HOME FOR CHILDREN

The Problem:

As is the case with any war, the children have suffered the most during the last 20 years.

• It is estimated that there are 100,000 orphans in Kashmir, 1 for every 34 adults.
• Less than 1000 of these orphans are cared for in orphanages or other such facilities.
• Less than 2000 receive government aid.
• The annual expenditure of the government for orphan care is about $400,000. This amounts to only $4/orphan/year.

The trauma of violence and the social change that conflict has brought to the region has impacted the children tremendously – orphans being the worst hit. According to two recent studies (Impact of Conflict Situation on Women and Children in Kashmir - Dr. Bashir A. Dabla, Kashmir University, 1999; Women and Children under Armed Conflict in Kashmir - Prof. A. G. Madhosh, NIPCCD 2004 ) some of the most pressing problems for the orphans include:

• Psychological problems that often result in criminal or violent behavior.
• Loss of home.
• High dropout rate from school.
• Lack of healthcare and problems with immunization.
• Social downfall.
• Child labor.
• Drug abuse
• Suicidal tendencies

Another study conducted by Save the Children Foundation UK in 2002 revealed that Budgam, the smallest district of Kashmir, has over 19,000 child laborers – some as young as 8 years. Over 65% of the child laborers are orphans.

The community based safety nets are simply not capable of coping with a problem of this magnitude. There is a great need for a sustained and focused effort that has broad reaching goals; programs that ensure a stable environment and at the same time facilitate the psychological and social rehabilitation of the orphans and their successful integration into the society.

The approach:

The Pilot Project:  This project is being implemented in partnership with our sister organization CHINAR-Kashmir that is working for the welfare of Kashmiri children – especially orphans. CHINAR-Kashmir has rented a house for this project in the Baghat, Srinagar where 20 children live in a familial environment looked after by 2 caretakers called mothers.

Highlights of the Program:

• There are two units in the house and two mothers.
• Each unit will ultimately have 10 boys and girls- approximately  6 – 13 years old. The children in each unit are being looked after by a mother who is living in the house full time and is a substitute for the children’s natural parents.
• The mothers are intelligent, educated, well trained and empowered women who are creating a stable and loving atmosphere within the home and organizing the family’s daily routine.
• Boys and girls are growing up as brothers and sisters in an environment that fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
• The children are being educated in quality schools and are provided with the best possible means to become responsible and successful in life.
• Special care is given to organizing extra-curricular activities that ensure the psychosocial rehabilitation of the children and also provide an enriching environment for their intellectual growth.
• The children receive weekly psychological counseling.
• CHINAR has a cadre of volunteer doctors who look after the medical needs of these children.
• There is religious freedom in the house that encourages tolerance and respect for all religious and cultural beliefs.
• Particular emphasis is given to activities that teach peaceful means of conflict resolution.
• The local community is being encouraged to become actively involved in the welfare of these children and mentoring and volunteering opportunities are made available.

Results: (July’ 2011)

• Number of Units – 2
• Number of Children – 20
• Number of Mothers - 2

Targets:

• Number of Units – 6
• Number of Children – 60
• Number of Mothers - 6

Funding:

• Funds to be generated through grants, individual contributions in Kashmir and USA