It is a New Light

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Children of New Light | Photo 02

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A ray of hope

An abode of smile

A domus of creativity

A journey of growth

New Light Kalighat Creche cum shelter

What began as a crèche for 8 children in two rooms in a dark alley of Kalighat eight years ago has evolved into a 24 /7 program for more than 150 kids today. The crèche cum shelter located in a permanent structure above a temple situated deep inside the Kalighat red light district offers a comprehensive care and support to the children ranging in age from a few months to sixteen years.

This was the first crèche operating in a red light area that started with children as young as three months old. The strength of the New Light crèche lies on its operational timing as it provides the sex worker mothers an opportunity to keep their young kids in safe and loving custody of the caretakers.

Most children from the neighboring areas use the shelter as a drop in center where they can rest, play, read or acquire computer skills. During the day the shelter is abuzz with the continuous stream of children who attend the local schools and come to relax at the shelter after a hard day outside.

For many of the kids whose mothers don’t have any permanent residence the shelter is the only place they can call their own. The support offered at the shelter are -

• Nutrition
• Education
• Healthcare
• Recreational facility
• Art and creative therapy
• Computer training
• Dance and music therapy
• Sports
• Creative writing opportunities and
• Theatre