Project Sanlaap

Campaign Story

About the project

Kolkata’s red light areas are infamous for being one of the largest in Asia. What’s not so well known about these places, however, is that they have many children. One or more adult members in families here are engaged in sex work. 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 sex workers themselves. Many are trafficked and child marriage is often used as a tool by the traffickers.

Making a difference

Even in neighborhoods as difficult as the ones in the red light areas of Kolkata, there is hope – so many children have found ways to overcome their challenges through the support of CRY America project Sanlaap. 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 were organized.

The way forward

● To prevent vulnerable children from being trafficked
● Rescue and rehabilitate the survivors from exploitative situations through community intervention
● Engagement with the system for ensuring justice to every child in the operational area

The way forward

2022 Plan Highlights

2021 Grant Disbursed = $22,740

Project Impact

child marriages prevented.

36

Child marriages prevented

girls rescued from child trafficking

15

Girls rescued from child trafficking

children were provided support to prevent dropout

800

Children were provided support to prevent dropout

survivors of trafficking rehabilitated

80

Survivors of trafficking rehabilitated

youth members created youth support groups

115

Youth members created youth support groups

children prevented from unsafe migration

20

Children prevented from unsafe migration

Donate To Project

Last Year’s Grant Disbursed : $22,740

Current Year’s Approved Grant

Education$7,032

Administration$4,850

Protection$10,184

Participation$2,182

Total Budget$24,248

Bikram is overcoming his difficult past and changing his life!

Life was never easy for Bikram. His father being an alcoholic was not able to contribute to the family’s income. His mother and grandmother who were commercial sex workers, looked after the family with earnings from the trade. Bikram grew up with his siblings amidst constant fights and chaos. Growing up in a red light area is never easy for any child. The little boy began looking for ways to make money which led him to bad company and got him in trouble.

But Bikram’s story took a drastic turn when CRY America project Sanlaap counseled him, involved him in extracurricular activities, and enrolled him in school. At first, he had trouble coping and kept dropping out of school. However, the team never lost faith in him.

Bikram is now studying in school. He is a youth group member, counselling other boys his age. He has taken a keen interest in painting and sports and dreams of becoming a great football player.

When he started off, Bikram had no idea how his life would change and what a great man he was growing up into. Amazing things do happen when you let your hopes and not your hurts, shape your future!

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