Children in difficult situations have the potential to be much more than ‘normal citizens’—their experiences make them resilient, quick-witted and creative. Our aim is to help these children to use their abilities to make the most of every opportunity.

The process begins when we come into contact with them on the streets and railway stations, and continues until they complete their education, find good jobs and are able to live independently. At present, DBDS has shelters for children at Baroda, Wadala, Borivali and Karjat.

Children at work are a common sight in most of our rural areas—whether in the fields and at home, most families accept that children have to help their parents. While we realise that this is an unavoidable part of their upbringing, we know that in some cases, this prevents children from going to school, from choosing a different life even if they wish to.

Therefore, under the National Child Labour Project, DBDS runs two schools in Baroda and three in Kawant, Gujarat. Through these schools, we aim at reducing child labour in our communities and ensuring that children have access to education and a chance to plan their future.