Small Homes, Big Dreams

Over the last few years, Bangalore has expended rapidly to become a « Silicon Valley » attracting many companies. Many rural disadvantaged families move towards the city seeking for a better life and job opportunities. Without resources, those families quickly slide into urban poverty and end up living in the streets and tents.

As a result, many children are at risk in Bangalore being upraised in urban poverty. Proximity expose the children to sexual abuse and exploitation. Their family situation is complex: migrant construction workers, prisoners, prostitutes, rag pickers etc.  Children are either abandoned, orphans or live with their single or destitute parents with low incomes. The majority of those children are not going to school as they do not have fixed home and often no birth certificates.

Casa Foundation with its partner Dream India Network (DIN) are conducting a program for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of these children at risk in Bangalore. Today, DIN has opened more than 30 foster homes with shelter with 370 children. They are integrated within small foster homes of 8 children. The homes create a safe and familial environment conducive to the children’s physical and personal development. For practical reasons, the homes are often paired in two but never exceed 16 children to keep a family spirit. The limited number of children per home facilitates the conduct of multiple and different activities.

The local community is strongly involved in this program but it takes time to make the home financially independent and we need external funding for the first years.

You too can participate in this noble project with a valuable donation

The local community already helps us with 50% of the maintenance cost. Your contribution will certainly make a difference.

Rs.1,700 per month

Will cover the food expenses of a child (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner)

Rs.3,250 per month

To support a child's food and education (includes school and bus fees, stationary)

Rs.14,000 per month

To cover the food expenses of 8 children (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner)

Rs.26,000 per month

To support food and education for 8 children

Rs.3,12,000 per year

To support the food and education for 8 children

Offering a good education to these kids is a priority and all of them are enrolled in an English-Medium School. They are helped with their homework and exams by the staff. A medical check-up and follow-up is also provided and is part of a specific programme (see page Health and Grow). Children are encouraged to express themselves, have fun and dream. Recreational moments are scheduled on a regular basis and allow the children to dance, play board games, draw, paint, do sports, visit parks and museums, etc. Volunteers regularly bring new games and contribute to the activities of the home. 

The local community is strongly involved in this program but it takes time to make the home financially independent and we need external funding for the first years.