The Helping Hands project started in the Kathputhli slum in Jaipur in 2006 with just 32 children. Currently Helping Hands provides primary school education, medical care, uniforms, shoes and a daily nutritious meal for over 200 children.

The Kathputhli slum is home to more than 10,000 people dwelling in ramshackle houses with open sewerage and siphoned electricity.  The compact conditions of the slum have led to sickness and disease, poor hygiene, malnutrition, and social problems such as depression, violence and alcoholism.

Many of the residents of Kathputhli relocated from their villages in search of a better life, but their optimism has given way to hopelessness as they realize that living in this slum is their reality. As just 30% of children in this area attend school, it is essential that we help this community through programs for whole families.

Helping Hands also serves the community through adult literacy classes, skills training and access to self help groups which assist with savings-based small loans, assisting families to access work opportunities and better support their families. A Health Clinic within the slum provides education in health, hygiene, and infant care to combat the high levels of illness and disease throughout the slum colony. Helping Hands is making a positive contribution within Jaipur, and is aiming to see the community become more able to care for itself.

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