Karunalaya, India

Karunalaya works to ensure the rights of children, young women and marginalised communities in Chennai, particularly those living on the streets or pavements. Since 1995, Karunalaya has supported girls and children fleeing violence, abuse or trafficking, providing safe shelter, educational support, counselling and creative activities that build confidence and resilience.

Chennai is home to over 30 pavement-dwelling communities, some of which have been living on the streets for more than 70 years. Families arrive seeking work but face limited access to safe shelter, basic amenities and protection. Girls are particularly vulnerable to abuse and early marriage.

Our partnership with Karunalaya

Amos Trust supports Karunalaya’s work with girls and young women, helping provide:

• Safe shelter
  Temporary accommodation for girls in crisis.
• Education and empowerment
  Access to schooling, life skills workshops and sports programmes to build confidence.
• Community advocacy
  Counselling for families, forum theatre sessions addressing abuse and substance use, and initiatives to challenge traditional gender roles.
• Child rights advocacy
  Promoting the voices of children in leadership, Street Child World Cups and community campaigns.

Karunalaya also supports pavement-dwellers’ associations, enabling families to demand basic rights such as identity documents, access to amenities and protection from violence. Street theatre is a key tool, helping children communicate their experiences and advocate for change in their communities.

Key priorities:

• Ensuring easy access to education
• Empowering communities to understand and claim their rights
• Creating safe spaces for girls and young women
• Challenging gender-based violence and child marriage
• Amplifying children's voices in advocacy and leadership roles

“We aren't begging for this or asking for it as a favour. It's our human right. There is so much that needs to be done for children and families living on the street, and so many stories that need to be counted. They are backed up by a lifetime of experience.” Usha, 19, Chennai

To find out more about Karunalaya and their work, please watch our short film →