The New Beginnings Clinic offers child laborers residence, healthcare, and education through high school.
the epidemic
About 12 percent of children in India ages 5-14 are involved in child labor activities. This is roughly 45 million children. Though child labor is illegal in India, these children work in sweatshops, factories, and in the fields. Families purchase children as servants and maids. Other children are sold to the sex trade. Some children are forced to work up to 18 hours a day, in hazardous conditions. As child laborers, these individuals are denied education, healthcare services, and proper residence. Many of these children are orphans, while others are separated from their families and friends. Though this is unequivocally sad, many organizations like IndoRelief are working tirelessly to help these children. All of us are working to provide a better future for these children and to let them know that they have not been forgotten.
our initiative
The inspiration for the New Beginnings Clinic arose from a conversation we had with one of our patients during his hospital visit. Shankar spoke of his experience working as a child laborer. He explained to us how he was sold when he was a small child by his parents. He spent the next several years cleaning and cooking for a family. After his contract finished, the family sponsored his education. He mentioned that other children are not so lucky. Through generous donations, hard work, and stacks of paperwork, IndoRelief leased a house to serve as the New Beginnings Clinic. Through this clinic we provide residence and health services to a select group of children.
the application process
STEP 1: IndoRelief seeks out sites where child laborers sleep and work. We provide them with information regarding our work and offer them free services via our healthcare partners. We explain the purpose of the New Beginnings Clinic and encourage them to contact us if they are interested.
STEP 2: Interested applicants reach out to us with the contact information we provide them. We schedule a meeting with them, where we learn about their families, histories, interests, and dreams. We seek to make sure that the applicants are serious about using the services and resources we provide to better their lives.
STEP 3: We vote as a committee whether to accept or deny the applicants. Though this is a very difficult process for us and the applicants, we have a responsibility to our donors to ensure that we only select highly motivated applicants. For those applicants we deny, we provide our other services and provide referrals to local clinics and camps where they may receive healthcare for free.
These two girls were hired to collect garbage near the farm where they also pick crops.
These two boys cook and clean for a family like Shankar did when he was a child.
how did we do it?
It took us several months, but with the support of our donors and local businesses we raised the necessary amount (approx. $10,000) to fund the Night Shelter. Through the friends we have made in the local slums, we spread the word about this project.
The Night Shelter
How does it work?
Our residents are allow to stay in the Night Shelter for a maximum of 14 days. After 14 days, these individuals will be allowed back in the shelter after 21 days. Upon leaving the night shelter, residents are given information about similar shelters in the area where they can stay. Through our business partners, we also allow residents to work for pay while they stay at the Night Shelter. This allows the residents to have some income with them when they leave. All of our amazing staff are volunteers.
How can you help?
The Night Shelter provides beds on a first come first serve basis. As a result, we have to turn away people if all of our beds are occupied. Your donations will help us lease more space to add more beds. Additionally, your donations go to the meals and healthcare for each of the occupants. Donating clothing, bed sheets, silverware, or pots and pans are also extremely helpful. All donations are tax deductible. We are a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our Tax ID number is 47-2442871.
A few of the beds
meet our residents
Front Row: Raj, Sumil, and Praviti
Middle Row: Anshu, Asya, and Shruti
Last Row: Jasmin, Jovita, Rita, Nalina, and Lakshmi
Front Row: Hari
Second Row: Sanvi and Natesh
Third Row: Nathan and Jagdish
Fourth Row: Tanveer, Harim, and Val
Volunteer in the back: Tandeep
This is Amir. He is 11 years old. He and his father were living with his mother's relatives. After his mother passed away, Amir and his father were forced to leave their home in the slum. Amir and his father are laborers and usually sleep around the construction site. Amir's father is Yatish (pictured to the right).
Rajiv is 29 years old and homeless. He stays in sheds made of aluminum sheets and old clothing during the winter.
Rahul is 20 years old and is a carpenter. He makes tables and chairs for people living in his slum. He says he gets sick when it rains a lot. It is winter right now in India. He says water leaks through the bed sheets that make up the roof of his abode.
This is DJ. He is 15 years old. Underneath the cover, next to him, is his 6 year old brother who is camera-shy. His brother's name is Sameet. Their father is an alcoholic and they have been sleeping on the sidewalk to avoid him.
Meet Yatish. He is the father of Amir (pictured to the left). His wife's family said that he was cursed and forced him out of the house after his wife passed away. These kinds of beliefs are very common among Indians of all castes, but especially among those living in rural areas.
Meet Rohit. He is 23 years old and works as a taxi driver. He provides for his three younger siblings. His sister, who is 8 years old, wants to become a doctor. His goal is to do everything he can to help her get to medical school.
Arjun is 38 years old and this is his first time in a shelter. He transports various items for a trucking company and normally sleeps in his truck.