On 11th October 2025, Free To Be Kids organized a child protection awareness program at Saltlake to mark the International Day of the Girl Child. A total of 63 children from four target areas participated in the session, which focused on preventing child abduction and exploitation. Through real-life stories, discussions, and interactive activities, children learned how kidnappers use deceptive tactics and how to protect themselves. They were also informed about helpline numbers 100 and 1098. A drawing competition followed, allowing them to express their learning creatively. The program successfully raised awareness, built confidence, and strengthened the children’s understanding of their rights and safety.

In the Month of October, FTBK successfully launched the computer training program at the Srijani Centre with eight enrolled students from marginalized families. The first session, conducted by trainer Mr. Samrat, focused on basic computer operations and digital tools. The students participated enthusiastically, showing curiosity and teamwork. This program has begun to build their digital confidence and open new pathways for future employment and self-reliance.

On February 8th, 2025, the Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust marked its 15th foundation day at its main office campus. The event celebrated a journey filled with joy, challenges, and significant growth, all driven by the organization's unwavering commitment to its mission.

The celebration was attended by 80 children from FTBK's three project areas and 12 women, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. The program showcased the talents and achievements of those supported by FTBK. FTBK care leavers delivered a captivating dance performance. The management team shared an activity video highlighting the organization's work. A young adult, sponsored by FTBK, shared their inspiring personal experience.25 students received Computer Course Graduation certificates, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys.

The event acknowledged the challenges faced and the successes achieved over the past 15 years, emphasizing the collective effort in bringing hope, education, and empowerment to the community.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to FTBK's dedicated staff, supportive friends and family, and the wonderful children who have been integral to the organization's journey. To conclude the celebration, the FTBK management team provided a delicious lunch for all children, guests, and staff.

Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust is incredibly proud to announce that 25 young individuals from our community have successfully completed their Basic Computer Course, covering essential skills like word processing, internet navigation, and email communication! Additionally, 3 students have completed our DTP (Desktop Publishing) Course, where they mastered skills in graphic design, page layout, and image editing.

Their hard work, dedication, and eagerness to learn have been truly inspiring. This achievement marks a significant step toward their future goals, equipping them with valuable skills for personal and professional growth.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated trainers, generous supporters, and everyone who contributed to this journey. Together, we continue to empower young minds and build brighter futures! This graduation was completed on 8^th February 2025!

We're thrilled to share that our Women's Tailoring Training Program at Free to Be Kids Charitable Trust is flourishing! Twelve incredible women are mastering essential skills, from basic stitching to creating beautiful garments like children's wear, nighty, kurti, blouses.

This initiative is about more than just fabric—it's about stitching dreams, confidence, and a sustainable source of family income.

We're expanding opportunities for these women including helping them establish their own micro-businesses. Let's continue empowering women, one stitch at a time!

Free to Be Kids Charitable Trust, we believe in empowering those who dedicate their time to increase their own knowledge and also volunteer to support the education of others in need. On the 8^th February these volunteers received a wonderful gift to support their future studies. This gesture means the world to them, helping them grow and continue their incredible work.

This is the happy face of two of the amazing Care Leavers we work with who are on their way to pick up their Class 12 Certificates! We are happy to report that they have passed their final exams and are well on their way to achieving their goal to become nurses. 

It's our privilege to continue to work with Care Leavers to ensure they are safe and successful in their lives. This support is varied, according to the individual needs, but ranges from emotional support through counselling and follow up, support for basic needs of accommodation and food, and in many cases we provide education support to ensure they can continue to pursue their chosen careers and life goals.

We know that the power of our work is built on many things, not in the least being the strength and capacity of each of our team members. In the light of this knowledge, it is important that we spend time investing into our dedicated staff. We are happy to report that they are doing well and on our recent Staff Retreat they were able to unplug and enjoy some time away from their usual routines and connect with our Management Team and each other. During this time we had a lot of fun together and also took time for training and development sessions!

*Rakesh, a student in the Community, has been attending our  Computer Centre for the past six months. He studies at a local government high school, and his father is a daily labourer and his mother is a housewife. Due to his families financial situation, they cannot afford additional educational expenses, making this type of support out of their reach. It is a privilege to provide Computer Education to *Rakesh as he is highly motivated to learn and has made good progress at our Computer Center. He has learnt Microsoft Paint, Typing, Microsoft Word, and Basic Internet Skills. Our project is in a positive position to make a significant impact by helping *Rakesh continue his computer education that will give him increased options for employment in his future.
(* Note name changed for privacy reasons)

Our latest Awareness Program was held on the topic of living a Healthy Life! A key segment of the program was an informative session led by FTBK staff, focusing on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This session included a power point presentation covering:

• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Rest

The session incorporated interactive awareness activities and engaging games. The children themselves presented a drama highlighting the significance of a healthy life. Following this, a question-and-answer session was conducted by the staff to reinforce the key concepts, with active participation from the children. Lunch, fun and games were enjoyed by everyone present.