Safe Shelter

The shelter operates in a permanent structure above a temple 24 hours a day, seven days per week. It is also used as a drop-in center for all of the children of the community who can come anytime to play with the toys, read, work on the computer or simply relax after a hard day.

The Safe Shelter provides a safe overnight haven for girls at risk of being abused and trafficked. 15 of the older at risk girl students have been shifted to the recently opened Soma Memorial Girls Home located at 35/1 Moore Avenue, Kolkata 700 040.

Creche
(child care shelter)

This is the first crèche operating in a red light area that takes children as young as 3 months old. The strength of New Light lies on its operational timing as it provides the sex worker mothers an opportunity to keep their young kids in safe custody of the caretakers. 25 young girls at risk of being abused use the creche as a safe shelter overnight.

Soma Home

In July 2005 New Light started a residential facility for young girls at risk. This was a neccessary to protect the girls from being abused and trafficked. The home was called Soma after one of the young girls who died an untimely death due to lack of medical attention.

Dalit Shelter

A multi-functional centre has been started for the children of the Dalit. This is a caste that has traditionally be marked as untouchable because they take care of burning the dead bodies. There are 35 students at the new centre with two teachers and two caretakers. The children of this center avail of the same services that are provided to the children at the creche cum night shelter.

Educational Opportunities

Pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education is provided to all the children. Additional English and other foreign language training is available for kids above the age of ten. The kids are also being coached in blog writing. Four experienced teachers help with their school work with special emphasis on mathematics and the sciences.

To ensure that all school-going children continue with their studies tutors help the children after school and in the evenings. Additional help and attention is given to those who need special care.

Recreational Facilities

Most of the children had never held a new or unbroken toy in their hands. The center is the only place where they can play and enjoy activities that other children of their age take part in. Music, art, classical dance and yoga lessons are regularly offered. Workshops on painting are also held regularly.

Computer Training

Two computers have been donated to the center for the children to learn basic computer skills using Microsoft Office.

Skills Training

Skills workshops are provided where the girls learn tailoring, embroidery, catering and candle making skills for them to be able to back a wage and be self sufficient.

Microcredit

A group of women have been given small loans to start their own enterprises. Their businesses include flower garland vending, ready-made garments, food stall & auto-rickshaw hire. The response to this has been very positive encouraging more women to join in self-help groups.

Legal Aid

New Light conducts free legal aid clinic for the women of the community twice a week that is attended by a lady lawyer. The main objective of this clinic is to establish conviction of traffickers who operate in this area. This activity is supported by The DayWalka Foundation, USA.

Health Care

All children have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B, MMR vaccine and other medical expenses are sponsored as needed. New Light Clinic is operational five days a week with visits by a general practitioner, a pediatrician and a gynecologist. Six health workers/peer educators are avaible to provide emergency medical care to the mothers and the children of the area round the clock.

Medical care for the mothers and children:

• Weekly visit by a pediatrician, HIV specialist and gynecologist
• Workshop on nutrition, reproductive health, safe sex practice and blood borne diseases
• Hepatitis B pre-vaccination testing and MMR vaccination

HIV/AIDS Awareness Program

This program includes counseling, intervention and rehabilitation.

• Regular meetings with mothers regarding the danger of HIV
• Distribution of free condoms
• Home based palliative care for HIV positive patients

Marriage Referral & Family Counseling Service

This service is for people living with HIV/AIDS.

• New Light helps PLWA'S network with other service providers at different locations
• Rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked girls
• Recently New Light has been able to put young trafficked girls back in touch with their families and continues to provide support to the family to fight the stigma of the incident

Nutrition

All children attending the centre get a wholesome meal at night. The menu is different for each night of the week.They are also given daily mid morning refreshments. Some children with special nutritional requirements are provided with lunch regularly.