18 million children

18 million children live on the streets of India. Some are slum dwellers who spend their days working on the streets, often to bring in revenue for the family, and some spend 24 hours a day on the streets, scrounging for their next meal and a safe place to spend the night. These children deserve a childhood in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. In 2007, I had the opportunity to spend 3 months at a home for orphaned and abandoned children and witnessed the profound work that one NGO is doing. Vatsalya (www.vatsalya.org) created a children's village complete with a K-8 school, residential units, sports/recreation centers, a meditation hall, medical clinic, and a variety of vocational training units including dairy, farming, tailoring, mechanic and jewelry making. This village, Udayan, typically houses between 50-60 children. Vatsalya truly is making a difference in our world.

For US citizens wishing to help, please see www.NICFund.org.