Rev. Dawa distributing the stationaries to the children
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is with immense joy and a heart filled with gratitude that I share with you the encouraging developments from the Red Light District of Khalpara, Siliguri. In the midst of challenging circumstances, on September 4, our Love Your Neighbor Initiative took a significant step forward by establishing The Child Learning and Social Centre for the children in the heart of Khalpara. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a new era, one that is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children in our community, especially those living in the red-light district. The Child learning and Social Centre serves total 52 children comprising of 24 girls and 28 boys between the age group of 6- 18 years.
Stop Child Trafficking
Khalpara’s red light district, a place known for its harsh realities and social stigma, there exists a group of children with a history marred by adversity and hardship. These young souls are brought in from distant towns like Malda, Balurghat, Assam, Meghalaya, and a few were even born and raised within the boundaries of Khalpara itself. Their lives are intertwined with the shadows of poverty casting long and unforgiving shadows over their families. For many of these children, their parents found themselves reluctantly drawn into the unforgiving world of the sex trade. It was not a choice born of desire, but a desperate attempt to survive in a world that offered them few alternatives.
Children activities in the Centre
Living in the red light district brings forth a multitude of challenges. The children, with their innocent eyes and dreams yet to be unfurled, struggle to find access to quality education and healthcare services. The warmth of a stable home environment, so vital for their well-being, is often elusive, as they navigate through the tumultuous life of their upbringing. Perhaps the most disheartening is how society treats them. They are singled out and subjected to discrimination, simply because they live in a place scorned by society, but to them is home.
The world around them often refuse to see the potential within these children, overshadowed by the prejudices and biases that cling like a dark cloud over them. However, amidst this sea of challenges, the children of Khalpara’s red light district remain resilient. They carry within them dreams that shine like beacons of hope; talents waiting to be unearthed, and untapped potential yearning to break free from the chains of their circumstances. With the right support and opportunities, these young souls can defy the odds stacked against them. They possess the strength to rise above the darkness and carve out a brighter future for themselves, one where their past history is but a chapter, not the whole story.
Children from the Red Light District.
The inauguration of The Child Learning and Social Centre in the heart of Khalpara marks the beginning of a new era, one that is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children in our community, especially those living in the red-light district.. Our center is designed to be a child-friendly environment, a space where children can learn, play,and grow in a supportive, caring atmosphere, that every child will thrive and realize their full God-given potential.
During the inauguration, as part of our commitment to the well-being of these children, we distributed essential hygiene supplies and stationery to kickstart their journey towards education and personal cleanliness. Reverend Dawa graced the occasion with an inspiring message on the importance of moral living within our society. His words resonated deeply with all attendees, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. The highlight of the event was a cultural program featuring performances by our talented students. Their talents shone brightly, showcasing their potential and creativity.
Children doing Varies Activities.
We have taken a significant step towards ensuring a brighter future for the children in our community. However, this is just the beginning of our journey. The overall goal is to empower the children of Khalpara’s red light district by providing them with education, emotional support, and skills to break the cycle of poverty and prevent second generation prostitution and sexual slavery. Our commitment to bringing about positive change extends beyond education, alone. We are dedicated to holistic community development, addressing the various needs and challenges faced by the residents of Khalpara. Through the Love Your Neighbor Initiative, we aim to transform perceptions and uplift spirits, demonstrating the boundless love and compassion of Christ, that they may come to know Him!
Our Goals
Education:
- To ensure that all children in the red light district have the opportunity to receive a quality education.
- To work towards enrolling children in schools, providing necessary school supplies, and offering tutoring or after-school programs to support their learning.
Emotional Support:
- To recognize the emotional challenges faced by children in the red light district.
- To provide counseling and create safe spaces where children can express themselves, share their experiences, and receive emotional support.
- To organize recreational activities and workshops to foster their overall development.
Skill Development:
- To equip children with skills that can enhance their future opportunities.
- To offer vocational training, workshops, and mentorship programs that help children develop practical skills, such as computer literacy, arts and crafts, or other relevant skills based on their interests and talents.
Advocacy and Awareness:
- To raise awareness about the rights and needs of children in the red light district.
- To advocate for the elimination of stigma and discrimination and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for these children.
Team HGNM along with the staff members and volunteers
From R.K.’s Corner
In the last few months, there have been increasing public media attention given to one of the fastest growing criminal syndicates in the world: the murky underworld of sex trafficking, especially among children.
The main focus of Dawa Singye Bhutia’s Himalayan Good News Networking Ministry (GNNM) has always been on bringing the Gospel to the unreached in the nations of India, Bhutan, Nepal and the Himalayan hinterlands towards Tibet. Then help train, educate and mentor the indigenous believers to become evangelists, pastors and teachers to plant churches whose members are actively reaching out to their communities by demonstrating the boundless love and compassion of Christ through various mercy ministries.
In this issue, Dawa presents their newest outreach: the establishment of a Child Learning and Social Centre which will help children trapped in their city’s red light district as sex slaves, be liberated and find a new, bright start in life.