Free birds (Open Shelter Home for Boys), Calicut

Freebirds (Shelter for Street Children - Boys)
AWH started this project under Child in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) scheme
in Calicut in March 1995, with the support of the Ministry of Women and Child
Development, Govt. of India.
The project has since been renamed as Open Shelter Homes and the beneficiaries
are those covered under CNCP. The projects also come under Orphanange Control Board
(OCB) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). AWH runs 2 shelter homes under the scheme as Free
Birds Boys at Temple Lane, Kozhikode and Free Birds Girls at AUP School Road, Civil Station,
Kozhikode.
62 (25 Girls + 37 Boys) children are the present beneficiaries in the shelter homes
run by AWH.
Major Activities:-
1. Formal Education: - The project has provided proper formal education by nearest
school and restart education for the drop out children. A smart class room facility
available in the home. Education materials like books, uniform, fee etc. and tuition
also provided.
2. Medical Aid: Conducts medical camps and depends nearest Govt. hospital for further
treatment.
3. Food and Refreshments:- Refreshment facilities, foot ball court, shuttle court, home
theater, GYM etc. are available in the home. Monthly outing and yearly a tour also
provided.
4. Vocational training is given in various skills and trades.
5. Social Worker and Councilor are providing proper counseling and emotional support.
6. Reintegration with family:- Parents visit inmates every second Saturday as per the
order of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Long term and short term Foster care
facilities are provided in collaboration with District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) as
per the order of CWC.
Major Events:
1) Aster MIMS hospital, Calicut conducted medical camp for children.
2) Republic Day was celebrated on 26th January and conducted life skill training
programme and motivation class.
3) Conducted stress management class for children on 23rd February 25.
4) Conducted Drawing session for children on 23rd February 25.
5) On 26th March, 25 movie ‘Aadujeevitham was shown to children.
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6) Conducted one day workshop in ornament making, hair sliders, hair band, earrings,
pickle making and paper bag.
7) Co-ordinator conducted life skill training programme on 8th May 2024.
8) Visited Kannur Fort and Payyambalam beach on 30th May 2024.
9) Independence day was celebrated on August 15.
10) On 19th October arranged a outing to Highlight Mall and to watch movie sponsored
by ARM OF JOY.
11) Arranged English improvement class for children.
12) Conducted Legal Awareness Session for children on 27th December 2024.
13) Conducted study tour to Wayanad Pookod Lake on the sponsorship of ARM OF JOY.