The number of "street children" far exceeds the number of places available for residential care. Street children are often drawn into child labour, which is irregular, poorly paid, and often hazardous. UNICEF estimates that there are approximately 100,000 street children in Kolkata. Among them, about 20,000 are child labourers. These children are robbed of their childhood and innocence.

For example, the children living near the railway stations move from platform to platform, boarding trains just to enjoy a bit of freedom, but ultimately they must return to their stressful and miserable existence. Many other children fare even worse. They are lured into petty crime, anti-social activities, begging, and prostitution. Kolkata Orphanage takes these children off the streets and cares for them, providing a safe, happy, and secure environment.

Bulbulir Basa Orphanage recognizes the uniqueness of each child and is committed to treating each child as an individual. Yet it also recognizes the huge significance that kinship and family play within Indian culture. It works hard to offset the limitations of large institutional care in which children are robbed of "normal" family structures and in turn, role models of positive parenting. Kolkata Orphanage recreates a real family so that the children are able to internalize family values. For this reason the orphanage house has a maximum of 20 children, thus maintaining its family environment. Permanent staffs reside in the house to take care of the children and of the maintenance of the house. A group of volunteers help in the different aspects of running the home and caring for the children.

Bulbulir Basa Orphanage realizes that the principal reason children continue to live on the streets is lack of adequate medical care and educational opportunities. Only if these two areas are addressed is there any possibility that the children can break the cycle of deprivation.

Objectives of the Orphanage :

1. To maintain a safe and pleasant environment for abandoned children and care for all their needs, including medical, education, and cultural. The children will attend school and receive classes in Bengali music and arts in order to strengthen cultural ties.

2. To promote and encourage the advancement of literacy. A free coaching centre will be maintained at Kolkata Orphanage for street children.

3. To help the sick, aged, and destitute, the onsite dispensary will offer free medical treatment to people of all ages and religions in the community.

The goal for which the Kolkata Orphanage society was established will benefit the orphans and with your support it can become reality. Shelter, education, health, and culture are the main activities in our orphanage.

As a volunteer at the orphanage, you will be living in the happy establishment with the orphans. Volunteers help the children with their academic studies, play games, and most importantly, act as role models for these deprived children.

Your accommodations are provided on the premises in a second floor room adjacent to the boys' room. The room has two triple bunk beds, with a balcony. Additional accommodations can be arranged. There are also two showers, one western toilet, and a washing machine available. We will provide you breakfast, lunch & dinner. We ask volunteers to pay stipend (Rs.720/- each person) for food & accommodation.

It is very important the orphanage maintains consistency in the boys' care. We ask that you consider your travel plans carefully and honour any commitments to volunteer. We prefer you make arrangements one month prior to arrival. We take booking minimum 2 weeks.