Society Matters | Volume 30 No. 2 | Winter 2020

5 Volume 30 No. 2 | Winter 2020 “In addition to classes on reading and writing, the mobile school has a variety of activities like singing, dancing, drawing, and picnics and outings,” Fr Mathew says. “Some nutritional meals are also regularly supplied to the children.” The mobile school is attended by 150 to 200 children every day and it has connected more than 300 street children with formal education in the past 10 years. “In order to enhance the overall development of the children, in addition to their regular studies, we conduct four life-skill training programs for the children who are enrolled in schools for formal education, which are held during the summer and Diwali vacations,” Fr Mathew says. “Each life-skill training session has a different theme, such as relationships, stress management, communication skills, child abuse, social responsibility, time management, study skills and addictions. “The last training we conducted dealt with the rights of children and most of the sessions were conducted with activities. The children tell us that they find these camps really useful and lively.” The centre also organises excursions or study tours where the children visit places of historical significance or museums. Fr Mathew says the project has three dimensions – rehabilitation, empowerment and advocacy. “Under Rehabilitation, the project proposes to support the children by providing study materials such as books, school bags, school uniforms, nutrition, medical aids and camps,” he says. “In addition, the children under institution-based care need to have their hostel fees paid and items such as toiletries provided. “Under Empowerment, the project proposes to support the needy children with school feels and conduct life skill camps, study tours, picnics, a children’s day celebration, counselling, career guidance, mental health activities, as well as training and livelihood support for mothers. “And with Advocacy, the project proposes to organise sessions to promote children’s rights among teachers, wardens and those in various public departments. The project also proposes a seminar with like-minded organisations in Pune to promote the cause of these children.” Fr Mathew says the project is carried out by a small team of four social workers and four support staff. “The project aims to support the integral development of these children at high risk, to create better awareness among the general public on the rights of children, and to promote the cause of these children with concerned people and institutions.” Fr Mathew says he and his team are thankful for the support given to this latest project by the SVD AUS Province, through its benefactors and Partners in Mission. “We feel happy that the Australian Province of the Society of the Divine Word is partnering with our humanitarian endeavours,” he says.