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"Over 15% of children under five in the developing world are severely malnourished.
In South Asia alone, more than 90 million children go hungry every day. [Around the world] 134 million children between the ages of 7 to 18 have never been to school."
UNICEF-sponsored report, October 2003
"A survey of a red light area of Bombay conducted by Indian Health Organization shows 20% of the 100,000 prostitutes are children.
It was estimated that in Delhi (India's capital city) 50% of the prostitutes are devdasis. Many of the devdasis are the girls who were dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma by their parents at a very young age. They are [considered] the servants of god as they are married to the goddess…Procurers [of prostitutes] frequent the place in order to get the fresh supplies of girls, as 4,000 to 5,000 girls are dedicated every year to the goddess."
People's Union for Civil Liberties
With credible estimates ranging from 60 to 115 million, India has the largest number of working children in the world.
Human Rights Watch, 1996
Activists [in Asia] say what is far more important than laws banning child labour, is a political commitment to primary education.
BBC News, 6 May 2002
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children who know neither mother nor father, love nor care. They are not just numbers or statistics—they are real children. Though nameless and faceless on the streets where they live, each one was created with love and is known by God.
We put Jesus Christ at the center of all we do. Our goal for each enrolled child is a clear understanding and personal experience of the love of God.
From the earliest ages in kindergarten, children are given opportunities to play games and practice basic rules of courtesy, thus helping the children to develop social skills and self-confidence.
Medical checkups and treatment are a part of every Bridge of Hope center. In addition, children also learn basic habits of good hygiene, such as washing hands, trimming fingernails and bathing regularly.
For the first time children who are among the most poor and needy of Asia have the prospect of a life filled with hope, purpose and eternal joy.
