Inclusive Education changes lives - keeping kids from begging

When going to school keeps vulnerable kid safe from exploitation and trafficking

​For over a decade Project Help India has provided a beacon of hope for children trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty, drug abuse, and street begging. Through the unwavering dedication of our team, we have transformed the lives of countless 'Dalit' (also known as 'the untouchables') children, steering them towards education and better nutrition. 

Last week the children from Project Help India's Kotdwara Slum Center took a bold step by staging street dramas to raise awareness about 'Operation Mukti'. We are so proud of some of our senior students who bravely and most confidently handled the microphone to give speeches to the public. In doing this, their skills are growing exponentially and they provide a wonderful leadership example to the other students and to the many passers-by.

Operation Mukti, spearheaded by the Uttarakhand Police Department, aims to rescue children from the streets and provide them with the opportunity to receive an education. It's a collaborative effort involving various government departments and NGOs, with Project Help India playing a pivotal role. Over the years Project Help India has participated in Operation Mukti, and we have been delighted and encouraged by the large number of confirmed new school enrolments that we have seen across the state.

What is significant about this endeavour is the emphasis on changing mindsets about the value and importance of education. For many of the Dalits there is a belief and generational lived experience that school is not accessible to their children. Sadly due to entrenched prejudice still held by many in the community (coupled with hierarchies of power and control) it can be very difficult for the Dalit kids and their families to be accepted and included in a school community.

The primary objective of Operation Mukti is to eradicate child begging, promote education, and raise community awareness to prevent child exploitation. During these awareness programs, senior police officials and representatives from human trafficking departments were present, underlining the seriousness of the issue. 

Our Director, Mr. Amit Samuel, engaged with the community to discuss solutions and emphasise the importance of supporting children's education.

As Project Help India continues its mission, we stand as a shining example of how grassroots initiatives and compassionate actions, can bring about positive change and pave the way for a brighter future for the next generation. Through our collective efforts, we are striving to create a more inclusive and safer environment for vulnerable children, shielding them from the horrors of trafficking and exploitation.