Dipesh Thakker

We started in 2002 to work with children in Mumbai’s slums. These children live in extreme poverty & in “at risk” environments. They drop out of school, face the risk of child labour & substance abuse, tobacco in particular. We work with these 'at risk'​ children in programmes that engage them through in-school programmes (leadership & advocacy) & after school academies (arts & sports). The programmes help build their confidence & self-esteem & recommit them to staying in school. We are currently in over 200 schools in Mumbai. The Harvard School of Public Health has studied our model & found that children in Salaam Bombay's programmes have greater ambition & over 90% commit to finishing school. They have higher self-esteem & confidence than their peers & have lower tobacco use rates not only compared to other children but also less than one-third of the national average. Now that they are staying in school, we are confident that there is hope for their future. Objectives 1. To build life skills in children in order that they may make better decisions for their health, education and livelihood 2. To encourage them to stay in school thereby reducing their exposure to child labour and substance abuse, tobacco in particular 3. To provide 21st century relevant employability skills that enhance their economic prospects 4. To increase public awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco usage and to engage stakeholders through advocacy efforts for better policy & implementation of the Tobacco Control law Highlights Salaam Bombay module recognised by the Harvard School of Public Health as effective & replicable across all developing nations Awards Qimpro Gold Standard for Quality in Healthcare Americares Spirit of Humanity, Best NGO of the year Citation from the office of the Mayor, New York City FICCI Sports Award IDA for outstanding contribution in Oral Health Care for children