Established in 2004, Jyoti Street Project works with over 200 street children in Pokhara each month. Since its establishment, the project has continually adapted to meet the children’s changing needs. Beginning through street-based outreach work the project now includes a contact centre, night shelter, community kitchen, newspaper and even a bank.

Developed with the children, implemented by trained peer educators (young people coming from difficult circumstances) and managed by an experienced project manager the project offers innovative and effective responses to perennial issues.

The project reaches over 95% of children and young people living on the street in Pokhara and provides services in coordination with a local enetwork of four organisations working for street and working children. This network enables th project to provide the children a real choice of services to suit each individual’s need and interest: from counselling to family reintegration, from non-formal education to vocational training, from medical treatment to a business loan.

The project not only provides children and young people on the street with access to these services, but more importantly provides them with support from peers and adults that they can trust. This relationship gives children confidence in themselves and the motivation to care for themselves and their futures. The relationship is also fundamental to supporting children and young people to make the difficult transition from the street when they are ready.

Jyoti Street Project works with children and young people regardless of their situation supporting them to live happier and safer lives and to invest in their futures.

Reaching Out, Offering Choice and Raising a Voice

An Overview of Jyoti Street Project

The Situation of Children on the Street