Mumbai, often dubbed the City of Dreams, contrasts sharply for the economically disadvantaged, where the dream of a better life often turns into a nightmarish reality.

In this city, migrants from impoverished regions arrive with hopes of a brighter future, but many, find themselves ensnared in the flesh trade, in prison, or trapped in the harsh conditions of slum life.

Established in 1994 by concerned citizens, Sahaara Charitable Society envisions Fulfilling Dreams of the Vulnerable and Marginalized in Society. This NGO empowers the underprivileged to realize their dreams.

Over the last 30+ years, Sahaara has honed Core Competencies in:

• Providing Education to children in red-light districts and government homes.
• Offering Holistic care through Education Hostels for at-risk children from red light districts.
• Reintegrating sex workers and prisoners into society.

From a modest initiative led by a handful of volunteers, Sahaara has blossomed into an organization with over 60 staff members running eight impactful programs across Mumbai and its neighboring districts. Accredited by Credibility Alliance, Charities Aid Foundation, and Give, Sahaara is governed by a board of committed corporate and NGO leaders and businessmen. Together, they are dedicated to catalyzing positive transformation within the city.

Appeal

Sahaara Charitable Society works with the victims of commercial sexual exploitation in red-light districts and runs education programs for their vulnerable children who are prone to abuse, neglect and second-generation trafficking. In our work with the children, we offer early childhood education, remedial education, a youth mentorship program, and parent and community training with the goal to facilitate a better learning ecosystem for these children.

Through the education program in the red-light districts and work with the women, Sahaara also identifies the most high-risk children of female sex workers and admits them into Sahaara's hostels. Here they are provided with safe accommodation, wholesome nutrition, mental wellness and quality education. This is undertaken with the goal of offering a safe environment for their holistic development.

We work towards reintegrating their parents towards a lifestyle of safety and stability so the child can ultimately be restored to the family.

We intend to use the funds raised through TMM 2026 for these projects that work towards reintegration of CSWs, provides safe education hostels for the high-risk children of CSWs and provides end to end education services for the children in the red-light districts.