vidiyal

   a programme for street and working children    *    striving to promote child rights   

About Vidiyal

Established in 1996, Vidiyal, which means "dawn" in Tamil, is a non-profit organization committed to the cause of street and working children in Madurai, South India. Vidiyal reaches out to high-risk children and their families through street and community-based programmes. Through our work, children gain education, skills and self-confidence within a caring and supportive environment.

In the Community: Through drop-in centers in seven slums, Vidiyal enlists community support for street and working children from parents, local youths and informal leaders. Street theatre and awareness programmes focus on the importance of education, child labour prevention, gender equality and health. We also counsel families to prevent abuse, promote a healthy family life and encourage school attendance.

Child Outreach: Many street children take shelter in public buildings such as bus stands and railway stations. Vidiyal staff visit these sites frequently to meet children, provide counselling and support, and develop a trusting relationship. Once the children feel confident, we invite them to visit our main drop-in centre.

The Main Centre: Vidiyal is a community-based centre for over 200 girls and boys, aged 5-18. We provide children with individual attention, a supplementary meal, clothing, medical care and counselling. The children form a supportive and caring community where they learn from each other and become big brothers and sisters to newcomers and younger children. Most children visit Vidiyal after school to study, play games and participate in cultural and artistic programmes.

Campaigns: Cycle rallies, leaflet campaigns and street theatre help educate the public about street and working children. Our campaigns focus on children's inherent right to life, right to development, right to protection and right to participation.

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