BY Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru: Hundreds of foster children showcased their talents at a Christmas get-together organized here on December 17 by the Dream India Network (DIN).
The children performed dances depicting Christmas themes, and made short speeches.
Most children are picked from streets, broken or economically poor homes, and grow up under the care of nuns at the convents of different religious congregations.
According to Salesians of Mary Immaculate Sister Lissy Rose, director of DIN Foster Homes, Bengaluru currently has 34 foster homes managed by more than 30 religious congregations.
DIN Foster Homes is a flagship program of the organization.
Some 280 children from different religious backgrounds, nuns, students, activists, friends and well wishers of DIN attended the Christmas celebrations held at the Mount Carmel College in the city.
Salesian Father Edward Thomas, founder of DIN, welcomed the gathering.
Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary of Education in Karnataka, was the chief guest. P V Mathew, chief executive officer of DIN, honored other guests, including Sr Arpana, principal of the Mount Carmel College, by presenting mementos to them.
Bengaluru-based DIN was founded in 2012 by a group of professionals under the leadership of Fr Edward Thomas.
DIN works towards creating a better world for every human being.
Every person whether it be a child, youth or elderly deserves the best chance for care, dignity and a future, it says.
Each and every individual and institution that has a dream and vision for quality life for every person particularly those from the marginalized and vulnerable communities can partner with DIN.
It has already made known its strong presence in the care and protection of children by providing quality education and by addressing the growing needs of children, youth, women, and others who continue to remain marginalized in the midst of abundant un-utilized and mismanaged resources.
The organization has already provided training to thousands of individuals, groups and institutions across India.