Branch 2

THE DAVID SASSON INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL (ESTD : 1843)

The Children’s Aid Society, Mumbai.

DAVID SASSOON INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, MAHIM, MUMBAI - 400 016.

(Special Home/ Children’s Home for Boys)

(Established:-1843 and under the management of Children’s Aid Society’s since 1939.)

David Sassoon Industrial School Building

Legal Status:

The David Sassoon Industrial School is an institution certified as a Special Children Home under section 9 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.

Origin and History:

In 1843, a philanthropist by name Dr.E.Buist started a nucleus of a Juvenile Reformatory called Ragged School in Sewree.For some time; the doctor managed the school from his personal funds. In the year 1857, when the school faced grave financial constraints, David Sassoon (1792-1864) made a munificent offer of a House in Chunam Kiln Road, of Lamington Road, and rupees thirty thousand in cash. The school not only continued to function but also expanded due to increased number of boys seeking shelter. Therefore, in the year 1911, the school shifted to the present premises in Matunga which is a sprawling, lush green complex with excellent infrastructure and the original ragged school was re-christened as David Sassoon Industrial School in the year 1935. In the year 1939, the management of the school was entrusted to the Children’s Aid Society.

Governing Philosophy and Functions:

The common misconception about the institution is that it is a Juvenile prison meant for detention of hardcore delinquents. Nothing is far from truth. It is, in fact a formal education and vocational training center with emphasis on character building. The issue being a psychological one, the services of paramedical staff is enlisted besides those of teachers and instructors. Reformation of Juvenile delinquents on one hand and total physical, mental and emotional development on the other are the most important functions of the school.

The Child Population:

Intake policy of the David Sassoon Industrial School is in compliance with rules and regulations of Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children) Act 2000. As per the above mentioned rules, the boys who are found guilty of offence under Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children) Act 2000 or those who are uncontrollable by nature needing treatment and training in a closed institution are committed to the institution by competent authorities. The sanctioned vacancy for child population in this institution is 400 boys between age group of 12-18.Among 400, 200 is reserved for ‘juveniles in conflict with law’ and 200 for ‘children in need of care and protection’

The Physical Setting:

The premises are centrally located at Mahim and the office. The total area of the premises of the institution is 32164 sq. Meters (6 Acers). The dormitories of the children, the school building the building of workshop. Kitchen, common hall and dispensary with sick room.

Formal Education:

Keeping in the Line the National Policy on Education, David Sassoon Industrial School runs formal education classes in Marathi medium from 1st std.to 8th std.Those who are good in studies are encouraged to continue their education 10th standard privately. These boys were given special coaching by coordinating with NGO’s. Once boy has cleared the SSC examination and the same boy benefitted by enrolling him ITI College. Basic Computers training is given through NGO’s. Students good in drawing and paintings attends the Drawing class and appear for Maharashtra State Elementary and Intermediate Drawing Grade Examination every year.

Vocational Training:

Every boy that comes to this Home needs to be re-integrated into the Society and this could be done by giving him training in some vocation which has employment potential. Towards this end, the institution offers training in Electrician, Carpentry, Tailoring, Welding, Turner & Fitter and send to Maharashtra Vocational Education and Examination Board exam. Institution also arrange short term courses in vacations like housekeeping, wireman, mobile repairing, air condition & refrigerator repairing, advance course in tailoring and plumbing etc. Whenever funds is available and with co-ordination with non-Government agencies.

The Probation Officers (Liaison) maintain up to date files and monitor the total development of all the boys. They pay visits to Hospitals, the residents of the children and when required maintain liaison between the boy, his family and the community. There are full time Probation Officers to look after the welfare work of the boys. They take interviews of the children, and visit their families as and when required. They evaluate the performance of the children in formal education and vocational training as also strives to maintain the emotional bond between the child and his family. They motivate the children to take part in various inter-institutional competitions in Arts, Sports and Games. They work on individual cases and help in organizing workshops, camps and group work sessions which help integrate the individual to the group and to the community. Case files of the boys are maintained up-to-date and correspondence is made with other agencies and families for ultimate rehabilitation of the children. A regular follow up of the children who are transferred to the Tarun Sadan Hostel and After Care Hostel is done and necessary guidance and help is rendered. The destitute children or children having single parents are rehabilitated in the community by offering them suitable jobs and residence.

Clinical Services:

The major antecedents of juvenile delinquency are found to be economic and psychological. So, in order to correct children, it is essential to first understand them. In certain cases diagnosis and treatment of the case is possible only through psychiatrist appraisals. In this respect, our institution has the privilege of psychiatrist and psychologist at our door step. Psychiatrist visit our institution once a week and psychologist and counselor visit everyday.Both the psychiatrist and psychologist belonging to NGO and are giving honorary services to our children.

Medical Services:

The institution has an indoor dispensary with Hon. Medical Officer and one full time Nurse. Ten beds are available indoors where sick children are looked after by the Nurse for convalescence. For major ailments, the boys were referred to Municipal Hospital. As a result of regular food service followed by periodic medical attention, the general health of all the boys improved during their stay in the institution.

David Sassoon Industrial School: Medical sick room of ten beds is available for inmate students.

David Sassoon Industrial School: 24 hours residential nurse service is available for inmate students.

Recreational Facilities and Other Activities:

More than formal education and vocational training the main emphasis of this institution is to develop appropriate character structure among the children for, it is hoped that once the character is built, the very same character in turn, will take care of the individual, and the larger society too. The institution provides all possible recreational opportunities to its children. The children are very lucky to have such big play ground for play after school hours (4.00 pm to 6.00 pm.) They play all outdoor games. Normally the children like to play outdoor games like Cricket, Volley Ball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho etc.Gym is provide to them for exercise. After 6.00 pm. as they return to their dormitory, they entertain themselves by watching T.V. cable setup box channels is provided by institution, and playing indoor games like Carrom,Chess,Snakes and Ladders etc. Occasionally, they are shown latest movies on vedio.So, games and recreational activities, celebration of birthdays of children, outings like picnic, celebration of festivals, prayer meetings, outing and camping pursuits were so used and interpreted as to bring about desirable changes in the children’s personality. Discipline was also interpreted to mean training for self-control, orderliness and efficiency. Boys were integrated completely into the cultural and social activities of the institution and thus a feeling of belongingness was installed in them. For this purpose, efforts were made to create a pleasant atmosphere and an attitude of confidence with and reciprocity and staff members were oriented to act in accordance with the highest ethical standards from a clinical perspective. Quite a good number of boys who had left the institution in preceding years did come to meet the institutional staff and most of them and a success story to narrate. However, there period is over. The child is engaged immediately in institutional activities such as placement in school and workshop etc. The child who is showing tendency to run away is given special attention and gives counseling against running away from institution. Guards are placed at four spots near the boundary walls of the institution to keep vigil on the children.