SKCV is based in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh; around 250 miles north of Chennai (Madras) and 30 from the coast.

The city has around 1.2 million people and an estimated 22,000 street children.

Vijayawada is a major railway junction, and is known as the "Gateway to the South. The line from Mumbai (Bombay) through Hyderabad to the east coast meets the Calcutta-Chennai line here. Why are railways important to street children?

With good road links and a commercial waterway, in addition to the railways, Vijayawada became a major centre for trade and industry in the Nineteenth Century.

The River Krishna is dammed at Vijayawada to form a major reservoir/lake. Water is used for Hydro-electricity, to feed the canal and river system, and to supply the city.

The SKCV boys' village, Prema Vihar, is built on the banks of lake created by the dammed river. The water is clean, as there are no cities up stream, and the children can play and swim in the water safely. Thanks to a generous supporter we have a boat that is used to give trips on the water for the children; picnics on the islands in the lake are a popular treat.

Why are the railways important to street children?

Street children often travel huge distances by train. It is not hard to slip on to a train unnoticed in India; it is an easy way to run away and they will keep travelling until they arrive somewhere that seems to offer a better way of life. Major railway stations are natural places for the children to gather since they are large open buildings that offer a degree of shelter and there is chance of casual work.

SKCV works with the children at the station; with an information booth and staff based there. We also regularly visit the bus stations and other public places where the children gather. The first stage in caring for street children is to meet them where they are and to build up a relationship of trust.