Surojit Dadhara
As cities expand and urban challenges become increasingly complex, the protection and well-being of children often emerge as critical indicators of social progress. In Guwahati, where rapid urbanization, migration, economic inequalities, and social vulnerabilities intersect, Snehalaya has spent the last twenty-five years working towards a singular goal: creating a child-friendly city where every child enjoys the rights to survival, protection, development, and participation. Founded in 2000 and inspired by the educational philosophy of St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, Snehalaya has evolved into one of Assam’s most prominent child protection organizations. Its work is guided by the Preventive System of Education, which emphasizes the role of caring adults in supporting children, preventing harm, and nurturing their potential. Rather than waiting for crises to occur, this approach focuses on early intervention, guidance, and community engagement. Over the years, Snehalaya has developed a comprehensive network of child care services and outreach programmes under its flagship Child Friendly Guwahati (CFG) initiative. The organization currently operates 38 safe points across the city, offering immediate assistance to children in distress. Its services extend beyond rescue operations to include shelter, education support, psychosocial counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration with families and communities.
This holistic approach recognizes an important reality: child protection is not limited to rescuing children from dangerous situations. Vulnerability often begins much earlier through school dropout, unsafe migration, child labour, domestic violence, neglect, and lack of supervision. By identifying risks early and strengthening community-based support systems, Snehalaya seeks to prevent harm before it occurs. The impact of these efforts is evident in rescue and rehabilitation statistics. Working closely with the District Child Rescue Task Force, Snehalaya rescued 278 children between April 2022 and March 2024. The number of children requiring rescue declined to 106 between April 2024 and March 2025, indicating both the effectiveness of preventive measures and the growing awareness among communities regarding child rights and protection mechanisms. Yet the challenge remains significant. Child protection cannot function effectively in isolation. It requires strong coordination among institutions such as District Child Protection Units (DCPU), Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU), and the State Child Protection Society (SCPS). The urgency of strengthening these systems is underscored by official statistics. Assam recorded 5,282 crimes against children in 2021, which fell to 4,084 in 2022 but rose sharply to 10,174 cases in 2023. These figures highlight the need for stronger preventive strategies, better reporting mechanisms, and enhanced community vigilance.
Beyond direct intervention, Snehalaya has emerged as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration on child rights. Working alongside organizations such as SOS Children’s Villages, Sishu Kalyan Sadan, Asha Deep, Sishu Sarothi, and the Indian Council for Child and Women, it has helped build a collaborative ecosystem dedicated to child welfare. Education remains a cornerstone of Snehalaya’s strategy. The organization views schools as critical spaces for protection and development. Through the Child Friendly Guwahati initiative, it promotes joyful learning environments and positive discipline practices. A notable example was the Teachers’ Training Programme on Child-Friendly Discipline held earlier this year, attended by educators and community workers from across the city. The programme emphasized empathy-based approaches, positive reinforcement, and non-violent communication, challenging traditional punitive disciplinary practices. Such initiatives recognize that many behavioural issues in classrooms stem from deeper emotional and social vulnerabilities. When children feel respected, safe, and understood, they are more likely to develop self-discipline, confidence, and resilience.
Another key aspect of Snehalaya’s work is community ownership. The organization has established Child Welfare and Protection Committees (CWPCs) in 22 of its 33 Child Friendly Guwahati centres and continues to train young leaders through Children’s Clubs. By empowering local communities to identify and address child protection concerns, Snehalaya is creating sustainable mechanisms that can endure beyond institutional interventions. At its core, Snehalaya’s philosophy is rooted in partnership and shared responsibility. Through networks such as Ekta and the All Assam Forum for Child Rights, it has consistently promoted cooperation rather than competition among stakeholders. Its belief is simple: protecting children matters more than who receives credit for the work. Snehalaya’s journey demonstrates that child protection is not merely a welfare activity but an essential investment in urban development. A city that prioritizes safe spaces, responsive institutions, compassionate schools, and empowered communities creates the foundation for a healthier and more equitable future. In striving to build a child-friendly Guwahati, Snehalaya is doing more than safeguarding vulnerable children—it is helping shape the values and character of the city itself. (mailtosurojitd@gmail.com)
