Residential Facilities

Ashalayam is a non-profit organization that operates a residential care center for children in need. The organization's mission is to provide a safe and supportive living environment where children can grow and thrive. Ashalayam currently serves 350 children who reside in 12 hostels and an additional 1200 children who attend street and slum schools. The organization's motto, "Home of Hope" reflects its commitment to creating a stable and loving home for children who may not have one otherwise.

A Home of Hope

A nurturing environment is essential for a child's healthy development. With trained staff, all the amenities, and services required for a child's healthy all-around development, our hostels are child-friendly. The residential care programme at Ashalayam prioritizes the satisfaction of the child's emotional and psychological needs. Don Bosco's philosophy includes love and care for children, and it is reflected in all of the work we do for and with our children.

Ashalayam currently has residential facilities in 4 units in Howrah, Liluah, Kolkata, and Kalyani. The homes have bedrooms, study areas, living areas, kitchens, a suitable number of bathrooms, and a play space. On campus, there are large parks and playgrounds for the Liluah and Kalyani units. To provide the children's minds a feeling of direction, the daily activity schedule is developed with their active and lively involvement.

The children go to regular schools, and the senior boys and girls also learn skills in vocational training centers. Children receive tuition assistance to help them in their academic endeavors. Their hostel schedule includes computer classes, sports, karate, music, and photography, among other activities.

Ashalayam Hostels

350 children reside in 12 hostels, and an additional 1200 children attend street and slum schools

Regular Activities in Hostels

After Care Support

Generally, children remain in a privileged position until they are 18 years of age. Once they are 18 years old, they manage their own lives or live with their families. Some of them require after-care support, and Ashalayam has provisions for after-care, as many of them need a longer time to be self-reliant. After care is always with an adult contract signed with well-laid-down stipulations. They continue their studies, training or internship. If they are in an earning stage, they also contribute their share to common expenses. Such hostels are in Bakrahat, Deulti, Kalyani, Pilkhana, Howrah and Bhattanagar.

Education

Our residential children attend local government schools for mainstream academic education, integrating with peers to build social skills, earn recognised qualifications, and prepare for a brighter future. Alongside this, we provide life skills training covering hygiene, health, confidence, communication, emotional resilience, and daily responsibilities—empowering them to live independently and responsibly.

Bridge School

Bridge course to help children get admitted into age-appropriate classes. Most children coming in have crossed the age for primary education. Hence, they are prepared for age appropriate classes wth the Bridge Education Centres located in Bhattanagar and Kalyani campuses. 50 plus residential children benefit from the two Bridge Course Educatuion Centres.

High School Study

DBA is providing educational support to 220 residential children in Howrah, Kolkata, and Kalyani. The children attend the nearest schools to their hostels and are studying in Bengali and Hindi medium schools from class V to X. Additionally, they are receiving tuitions to help them cope with the academic curriculum.

Higher Education

After completing their secondary education, 65 and girls are pursuing higher education in various fields such as Nursing, ITI in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Electronics, Business Management & Hospitality Management, Computer Applications, and more. It's inspiring to witness young minds continuing their education and training to achieve their aspirations.