Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC) has been one of our NGO partners since June 2015. This wonderful organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of women trafficked into brothel-based prostitution and the lives of their families. The sheer passion and commitment of the Apne Aap Women’s Collective team make us proud to call them our partners, and we try to do what we can to make their lives just a little bit easier. Earlier this year — thanks to you, our generous readers — we raised six months’ worth of groceries for AAWC’s Umang programme in record time. This time around, we want to get the kids everything they need to get back to school after the holidays.

OUR CAMPAIGN

We’re aiming to raise school supplies and toys for the Umang kids’ next school term, and we’re counting on you to make it happen.

The AAWC’s Umang program benefits the children (aged 2 to 5) of sex workers. The objective of Umang is to help the toddlers develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially in preparation for formal schooling. Umang provides a safe space for toddlers to unlearn harmful behaviors and form healthy habits.

An important part of the programme is getting the toddlers excited for school by ensuring they have all the essential school supplies at the beginning of the year. And the Apne Aap Women’s Collective team is well aware that learning isn’t complete without play, so the centre needs to be well-stocked with toys for the children when they come back to school.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you would like to contribute to our campaign, please get in touch with us at contact@theswaddle.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter to arrange the collection of your donation. We accept new or slightly used items, and we will arrange to have the supplies picked up from anywhere in Mumbai. Even if you have something other than the items on the list, but think it still might be useful for the Umang programme, feel free to write in; we’ll work something out.

School supplies needed:

• School bags (big) – 60
• School bags (small) – 30
• Water bottles (big) (no sports bottles) – 30
• Water bottles (small) – 50
• Tiffin box – 50
• Pencil box – 110
• Gel pens (black/blue) – 100 packets
• Pencils – 50 packets
• Erasers – 20 packets
• Sharpener – 25 packet
• Scales small – 60

Toys needed (new or gently used):

• Lego
• Drums
• Wooden puzzles
• Walk through tunnels
• Big balls (football size)
• Soft toys

No musical or battery-operated toys, please