Our new TARA Outreach Centre is Open!

After months of passionate and collective work, we are proud to announce the official opening of the TARA Outreach Centre (TOC) in Sanjay Colony , a new day care centre designed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families.

The inauguration took place on January 25th, in the presence of families from the neighborhood, part of the TARA team, many mothers and children who already attend the center. Even before its formal launch, activities had already begun, and we are excited to see the space come to life as a vibrant hub of learning, support, and transformation.

Building on Proven Success

The launch of the Sanjay Colony centre marks a significant milestone in our journey of community empowerment. Following the success of the first TARA Outreach Centre in Saidulajab, opened in 2019, we saw the tangible impact of a model that enables children to grow up within their families while receiving the educational and emotional support they need.

With five years of successful outreach in Saidulajab, the next step was clear: replicate our best practices in other communities. In 2024, after careful evaluation, Sanjay Colony was identified as the ideal location for our second outreach centre.

Why Sanjay Colony?

Located in Okhla Phase-II, South Delhi, Sanjay Colony is a notified slum established as a resettlement colony in 1969. The population is largely non-migrant and primarily employed in the garment industry, earning an average daily wage of Rs. 250.

While some public services such as Anganwadi Centres, ASHA workers, primary schools, and health facilities are present, they fall far short of meeting the community's needs. Recognising these gaps, TARA conducted a comprehensive baseline study in May–June 2024 to better understand the community and identify programme beneficiaries. This study involved: Interviews with 332 adults on household resources, income, education, and security.

Making an Immediate Impact

• The centre already serves 80 registered children, including:
• 37 children who are currently out of school
• 43 children who are enrolled in school
• Of these, 55 children attend the centre regularly in two sessions—morning and afternoon—while the remaining are on the waiting list.
• By the end of 2025, we aim to reach over 100 children.
• In addition, TARA is directly working with 44 families, building trusting relationships and creating a meaningful impact in their lives.

Meet the Dedicated Team

• Ms. Komuha Jajuo : Head of Family-Based Programmes
• Ms. Celesty : Senior Outreach Social Worker
• Ms. Sunita : Full-time Intern and Community Mobiliser
• Ms. Bati : Nanny and Teaching Assistant
• Ms. Preeti : Tutor

Key Milestones Achieved So Far

• 5th December 2024: Our first Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) brought together 40 adults (38 mothers and 2 fathers) and 14 children, setting the tone for ongoing parental involvement.
• 11th December 2024: We launched our first educational sessions, welcoming 25 children in the morning group and 24 in the afternoon group.
• 18th January 2025:As a token of appreciation, children who regularly attended classes were taken on an outing to the National Bal Bhavan. They explored various exhibits, including the Aquarium, Museum, Astronomy Section, Cultural and Wood Parks—an enriching experience they won’t forget.

A Safe Haven for Children

The TARA Outreach Centre in Sanjay Colony aspires to be a safe, nurturing environment where children from vulnerable backgrounds can thrive. By focusing on education, family engagement, and community resilience, our goal is to prevent child abuse, neglect, and family separation.

Thank you for your support! This project would not have been possible without you!