Shelter for traumatised domestic workers

Support for the education of vulnerable girls

2018 till Today

Bangalore City, dans le sud-est du Karnataka, India

Context

In India, there are approximately 12.6 million child workeres, of whom 20-40% are domestic workers. These are mainly girls from poor backgrounds who are taken from the countryside to serve families in the city. These workers are often exploited: their working days are very long, the pay is low and they are sometimes also victims of physical, sexual and/or moral abuse by their employers.
Adolescent girls are the most vulnerable. The vast majority find themselves in forced labour, victims of debt bondage and/or runaways from rural poverty. For example, this is the case in Bangalore, where 700 slums are prime locations for child rights violations.

In this context, the “Gowpytha Makkala Kendra” project was born.

Beneficiaries

20 to 30 girls aged 5 to 19, domestic workers and victims of trauma, in urgent need of care, protection and education.

Results

The Gowpytha Makkala Kendra Center functions as a home, not just a shelter, as it is a place where children can recover from their traumatic experiences and are welcomed in a safe and non-judgmental manner. They receive academic and extracurricular support (arts, yoga, meditation, etc.), balanced nutrition, clothing, therapeutic counselling and support, in addition to suitable accommodation.
In 2018, 21 girls aged between 5 and 19 years old were welcomed at the Center; 28 in 2021.

Our actions

Whether on a national or international level, we want to offer young people the best possible opportunities for the future. We support projects through concrete action on the ground thanks to our partner organisations

Discover this action

2010 till 2019

Belgium