Trained and Educated Graduates

• Objectives
  The main objective of the Vth Phase "CHILD" Rescue Centre is to provide a further secure feeling for the future of the students as well as career guidance and placement.

• Where Are They Up To?
  The young people undergoing the "CHILD" Vth Phase of strengthening will already have spent three months attending the "CHILD" Second Phase night shelter, and considerable time depending on the individual, under academic or vocational training. They will be more confident and well on the way to a better future. However, that does not mean that they will not leave the programme if mistreated or not treated with proper ongoing affectionate and loving attitude by the staff. These young people can be working at a job, or finishing up their education (this is mostly done in the Village). If they are working at a job then they should be encouraged to pay their way. The equivalent of Rs.500 a month should cover their meals. All other items like soap, clothing, other household needs they will purchase. They should also be strongly encouraged to save at least one third of their salary in the bank if possible. This will give them more strength and confidence for the future, when they finally move out.

• How Many?
  At this Phase, the children need psychological help more than anything else. For this reason it is most important that the numbers be kept to a minimum, to extend personal assistance to its maximum potential. The suggestion is about fifteen or twenty children at a time. Your centre can be managed by one or more of your experienced elders. At this stage they need light monitoring, but the fact that they are out most of the day in worldly situations means they will become exposed and maybe attracted to bad habits. This has to be carefully monitored. From time to time smell their fingers, check their teeth for stains, and especially watch out for signs of drug and alcohol use when they come in. Let them know in a caring way that you do this only for their good. if they resent it then explain that they always have the option to move out completely, then there will be no monitoring of any kind.

• Employment Programmes
  Those who are employed already can be re-situated if the need arises. Help them to get good jobs. The type of job where you know the boss, the work is a continuance of their training, the hours are reasonable and there are no hazardous exposures. Those children being relocated from the III & IVth phases can be found simple jobs in the local area. The period of time that the children will be under the care of the Vth Phase will be two to three months depending on the child. The main reason for this phase is to see the determination of the children. In performing well at a job, keeping to timed activities, keeping clean and getting a salary for all this, they will show their sincerity. It may be that the children find the work satisfying, but the main point to bear in mind is whether they are receiving proper and personal training in that field, whatever it may be. Many times in a working environment the children learn the skill, but extremely slowly. In a Vocational Training environment the children tend to learn much more quickly. Analyse this carefully.
   

• Research
  The "CHILD" Vth Phase Centre will cater to the needs of working and strengthened street children, study their activities in detail, and offer constant encouragement and advice to them about the difference between life on the street and that available at the centres... and beyond. Their reactions to certain aspects such as classes in literacy, care and attention, cleanliness and punctuality training etc. will be monitored and a report will be prepared to determine the feasibility of further projects in the immediate and other areas.