The HOPE Foundation works with street-connected children and families living in Kolkata, India. They provide essential services to these disadvantaged and marginalised communities via their teams on the ground and with partner organisations.

There are five key areas of focus:

Healthcare. HOPE and their partners provide support to street children and families in Kolkata who cannot otherwise afford healthcare. Examples include delivering immunisation, water sanitation, ante- and postnatal care, emergency care, eye and dental care, and surgeries at HOPE Hospital. They work alongside the Government of West Bengal, Health & Family Welfare Department.

Education. HOPE believes that education gives a child a better chance of escaping poverty and that it leads to the strengthening of society as a whole. Their inclusive outreach initiatives include pre-school creches and special needs education.

Vocational training. HOPE works with young people and adults to develop their life skills, a trade or even support them in starting their own business. Training and work placements across areas such as tailoring, hair and beauty, food and beverage or IT empower them to take back control over their lives, restoring dignity and providing a steady income.

Child protection. Street children living alone without a trusted adult are vulnerable to abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation. They are often forced to find work in dangerous conditions in order to survive, the impact of which is devastating and long lasting. HOPE works closely with local partners and the government’s Child Welfare Committee to identify and support children in need.

Emergency response. HOPE has responded to natural and manmade disasters including after an earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, a tsunami in Tamil Nadu in 2004 and cyclone in West Bengal in 2009. Most recently, thousands of families have been supported during Covid-19 lockdowns.

By supporting these families and children in reaching their full potential, they are able to build independent lives and strengthen their communities for future generations.