Working with our partner Kshamata in Mumbai we are looking to expand the social enterprise aspect of their operation, providing support and employment to 100 vulnerable young women at any one time. This initiative provides a safe, learning environment where the girls can be taught job readiness skills, including time management, behavioural skills, commitment and reliability before entering the external job market. It is a critical part of the support programme and has proved so successful over the past 7 years. The additional benefit of this upscaling project is that revenues generated by the social enterprise should cover future running costs of the charity operation in Mumbai, thereby making Kshamata financially independent.

The project is expected to be funded from a variety of sources, including private donations, grants from Trusts / Foundations and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in both UK and India. The amount raised on Just Giving Enterprise 100 Campaign is an element of the total fundraising project.

An inside story: Pradnya (name changed) was trafficked to Mumbai against her will. She was rescued 18 months later and referred to the charity. In the early days she was angry, confused, suffering from malnutrition with nowhere to go. She undertook the residential rehabilitation programme, where it was identified she had a creative streak. As she progressed, her health, confidence and self-esteem improved.

Today she is a bright, confident young lady, who has learned to speak English and computer skills, providing more, well paid options in the job market. She shares independent accommodation with other girls and has trained in social media, an achievement unthinkable just a few years ago. Pradnya defines the charity's good work, this wonderful story has been replicated many times since 2014, with young women entering the workplace in a variety of chosen disciplines, including Retail, Banking, Catering, Policing and even Taxi Driving. What is common with them all is that they are enjoying independent living and leading a fulfilling, self-sufficient life.