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.

On 25th December 2024 Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust arranged a Christmas program at our office campus. This year 95 community children and 16 women from our Salt Lake, Krishnarampur and Balarampur projects attended this program.  In addition to this, another 30 guests, FTBK well-wisher, neighbours, FTBK staffs and their families were present at this program. Free To Be Kids welcomed our guests by the giving of traditional uttari, flowers, diary and calendars. The children from across our Projects showed their talent by a drama presentation and dances and singing.  A number of presentations were given from those adults that we support for training and higher education. This special event included 200 beneficiaries and featuring a delightful lunch that filled hearts and stomachs alike.

This festive season, Free to Be Kids Charitable Trust brought smiles to the community by distributing cosy woollen beanies to children and families in need. A program was arranged to celebrate Christmas at seven different slums communities. A total of 186 children attended the program and each child joyfully and their received their hand sown woollen cap and special snacks! 

Blanket Distribution Program 2024

In this heartwarming initiative, the Free to Be Kids Charitable Trust distributed blankets to those in need, ensuring warmth and care during the colder months. The program, held at the Salt Lake premises, reflects the organisation's commitment to supporting the underprivileged and fostering community well-being. Our gratitude goes out to the volunteers and donors who made this event possible! A total of 12 Families benefited from this program in December.

Program on Value of Education

Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust arranged a Program on the Value of Education on the 5^th November 2024 at FTBK main office. A total of 126 children attended this program. The FTBK management warmly welcomed all guests and felicitated with garlands, before the program started with a welcome dance.

Krishnarampur community children presented a dance drama on the Value of Education in children’s lives. Our social worker shared about the value of education and more dances were performed by the child participants.

After that FTBK management team distributed Educational Kits (school bag, drawing copy, exercise copies, colour box, pencil box with pencil, eraser, sharpener, pen) for each child.

FTBK management team arranged snack packets for all children, guests and staff. The Program finished around 5:00pm and the Children, Parents and FTBK staff returned back to their homes by FTBK arranged vehicles. It was a wonderful way to celebrate together and reinforce the love for learning.

This November 2024, FTBK celebrated Children’s Day with our amazing community kids! The celebrations were filled with fun, laughter, games, and engaging activities. Our dedicated staff ensured that the children not only had a great time but also received educational support and a few tasty snacks. We believe every child deserves joy, learning, and care, and today was a testament to that. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration special!

WE ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE THE SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENT OF ONE OF OUR CARE LEAVERS AND WE WISH HER ALL THE BEST IN HER CHOSEN CAREER! 

National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week Program

National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week, the Free To Be Kids Charitable Trust successfully hosted a community literacy program on 19th September 2024 at 3:30 PM. This event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 60 women, who not only attended but took the lead in organising various activities, proudly showcasing the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired through our literacy programs.

Their confidence was evident as they demonstrated their learning journey, emphasising the importance of education in their personal lives and for their families. The event also focused on family literacy, highlighting the collective role women play in promoting education at home.

The management team further inspired the participants with a motivational message, encouraging them to continue their growth and use education as a tool for empowerment. We ended the day on a positive note by sharing coffee and snacks, fostering a sense of community and celebration.

This program was a true reflection of the power of education and its ability to instill confidence, leadership, and change within our community. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment together.