In Shimoga, for instance, there are an estimated 130,000 working children, many of whom are mistreated and abused. The YMCA there is part of a coalition that believes in the rights of children to live a normal, happy life complete with education, shelter, food, health, recreation, peace and love. The Bangalore YMCA is also talking to kids in rural areas who are tempted to run away to the city. The YMCA in Bombay tries to combat this problem too by reaching out to new arrivals sleeping in bus and railway stations. YMCAs in Vizag, Bhubaneswar, Salur and Ananthapur have similar programs.
Indian women tend to a baby who has been innoculated.
In rural India, reconstruction programs based on the Martandam model continue to serve impoverished families. The YMCA movement in India is one of the oldest, and its work today continues a proud tradition. However, the challenges today are greater than ever to help youth. That is why your help is urgently needed. Please contribute generously to YMCA World Service.