Street-connected children publish 100th edition of Balaknama Newspaper

New Delhi: On the occasion of the release of the 100th edition of Balaknama, a newspaper for and by street-connected children, at the Press Club of India, 32 children represented the voice of 12000 street-connected children. Vijay, a former street child and former editor of Balaknama shared the journey of Balaknama. The newspaper has covered more than 4000 news stories so far and has been covered by more than 1000 national and international media. More than 400 children have joined it as reporters and editors. More than 15 former members of Balaknama are now well established in their lives.

The current editor of Balaknama, Kishan, who was earlier a gutkha seller, said that "Balaknama is not just a newspaper, it is a journey of empowerment and more than 12000 children have joined Balaknama. Now more than 65 street-connected children are its reporter".

13-year-old Farzana shared that today Mobile education vans called “Nanhe Parindey” are being run by CHETNA NGO with joint collaboration with Gautam Buddh Nagar Police and HCL Foundation with the influence of news of children working at Noida traffic lights.

14-year-old Bittu said, "Before the news is published in Balaknama, it is checked and scrutinized at many levels, all the talkative reporters write the news with the help of senior reporter".

'Balakanama is not just a newspaper but it is a complete package of empowerment that instills leadership, communication skills and motivates children to do well in their lives. In this entire journey of Balaknama, I have seen many children progressing in their lives and this is the main inspiration for us', said Sanjay Gupta, Director Childhood Enhancement through Training and Action.