands Embassy and Salaam Baalak Trust. Photographs of two SBT children – Gautam Kumar and Archana Sharma - were selected for the International Photo Exhibition at Jakarta. Later, these children represented India in the International Seminar organized at Jakarta (Indonesia).
f) Participation in Rashtriya Bal Sanskar Sangam: 100 SBT children participated in this program, organized by NIPCCD (National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development) on Children’s Day (November 14th). In the three-day program, activities like painting, quiz, yoga, races etc were conducted. The chief guest of the programme was the then Prime Minister of India, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
g) Luttur Paswan rescued: Our Childline team rescued a 13 year old boy -Luttur Paswan from his ruthless employer. A victim of physical abuse, this boy had worked long hours for little pay as a domestic servant. His case was taken to the Juvenile Welfare Board, and a compensation of Rs. 45,000 extracted from his employer. Salaam Baalak Trust has repatriated the child to his family and follows up with them to ensure his continued well-being.
h) Yamuna Cleaning: Eighteen (18) children continued their participation in cleaning the Yamuna river under the UNDP project.
i) Training on JJ Act: Dr. P. N. Mishra was part of the training team of National Institute of Social Defence, which sensitized 1070 police personnel to the Juvenile Justice Act. This training was organized at Police Training College at Moradabad and Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh).
j) Puppets made by SBT children sent to Geneva: Puppets made by SBT children were invited to the Surya Foundation, Switzerland, for cultural exchange program with the children of Geneva. These puppets will be exhibited, both in an international exhibition and at schools in Geneva.
k) Lajpat Nagar Home Intervention: SBT was invited by the Delhi Government to help upgrade the counseling, sports and theatre skills of children at one of the government run shelters at Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. In November 2002, these children staged a play at India International Center.
l) BBC World: Two of our staff members, Puja and Sunil, participated in the BBC road show on HIV /AIDS at Agra (U.P.), and Jaipur (Rajasthan).
m) Children acquired Civil Defence training: 20 children from our outreach projects were selected to undergo ‘Civil Defence’ training organized by the Civil Defence department to help in emergency.
n) Participation in Stree Shakti Programme: Salaam Baalak Trust participated in the Stree Shakti Bhagidari Program, initiated by the Delhi Government, to work in the area of in women’s health. The SBT team conducted door-to-door surveys and participated in subsequent camps organized between June 2002 and September 2002. Having covered 1425 women, SBT staff and volunteers are still actively involved in follow-up visits.
o) Annual play: “ Rani Nagfani ki Kahani” and “Sapne Aapke Armaan Hamaare” were staged at the Chinmaya Mission in October 2002.

Statistical Highlights
Repatriation - 336 children were reunited with their families
Vocational Training given to 42 Children.
Job Placements - 44 boys placed in reasonable jobs
Formal Schooling – 250 children in formal schools.
National Open School - 105 children enrolled, 41 at higher levels, 64 at basic level
University Enrolment – 2 children at Delhi University, 2 children at Indira Gandhi National Open University
Skill Development - 6 children at National School of Drama, 6 training in Karate, 5 undergoing Nursing Training
Hospital Referrals - 839 children referred to different hospitals, 24 children underwent long-term follow-up.
Vaccinations- 50 children administered Hepatitis B vaccine, 369 children administered tetanus vaccine
Theater- 7 stage plays, 20 street plays, 10 puppets show staged

Our Funding Partners
The work of Salaam Baalak Trust rests entirely on the goodwill and conviction of its donors - people and organizations committed to the upliftment of street children.

The children, Staff & Trustees of Salaam Baalak Trust are extremely grateful to all those who have helped its work over the years. It is a truism to state that, without your generosity, we would not have been able to help even a single one of the thousands of children who have come to us.

Organizational Donors

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
The ministry funds the shelter homes, ‘Aasra’ and ‘Apna Ghar’, and the Contact Points.

US Agency for International development (USAID)
USAID supported Salaam Baalak Trust in establishing ‘Arushi’ – the shelter for girls (October 1999). Since then, USAID had been funding the Girl Child shelter. In addition, USAID has also funded the entire HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.

Trees For Life
The Child Sponsorship program is supported by ‘Trees for Life (TFL), an American organization. Under this program, benefactors sponsor children – for a stipulated period – remitting their sponsorship funds through TFL. These funds are then earmarked for the expenses on education, food, medical care and clothing of the designated children. The program commenced in January 1996, with 25 sponsored children. Today, 110 children in the shelter projects and outreach programs are covered by this scheme.

CHILDREN’S HOPE (USA)
For the past few years Children’s Hope has supported several of our programs, including:
a) Aasra (Night shelter): hildren’s Hope funds the educational activities of boys under 14 in this shelter.
b) Anti-Tuberculosis program: All children in SBT projects undergo a comprehensive TB screening every 6 months. Special diet rich in proteins (milk, egg, legumes) is provided to all those suffering from TB. Those requiring specialist care are referred to a local hospital.

Children with contagious TB are admitted into specialized tuberculosis hospitals. On being discharged from hospital, such children are kept in our shelter for at least one month, so as to ensure regular dosage of drugs under the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) method.

THE PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION (UK)
Funds the salaries of SBT staff at the 24-Hour Drop-In-Shelter.

YOUTHREACH (Delhi)
YOUTHREACH, has supported our work by mobilizing young volunteers and support for a wide range of our activities, including:
a) SELF DEVELOPMENT through theater, art, craft, dance and story telling.
b) SKILL DEVELOPMENT in computers, hair styling, photography etc.
c) INCOME GENERATION by providing marketing outlets for carriers & candles, and by placing our boys in jobs.

CHARITIES AID FOUNDATION (Delhi)
Aimed at helping organizations like SBT enhance their fundraising capacity, and increase the effectiveness of donations, CAF has helped us under there
`Give As You Earn’ program. During the year SBT received funds from Ms S. Riekkinen, Ms Nisha John & Mr Amol Kumar Lad.

AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (DELHI)
Donations from the AWA went towards the purchase of chairs, durries, sheets, T-shirts & short pants for the boys. The AWA has also assisted our income generation program by buying the tea carriers & candles made by SBT children.

Annual donors:
a) Bagai Memorial Charitable Trust (Delhi): towards education.
b) Indian Revenue Service Ladies Association (IRSLA): tracksuits, durries & sweets.
c) Rotary Inner Wheel Ladies Club (Delhi): Presidents - Panna Sethi & Mrs. Lalitha Kapur, donated a colour TV for Arushi and blankets, durries, slippers, tracksuits and food items for other SBT children.

Audited Expenditure Statements

Three highest and lowest salaries:
Project Manager Communications Rs. 12,500
Officiating Executive Director Rs. 10,000
Co-coordinator- Apna Ghar Shelter Rs. 9,750

Team Member- Childline Rs. 3,300
Social Worker Rs. 3000
Social Worker Rs. 3000