Borealis supports Kindernothilfe in improving the lives of disadvantaged children in India

Vienna, Austria – Borealis announces its support of, a development cooperation and child rights organization which is working to improve the lives of some of India’s poorest people, waste pickers.

The city of Mumbai, India, produces up to 10,000 tons of garbage every day, which is mainly dumped on one of three landfill sites. Govandi is the oldest dump in Mumbai and the fifth largest in the world. It attracts thousands of unemployed people, who earn a living by picking through the waste and selling what they find. An estimated 1,300 children live around and work at the dump site. They work under the toughest conditions, and their lives are characterized by poverty, illness, malnutrition, and a lack of clean water and medical care. The children have no time for school, and the area suffers from many social problems, including violence, drugs, unemployment, sexual abuse, discrimination against women, child marriages, and child trafficking.

Borealis, through its , supports Kindernothilfe and its long-standing local partner, , in a project that aims to empower these children and their parents so they can lead a healthy life in dignity. This is achieved through a holistic program tackling all aspects that usually keep them in the vicious circle of poverty, violence, and exploitation.

Through the project, Kindernothilfe and Karunya Trust provide basic health services and daily meals, improving people’s health and their life chances. Having enough healthy food gives children the energy they need to follow their lessons in school, so they can obtain an education and professional qualifications. In turn, this will give them the chance to find a better job, such as an apprenticeship, which leads to a self-determined and more dignified life. Another major aspect of the program is the empowerment of girls and women by creating awareness about child rights and gender equality as well as assisting victims of violence and domestic abuse. Equally important is the education of households on how they can reduce the amount of waste being dumped on the landfill by pre-sorting and recycling it instead.

The project plays an important part in community life, working alongside social workers and the community authorities, as well as collaborating with government agencies, universities, colleges, schools, and volunteers. The project’s child protection committee, children’s parliament and mother’s group are all significant community pillars.

“Borealis believes that good education is key to finding a decent job that enables a self-determined and dignified life,” says Thomas Gangl, CEO Borealis. “For this reason, Education & Social Integration is one of three focus areas for the Borealis Social Fund. We are delighted to support Kindernothilfe and Karunya Trust with this important work, which changes the lives of some of India’s most disadvantaged children and their families.”

“Kindernothilfe is strongly committed to facilitating child rights and fighting exploitative child labor worldwide. We are grateful to have gained Borealis as a dedicated partner to improve the living situation of marginalized children in Mumbai during the next years, “says Gottfried Mernyi, CEO Kindernothilfe Austria.