“Salute the child.” That’s the literal translation of Salaam Baalak Trust. Salaam Baalak Trust is an organization that embodies hope for Delhi’s street children.
Right here stands Salaam Baalak Trust. It provides support for street and working children in Delhi. The organization started in 1988. It was born from the film Salaam Bombay. Mira Nair directed the film. It depicted the lives of vulnerable street children.
The Salaam Baalak Trust name reflects its mission. It salutes the indomitable spirit of these kids. The trust welcomes all children under 18. It does not discriminate based on gender religion or nationality.
Salaam Baalak Trust offers various programs. These include repatriation education and healthcare. They provide full care facilities and drop-in shelters. They also offer life-skills education vocational training and counseling. The Salaam Baalak Trust even addresses HIV and AIDS.
The Salaam Baalak Trust runs residential homes across India. Some homes are specifically for girls like Arushi and Udaan Rose Home. The Salaam Baalak Trust operates contact points and day care centers. Many are near railway stations. They also run a toll-free helpline. The number is 1098. It helps children in distress all over India. They look after nearly 10000 children every year.
Since 2007 Salaam Baalak Trust Delhi has run the City Walk Program. It is a guided tour through Paharganj and the New Delhi Railway Station area. Former street children lead the walks. They share their personal stories. They guide guests through contact points and residential homes. The walks sensitize people to street life. This program also helps young adults improve their skills. All proceeds directly support the Trust.
The Salaam Baalak Trust also offers a Heritage Walk. It showcases hidden places in Old Delhi. These include markets havelis and religious sites. The walk reveals Old Delhi’s history since 1638. It ends at a Salaam Baalak Trust contact point. There tourists can see what street children have overcome.
Salaam Baalak Trust began with humble roots. It aimed to rehabilitate children from the film Salaam Bombay. In New Delhi Salaam Baalak Trust started small. It had only three staff members and 25 children. They operated from an open-air balcony at the New Delhi Railway Station police station.
Over the years Salaam Baalak Trust has grown. It now employs many staff members. They provide services in Delhi and the surrounding area. The Salaam Baalak Trust operates through contact points day care centers and shelter homes. It has positively impacted over 50000 children.
Many dignitaries have visited the Salaam Baalak Trust shelters. These include Tony and Cherie Blair.
The Salaam Baalak Trust has received awards for its work. This includes recognition from the National AIDS Control Organisation and UNAIDS.
The City Walk began in March. The tours are led by former street children. They share their experiences of living on the streets. They also highlight how opportunities can transform lives.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee has worked with Salaam Baalak Trust. He gave workshops in a juvenile home.
The DMRC Children Home opened in 2010. It provides shelter for over 100 boys. The Arushi centre in Gurgaon supports girls.
Salaam Baalak Trust partners with Central Queensland University. This provides higher education opportunities for its children.
Here at Salaam Baalak Trust you witness resilience. You discover the power of hope. You see the transformation possible when a child is saluted.