What is AWARE Foundation's specific focus in the area of childcare and protection?

AWARE Foundation focuses on the education and rehabilitation of the most vulnerable children in Indian society.

Who are the 'most vulnerable' children?

The 'most vulnerable' children are those who are not only underprivileged due to economic poverty but are also disadvantaged due to other socio-cultural or political reasons. Examples would include:

  1. Orphans and children with only one parent
  2. Street children
  3. Children of Commercial Sex Workers
  4. Children of parents who are HIV+
  5. Child labourers and children of families who need to migrate for work (e.g. children of Denotified Tribes, brick kiln workers, sugarcane cutters, saltpan workers etc).

Are all the children under the programme placed in sheltered homes?

No, not necessarily, AWARE Foundation believes that the best place for children to be is with their own family. The first priority is to reunite the child with his or her family and create conditions that protect the child's rights. Alternatively, we place children in foster care within their own extended family or with another family. If children cannot reside in the family home, they may attend a residential school.

If education is not an option, children will be offered vocational training if they are 14 years old or above. In extreme circumstances, we place children who need rehabilitation in a Government or NGO managed institution.

What happens to children with special needs?

We must admit that we have limited resources to rehabilitate children with special needs. Specialist institutions exist where children who need support can be best served.

How much does it cost to educate or rehabilitate a child?

AWARE Foundation's support is needs based and specific to the needs of each child. The cost of support varies, however, as a guide the following values are indicative:

  1. £250 / 375 US $ per annum to support the rehabilitation of a street child or a child in the special rehabilitation programme
  2. £350 / 600 US $ per annum to run a community resource centre supporting 25 underprivileged children in the school retention programme
  3. £350 / 600 US $ per annum to support one university student in a professional degree course
  4. £175 / 250 US $ per annum to educate a child at primary or high school level in a residential school
  5. £800 / 1200 US $ per annum to support a teacher in a primary school

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