Celebrating 25 Years of HOPE

Set up in 1999 to raise funds for one girl’s home. Today The Hope Foundation (HOPE) funds 58 projects in the areas of education, healthcare, child protection, vocational training and emergency response.

HOPE works primarily with the street & slum children of Kolkata (Calcutta) and the subsequent difficulties that these children encounter. The estimated population of street children in Kolkata is over 250,000. To date HOPE has helped over 2.9 million people.

The Hope Foundation is a registered Irish charity (No: CHY 13237).

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life for the most marginalised street and slum connected children and communities, primarily in India. Ensuring their basic rights and enhancing their dignity of life, through protection, health, education and economic development in a sustainable life cycle approach. Achieving this mission through fundraising activities and initiatives.

Our Aim

To support the development of underprivileged sections of society through partnership, support and capacity building.

We believe in sustainable development. Our programmes aim to give street and slum children in Kolkata the support needed to create better futures.

Work of The Hope Foundation

The Hope Foundation is working with 14 Indian NGO partners to rescue thousands of children from the streets and slums, improve their quality of life, and give abandoned street and slum children a better future.

HOPE and its partners operate 57 projects, with the majority of the projects geared towards helping street-connected children and their families and communities. It begins with the youngest children and the establishment of 4 crèches - something that is very unique in Kolkata - which allows the mothers of children to work and support their family. Following this, coaching centres provide children with social and educational preparation for mainstream schooling and support during their schooling.

Vocational training is given to adolescents and working mothers so that they can have a livelihood; and counselling plays a huge part in helping those who have been abused while living on the streets and slums.

HOPE runs 10 Residential Childcare Centres for children aged 6 to 18 who are deemed to be at high risk on the streets. These centres provide these vulnerable children with a home away from home, a loving, caring, and safe environment in which they can learn and grow into independent, successful and happy young adults.

We would like to thank all our donors for their ongoing dedication towards HOPE's cause.