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We
recognise that children do not come to live in streets
by choice. They are either abandoned or are left to fend
for themselves because of various reasons. Because of
their social, financial or other incapacities, their nearest
relatives fail or refuse to provide them shelter and leave
them on the streets.
Since
April 2000, OFFER’s Apanghar has been providing
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home to such children. At Apanghar, we provide the
children pre-vocational training, formal schooling,
a secure shelter and above all, a homely ambience for
sustained growth.
As
part of cultural activities, children are given lessons
in music, dance, recitation, and drama. They have come
out with a mural magazine. Children are also being trained
in karate.
Activities
during 2006-07
• At Apanghar, children are introduced to vocational
training, apart from being formally educated. We arranged
for the children to visit Ramakrishna Mission Janashikshan
Sanstha and Blind Boys’ Academy, where they got
to know about different streams in vocational training.
Apanghar’s carpentry training unit began functioning
last year, and one of the trainees joined a interior
decoration firm, too.
• Apanghar staff visited all the children’s
homes and held guardians’ meetings. At these meetings,
we tried to raise awareness among the children’s
guardians about the importance of formal education in
children’s lives.
• Most children at Apanghar have had traumatic
experiences and have never known much joy. We try to
do our bit by organising picnics, celebrating festivals,
taking them to a movie or a play, etc. This year, too,
Apanghar children had their share of fun. One of the
kids participated in the first phase of a football championship,
too.
• We are in talks with the corporate sector to
arrange placements for our children later on. Some deals
might shape up in a couple of months.
• OFFER managed to place six children at referral
institutions and children’s rehabilitation homes.
This was a result of good networking. |
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