U.S. Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher Visits Salaam Baalak's Shelter for Children

August 05, 2006

Photo Credit: Vikas Narula

NEW DELHI – United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Richard Boucher today visited the non-governmental organization Salaam Baalak Trust’s (SBT) outreach center and shelter for boys located near the New Delhi Railway Station. This project receives assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

During the visit, Ambassador Boucher observed how USAID, through Family Health International, is supporting a comprehensive HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention project through SBT to meet the special needs of street and vulnerable children. The project was initiated in September 1999 and provides street children between the ages of 4 and 13 with food, medical aid, education, and essential supplies. It rehabilitates runaway children and, when appropriate, reunites them with their families.

Ms Heenu Singh, Salaam Baalak’s Executive Director received Ambassador Boucher and accompanied him to the New Delhi Railway Station’s platform No.1 to show the life of street children living on the platforms. Later, Ambassador Boucher walked through the lanes of Paharganj to Aasra, the shelter home for boys. At Aasra, Ambassador Boucher received an orientation about the organization.

Addressing the children, the Ambassador Boucher said: “We care about you boys, and the other boys who are out in railway stations in other parts of India. You have a lot of people to help you. You have America, you have the Indian government, and you have many Indian citizens who can help you.”

Assistant Secretary Boucher is in New Delhi August 4-8. His visit to India is part of a trip that also includes stops in the United Arab Emirates, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from July 27 through August 12, 2006. In each country, Ambassador Boucher will consult with government officials, political leaders, civil society members and others on a wide range of issues. He was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on February 21, 2006.