In India, children regularly become victims of human trafficking. With the opening of a new children’s home, Usthi prevents disadvantaged children from this fate and offers them new perspectives.
In the metropolis Hyderabad, many families are affected by poverty. Children are often forced to contribute to the family’s income. In search of work, they spend much of their time on the streets. In a cycle of poverty and lack of education, children are easy targets for traffickers.
Since 2008, Usthi supports children from financially and socially disadvantaged families to grow up in a safe environment. In Usthi’s children’s homes, vulnerable children have access to education and the opportunity towards a self-determined and dignified life.
Thanks to the support of the Fagus lucida Foundation, Usthi was now able to further expand the children’s home project. The purchase of a previously rented flat saves considerable operating costs, which can be reinvested in the project. Thanks to the long-term support, a new children’s home could be opened and additional children could be taken in.
After some renovation work, the fourth home is now fully furnished and ready to welcome the children. After their summer holidays, 10 boys moved into the new premises in June and also started their new school year at a local school. The caregivers support the children in adapting well to their daily life in the new environment.
For most of the boys, their families could no longer provide for them; some of them are half-orphans. Without the care of their families, they are defenceless against the threats on the streets. A UN report shows that the share of boys in forced labour and crime, as well as domestic servitude, has increased significantly over the past years, while girls are still largely affected by sexual exploitation. Protecting children from these dangers is the goal of the children’s home project. With the new home, Usthi can now offer a total of 60 children per year a safe shelter and allow for a child-oriented development.
