Breaking the Cycle of Vulnerability through Education
Deepa, a 17-year-old girl from Kolkata’s red light area, lived a life of hardship. Her mother, once a commercial sex worker, now works as a domestic cook, while her father struggles as a daily laborer. Despite the socio-economic challenges, Deepa’s dream of education remained steadfast.
Growing up amidst poverty, Deepa’s only help was that which she received from CRY America project Sanlaap’s child activity center, which provided remedial education and materials too. This helped her stay focused in school and continue her education. Her dedication paid off when she passed her 12th board exams. However, her academic journey faced a critical threat when her parents, burdened by financial pressures, wanted her to give up studying and support the family instead. But Deepa wanted to continue her education to break free from the cycle of poverty and exploitation
Project Sanlaap team along with local stakeholders, initiated a series of counseling sessions with Deepa’s parents. They highlighted the long-term benefits of education and assured support in terms of books and resources. Gradually, Deepa’s parents recognized the potential impact of continuing her studies and agreed to support her higher education.
Today, Deepa has applied for an admission into college and is eagerly awaiting the next steps in her academic journey. Like Deepa, many young girls with the project’s help are breaking the cycle of vulnerability and forging a path towards a better future.
*Name changed and image used for representation purpose only.
Kolkata’s red light areas are infamous for being one of the largest in Asia. One or more adult members in families here are engaged in sex trade. Because of the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and the kinds of social pressure children face in these locations, they are often at risk of being pushed towards becoming commercial sex workers themselves. Many are trafficked and child marriage is often used as a tool by the traffickers.
CRY America project Sanlaap works to prevent children from child trafficking, child labor and child marriage. Children are rescued from prostitution and child trafficking and are connected with survivor groups and counselled. The key activities which take place are strengthening of youth groups, enrolment of children from 6 to 18 years in school and youth led advocacy events.
140
vulnerable children accessing Child Activity centers
195
children provided with education support material
39
trafficked children reintegrated with families
92
children participated in life skills sessions
75
children participated in sports
42
youth provided with employment opportunities
● Life skills sessions for 270 children and youth
● Training of 270 children and youth on Leadership, Cyber Safety and Gender
● Follow-up activities with 39 trafficking and unsafe migration survivors
● Strengthening of 1 survivor collective
● Economic Empowerment of 12 young adults to prevent second generation prostitution
