Boucher visits Salam Baalak Trust

New Delhi, Aug 5 (UNI) US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Richard Boucher today visited the Salaam Baalak Trust's (SBT) outreach center and shelter for boys here.

Mr Boucher observed how USAID, through Family Health International, is supporting a comprehensive HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention project through SBT to meet the special needs of street and vulnerable children.

The project, located near the New Delhi Railway Station, receives assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and was initiated in September 1999.

It provides street children between the ages of 4 and 13 with food, medical aid, education, and essential supplies. It rehabilitates runaway children and, when appropriate, reunites them with their families.

Mr Boucher said, ''We care about you boys, and the other boys who are out in railway stations in other parts of India. You have a lot of people to help you. You have America, you have the Indian government, and you have many Indian citizens who can help you." The Assistant Secretary is on a five-day visit to India from August 4. His visit to India is part of a trip that also includes stops in the United Arab Emirates, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

In each country, Mr Boucher will consult with government officials, political leaders, civil society members and others on a wide range of issues.

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