Deccan Chronicle 09.09.2009

Chennai, Sept. 8: The Chennai corporation on Tuesday inaugurated an exclusive night-shelter for street children. This is a first of its kind in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural function, mayor M. Subramanian said that the facility was constructed in north Chennai to benefit the street children and child labourers who eke out a livelihood by rag picking in the nearby Kodungaiyur dumping yard.

Corporation commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said that the idea of the new facility was to rehabilitate street children, particularly rag pickers. The home would be open for the homeless orphaned children during night hours. Frequent health check ups would also be conducted on the inmates. In time these children will be absorbed into special schools run by the corporation for child labourers, Mr Lakhoni added.

The Perambur-based Madras Christian Council of Social Service has been entrusted the job of maintaining the shelter for a period of two years. For admitting children (age 5 to 18 years) anyone can contact the NGO on 2670 5486 and 99400 26050.