New Delhi: Wiley India, a global education, learning and research giant has begun its humble contribution towards the welfare and development of ‘Little Stars’ by making a positive difference to the lives of girls belonging to ‘Little Star Home’, an all-girls orphanage. Based in a small district of Katni, Madhya Pradesh, ‘Little Star Home’ is a safe haven for girls rescued from flesh trade, trafficking, and many other forms of social injustices. Under the initiative ‘Mitra’, Wiley India’s employees will act as ‘Mitras’ (friends and family) and will play a vital role in social integration and inclusion of the young girls. 

The Project ‘Mitra’ is an extension of Wiley India’s long-term association and collaboration with ‘Little Star Home’.  Wiley India has been aiding and empowering the ‘Little Stars’ (girls of the orphanage) by providing skill-based training. This includes training in basic computer course, cooking, beautician, fashion designing, arts and crafts, martial arts, swimming, wrestling and horse riding. The Company also supports its partner in building and developing infrastructure required for facilitating a holistic environment. Till date, the initiative has transformed over 400+ precious lives. With adequate support, some of these girls from the orphanage have also made it to the national and district levels for skills such as horse riding and shooting. 

According to a report shared by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, children cover almost 20% of the trafficking victims worldwide. Innocent children who unfortunately become the victims of such unpleasant events should be given an opportunity to step into the better world outside and live a healthy, happy and normal life as well as create an identity for themselves.

The initiative ‘Mitra’ is aimed at a similar objective of instilling confidence and a sense of security amongst the children so that they do not feel isolated or alienated and are able to live a life full of dignity, honor and peace. As ‘Mitras’, Wiley India’s employees (individually or along with their respective families) will interact and engage with the little stars (kids at the orphanage) as their friends, family, and mentors to help and support them. In view of the Covid-19 situation, the program has commenced with virtual mode of engagement. This will further transmute into physical mode of engagement as per the evolving situation. 

Commenting on this initiative, Vikas Gupta, Managing Director, Wiley India said, “Every individual has an in-built talent, and a good support system can help in nurturing this under-utilized potential. The victims of social injustice too deserve an honorable position in the society. This could be made possible only by empowering them with equal opportunities for skilling, growth and development. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to contribute our bit in helping these innocent souls build a future for themselves. Our employee volunteering initiative ‘Mitra’ has two-pronged objectives- to instill a sense of security amongst the children and to allow our own people and employees an opportunity to give back to the society in their own little ways and abilities.”