Rakhi Barik, a six-year-old girl child, became a destitute when her parents were remanded to judicial custody on a murder charge.The police handed over the child to the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for her rehabilitation. The CWC directed Naba Prabha Open Shelter, a short stay home for children located at Khariar, to take care of the child.
Accordingly she got shelter and stayed there for eight months until her mother was released on bail on August 25 and took possession of her.“I am thankful to Naba Prabha for the noble work they did for my child,” said Ankita Barik, mother of Rakhi.The girl was handed over to Ankita in the presence of CWC member Fanindam Deo and Khariar Police. Sources said Naba Prabha is doing a noble job for the children. Within a short span of 10 months, the centre has helped 26 children of the district .
“We provide shelter to child labourers, orphans and the destitute, after they are rescued. We look after their upbringing till their respective parents or any guardians come up to take them back,” said Naba Prabha coordinator Ashwarya Dash.The centre acts as a support centre for rescue and restoration of children. It also consoles the children and helps them get rid of trauma they have to face during their destitution.
The centre at present is taking care of 21 children, who are given free food, clothes and reading materials. The children are also sent to the nearby schools for getiing educated, Dash added.