A day in the life of a child living in Project Margasusi’s hostel
The hostel managed by Project Margasusi for about 50 children of sex workers since 2005 is much more than a place to sleep, bathe and eat.

From dawn to dusk, each day spent here is a step towards a better future for not just the children but also for their families. To begin with, the children, aged between 8 to 16 years, are given free food during meal time keeping in mind their nutritional requirement. All the children share responsibility of maintaining the place, and grow up in an cooperative and sharing atmosphere, as the elder kids take care of the younger ones.

After returning from the nearby Government schools, where the children are studying in different classes from the 1st to 10th standard, the children play in the hostel’s ample ground. As a regular part of study, the children attend the special coaching classes and monthly tests taken by two external teachers in order to keep pace with classes in the schools. Happily tired by the day, the children prepare to sleep, only to wake up rejuvenated to face the next day.

Impact of Project Margasusi
· Increased participation by children in various school competitions and functions, with many children winning prizes for different events and games.
· Increased self confidence and decision making skills among the children, improved personal hygiene, emotional stability through regular practice of yoga and meditation.

• Good grooming and well-mannered children, who are helpful family members on their visits home.
• Awareness about child rights, child trafficking, and the functions of Government initiated Child Welfare Committees.
• Awareness about the importance of good nutrition, and the nutritional value of different categories of food.
• Protecting the children from possible abuse and sex work by providing them external shelter.
• Ensuring continuity in education by providing access to primary and secondary education.
• Satisfaction and assurance in the parents of children of sex workers, especially the women, that their children are growing up in an atmosphere more enriching and enabling than their own homes.
• The regular counseling sessions by the staff with the children help them to bond with each other, and also help to discover their hidden talent.

While the support from Tdh-NL is the life-line of Project Margasusi, several corporates, volunteers, national and international social organizations regularly associate with the project in many ways. Together, with the support of one and all, Project Margasusi is ensuring a holistic growing experience for its children.