SAMPARC SHISHU KENDRA, KOLKATA

SAMPARC Shishu Kendra, Kolkata, was established in February 2005 with the vision to provide holistic care, education, and emotional support to children of socially victimized women, particularly those from the red-light areas of Kalighat, as well as children from poor and underprivileged families. Located near Tollygunge Metro Station, the centre is situated at 96/3/1, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Haridevpur, in the heart of Kolkata.

The children at this centre come from extremely vulnerable backgrounds, with most of their mothers leading lives marked by hardship, exploitation, and social exclusion. Recognizing the need to break this cycle of marginalization, SAMPARC took the initiative to provide these children with a safe and nurturing home environment where they could live with dignity, receive proper education, and develop into confident and self-reliant individuals.

The building that houses the SAMPARC Shishu Kendra is the ancestral property of Shri Amitkumar Banerjee, Founder-Director of SAMPARC. With a strong personal commitment to child welfare, Shri Banerjee dedicated this property to SAMPARC for the specific purpose of supporting the children of commercial sex workers and other vulnerable families.

The Shishu Kendra is a licensed Children’s Home under the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Government of West Bengal. It is a fully furnished and well-managed residential facility, adhering to all statutory norms and child care standards. The home provides a family-like atmosphere supported by trained housemothers, social workers, educators, and health professionals who work together to ensure the all-around development of every child.

The centre not only focuses on academic progress but also emphasizes emotional healing, life skills training, and cultural engagement. Through this comprehensive approach, SAMPARC Shishu Kendra continues to create a secure and empowering environment for children who might otherwise have been denied the opportunity to dream, grow, and thrive.