Stars Welfare Society is a Non-Government, non-profit, non-political and non-communal voluntary organization. The Society believes in action which is thoroughly oriented towards service to humanity without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion or politics. The main goal of the organization has been helping the slums and street children and women to manifest their potentials to develop a sense of respect for themselves. These include garbage pickers’ children, migrant labourers, and slum dwellers — our target mission.

Stars – an NGO was registered under the West Bengal Societies Act – 1961. Stars was birthed in 2004 when Chia Hua Chung and Yasmin Naomi Chung saw the need of the slum and factory workers’ children in need of education, guidance and food. When the factories were shut down, the space available in the factory was turned into a safe haven for children to come in and spend time and learn.

Marginalized and labor class and mostly from broken homes or dysfunctional families. They live in the slums and bustees of Kolkata, 6’ x 8’ or 10’ rooms constructed with bamboos, tin roofs or asbestos sheets and with many members cramped together. They generally have no electricity, bathroom or running water and live in unhygienic conditions and suffer from malnutrition. The poorest of the poor and children today from these backgrounds have to deal with drastic emotional problems.

Stars has intervened in the field of free education for children. Education is free along with a wholesome nutritious midday meal. The learning centre is operational from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. English, Hindi and Bengali languages are taught, Science, Mathematics, General knowledge, Art & Craft, dance and vocational training. The children are picked up and dropped by bus.

Stars Welfare Society runs a school called “Stars Early Learning Centre”. We teach the children starting from 3+ – 14 years at preschool level and drop outs and then enable them to get into mainstream schools. At present we have enabled many slum children to get into 14 different mainstream schools which include both Government-run and private schools and even into English Medium. Many children also have learnt Spoken English and got jobs in various places as salesman or peons and even in companies in Call Centres. Dance and drama are also taught but the best part is the children mostly invent their own dances and have performed on several stages in the city of Kolkata and won awards and certificates for themselves.

Through the program we help to re-establish self-image, self-reliance and self-confidence.

• We have awareness programs for women and mothers
•  free medicine and vitamins
• Awareness programs for women and mothers. Also celebrate Mothers Day with special sessions for them
• Teach various skills
• Help change attitudes from pessimism to optimism by having awareness classes and motivation
• Help the helpless
• Hygiene classes
• Spread literacy
• Health Care – Various Medical camps
• Vocational training like:
  • Sewing & Stitching
  • Hygiene
  • Cooking
  • Candle Making
  • Chocolate Making
  • Gardening
  • Paper bags and cards

From the above trainings they have been able to do their own small businesses or get jobs. Dear Friends, Stars Welfare Society is now funded by self, individuals and time to time from some good samaritans. Donations are given and we are running on that on a borderline basis. Many more committed helping hands are needed to help run the organization more efficiently. We require funding for midday meal (120 children), textbooks (once a year), exercise books, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, crayons, uniforms, staff, fuel for transport, maintenance. Sponsors to help study in mainstream English Medium Schools and Vocational Training.

Over the years Stars Welfare Society has been getting recognition in the city. Our children are invited out for various large events in which they participate in dance, drama and awareness programs.

We thank all those who support this vision of “TURNING SCARS INTO STARS”. God bless.