Online Dance Classes

The Children in our Homes are not missing out on their regular activities, even during this pandemic period. We have worked hard to maintain the necessary activities and interaction that they need to be healthy in body, mind and spirit.

The Free To Be Kids Management Team recently celebrated together the Children’s Birthdays with joy and fun. The moment was celebrated with cake, balloons, and special gifts. On that wonderful birthday occasion some special food was prepared and given to all the children and staff. At the same time Mrs. Lalita Binu, the Girl's Home 'House Mother', and her son, also celebrated their Birthdays with the Children and spent the full day with them.

We highly value Local Donations from Businesses, Organisations and Concerned Citizens and Individuals. Recently we received some local support to help us to continue to our necessary work with Children in Need.

Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust received a Local Donation from the Rotary Club, Behala.

Prerona Cultural Organization came to Free To Be Kids Children’s Home and donated Grocery Items. They spent a good time together with the children and encouraged them for their studies.

On the 4^th August, 2020 Free To Be Kids Girl’s Home children participated the programme, “To Stop Human Trafficking” organised by the District Child Protection Unit, Kolkata. The DCPU, Kolkata organised the Slogan Writing and Poster Making Competition To Stop Human Trafficking, with the entire Children’s Homes of Kolkata. Free To Be Kids Girl’s Home Children actively participated in the competition. This was the good experience for the children to enhance their skills and talents. It was also a great platform to exchange knowledge with others. Our children were very happy to interact with other children living in Kolkata District.

Independence 2020 was well celebrate with the Children from both our Girl's Home and Boy's Home.

We Celebrated the 15^th August Independence Day Programme within the grounds of our Girl's Home. The Children performed songs and dances on that day. Mr. Sugata Mazumdar, Mr. Kausik Bhattacharya, Mr. Bikash Dutta and Mr. Sarkar came to attend the programme from Rotary Club, Behala. Mr. Sugata Mazumdar, President of Rotary Club, Behala was the Chief Guest of the programme. He gave an encouraging speech on Independence Day. The Rotarians donated snacks for the children. The programme end with a Tree Planting Ceremony.

We are very thankful for our local donors who are supporting us at this critical time. Recently we received food and provisions from the very generous members of the Kolkata Lal Bazzar Police. Their team handed over to our staff, at our front gate, various items like rice, potatoes, oil, personal hygienic items, soap, masks and much more.

In addition to this members of our local community delivered necessary rations to help us provide for the children and staff living in our Children's Homes. All of these items are so helpful in our cause to provide care and protection.

We are very thankful for the kindness and generosity of our Kolkata Community.

Staff and Children have received education on how to protect themselves and others around them by covering their mouths, washing their hands, cleaning surfaces regularly and keeping a safe distance from others!

Before the lockdown was initiated, our team had the opportunity to conduct sessions on Hand Washing and Basic Hygiene, to help the children and communities we work with to be protected. Although our Education and Nutrition Program in the Slums has been temporarily put on hold, our team is still in connection with the community leaders, who are currently reporting the areas where our projects run are all managing ok at this time. When the lockdown is lifted, we will have an opportunity to visit these areas, resume our programs and assess whether the community is in need of extra support in any way.

The virus may have limited our movement outside, but has given us the chance to be more creative! Take a look at the Wall Murals that the children designed and painted during lockdown

Due to the lockdown in Kolkata we have had to stop any visits from outside support staff.  To continue the Children's access to this help & development we have moved to online support in as many areas as possible. The great Carers and House Parents residing within our Children's Homes continue their work and the children are being well taken care of & are able to access their rights! A break from normal routines has been received well and has provided lots of opportunities for simply enjoying more time together!