© Fondation Air France et TARA
While Air France’s aircraft are typically seen flying across the sky, an Air France delegation’s feet were planted firmly on the ground last Friday, September 22nd in New Delhi.
Company representatives paid a visit to TARA, which implements a project supported by CHAYA France, an Air France Foundation partner association for several years. Their mission is to protect, educate, empower, and sustainably change the lives of children in danger in India.
© Fondation Air France et TARA
In attendance were Anne-Marie Couderc, Chair of the Air France-KLM Board of Directors; Zoran Jelkic, Senior Vice President of Long-Haul at Air France-KLM and administrator of the Air France Foundation; and Claude Sarre, General Manager Indian Sub-Continent at Air France-KLM.
For more than 15 years, TARA has created safe homes for vulnerable minors facing physical and psychological abuse and violence in the Indian capital. In New Delhi, it is estimated that more than 60,000 children live on the street. Currently, 160 children, 6 young adults and 50 families are receiving care and support through TARA’s various programs. Children who grow up in TARA Homes can go on to attend university or vocational training, and gradually acquire their independence as adults.
In particular, the Air France delegation visited “TARA Girls” home, which specializes in rescuing young girls ages 6 to 18 by providing them with psychological guidance, medical follow-up, quality schooling and extracurricular activities. During their visit, Air France representatives had the opportunity to exchange with the young boarders. They were able to share their dreams and plans for the future.
TARA’s programs fall firmly within the scope of the Air France Foundation’s missions. For more than 30 years, the Foundation has been committed to improving the lives of children and young people in countries served by the airline. With its international expertise, the foundation’s work centers around education, inclusion, social and professional integration, environmental awareness, and humanitarian sponsorship. Since 1992, the Air France Foundation has financed over 1,600 projects in 80 countries and supported 900 associations by regularly relying on a network of 5,000 company employees to carry out its projects and actions.