Gaya Rescue Project,Dec 4th, 2013

The problem… In the district of Gaya, hundreds of street-children live on and around the

station platforms. Most of them are orphaned or abandoned children. Few are separated from their kin during travel or due to kidnapping which

is quite rampant in Bihar. Children survive by begging, scavenging and rubbish-collecting. They are

at great risk from violence and abuse, including child-prostitution, drugs and trade in organs for transplants.

There is little or no government help for these children.

Rescue Junction goals Rescue Junction is a 24 hour shelter for street children living on

the platforms of Gaya station in Bihar. To act as a safety net for vulnerable youngsters who are lost and

in danger of exploitation. To locate & reunite lost children with their families. To provide vocational training opportunity to children and young

people currently working in the trains. To create awareness in the community & local government about

the plight of these lost railway children. To act on behalf children inhumanely kept in remand homes &

fight for justice. To provide child protection and legal services to the children.

• 24 hr shelter for platform children.

• Provides care and informal education.

• Provides safe storage for their possessions and personal saving accounts to bank their earnings.

• Provides 3 meals per day

• clothing and healthcare.

• 300+ children taken care of by the shelter

Project details

Milestones:Rescuing children

Since Rescue Junction became part of the Childline network, referrals have increased dramatically.

167 missing children were successfully reunited with their families between Feb 2012 – Jan 2013.

40 child traffickers have been jailed with the help of local law enforcement

Milestones:Vocational Training

Vocational training has been provided to 10 of the older kids.

Training was provided in electronic repairs for refrigerators and air conditioners.

Looking to expand this program to a wider set of children next year

One person who received similar training a few years back has now setup his own electronic repair business.

Milestones: Recognition

Rescue Junction was visited by important government officials which included the Bihar Cabinet minister of Labor and The Cabinet minister of Urban Development.

Due to their achievements, reputation and trust for the organization in the local community and government is very high.

The Ministry of Child and Family Welfare (Central Government) has sanctioned $20,000 for the Child line portion of the project (but funding hasn’t been received yet)

The Chairman of the trust, Mr. Deepak Kumar has been presented with “Gem of the nation” award by Dr. Kalam

Future Goals To ensure the initiation, approval and funding of all existing

initiatives at the district and state level. The trust is working towards obtaining funding from state/central government sources for this purpose

This would greatly improve and establish a child safety and protection network in the state, which would reach out and benefit many thousands of children.

Establish a computerized network of information on missing and trafficked children

Establish a forum with concerned NGO’s for the purpose of information and resource sharing, including training and opportunities.

Funding 69% of funding comes from a grant 20% comes from OWCF and PFI 11% from ASHA Funding requested from ASHA for Feb 2013 to Jan 2014:

Rs.2,69,514

Expenditures: Feb 2012 to Jan 2013Expenditure Annual Expenditure (in INR)

Staff Salaries 558540

Project Development Officer 62500

Community Liaison Officer 38450

Bihar Street Children Forum

Cost of initial two days conference 110000

Travel Cost connected with forum 36500

Printing and publicity cost 38000

All other administrative cost 36000

• The Project Development Officer establishes links with all relevant agencies including the state welfare department to promote and develop the project

• Community Liaison officer engages all sections of the local community in working with the development officer to raise a community awareness regarding child exploitation and trafficking

• Bihar Street Children Forum is conducted to have a formal network of organizations working with street children and use the childline model to develop the network

Expenditures (contd)Provisions & Services Annual Expenditure (in INR)Food costs 235000

Medical costs 145650

Festivals 36000

Phone Costs 18500

Vocational Training 42000

Municipal Taxes 8800

Electricity Bill 24600

Fuel for generator 68000

Clothes/Blankets/Bedding 75600

Toiletries 36250

Games/TV connection & recreation 26400

Books/Notebooks/Stationary 78050

Building Maintenance 65250

Furniture 29850

Expenditures (contd.)

Child Protection Annual Expenditure (in INR)

Legal Officer salary 192600

Travel allowance for legal officer 48000

Court papers and legal costs 37560

The legal officer attends all sittings of the local juvenile court on behalf of children who have no legal representation and those who have suffered injustice . He also prepares cases, gives legal advices and offers fully confidential services to all children who wish to see him. He also acts as a link between the project and local courts an judiciary.

Expenditures (contd.)

Getting Children Home Annual Expenditure (in INR)

Travel and related costs for repatriation of lost/missing children.

145450

Staff Training Costs 58650

General Administration Costs 805000

Total Annual Expenses 27,91,072

11% Covered by ASHA 307017.92 (=$5903, using conversion rate while sending the funding in Mar 2013)

Estimated expenses for Feb 2013 to Jan 2014

24,50,123

Requested funding (11% covered by ASHA)

2,69,514