ASIA/INDIA - New center opened for street children

Howrah (Agenzia Fides) – In honor of their 25th anniversary of working in favor of street children, on March 11, the Salesian community of Calcutta-Ashalayam opened a center, open 24 hours a day for child protection and care of children in difficult situations. The center "Ashalayam Don Bosco" (House of Hope) in Howrah, near Calcutta, coordinates 25 homes for street children, run by 4 Salesian priests and 170 workers and volunteers who assist over 3,000 children. The research will provide a service conducted by various therapists and consultants, in addition to monitoring various projects and conducting research on the protection of children. The opening ceremony was attended by some 600 street children and over 500 religious nuns and priests. "Ashalayam has helped over 10,000 children living situations of danger, most off the streets of Calcutta and Howrah," said the Center's Director, Fr. George Chempakathinal. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2010)