Transitional Shelters SETU Bandhan (TSSB)

Building a Bridge from the Streets to a Brighter Future

Every day, countless children arrive at Dhaka’s bustling transit points—lost, frightened, and highly vulnerable. For these street-connected children, TSSB (Transitional Shelters SETU Bandhan) serves as the crucial first stepping stone away from danger and toward a life of safety, dignity, and hope.

Operating under LEEDO’s core 4R Framework (Rescue, Refer, Reintegration, Rebuild Lives), TSSB acts as a “bridge” (Setu Bandhan)—offering immediate, short-term stabilization for rescued children while we chart a permanent path for their future.

Our Approach: Immediate, Short-Term Stabilization

The first few weeks after rescuing a child from the streets are critical. TSSB facilities provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for an average of six weeks. During this transitional phase, our dedicated team focuses on immediate trauma recovery, basic education, and intense casework to trace the child’s family.

Strategic Locations

To respond swiftly to children in crisis, LEEDO strategically operates two TSSB facilities near Dhaka’s major high-risk transit hubs:

• Kamalapur Transitional Shelter (Near Dhaka’s central railway station)
• Kadamtali Transitional Shelter

Inside TSSB: Pillars of Holistic Care

We believe that healing begins with dignity. Our transitional shelters are equipped to provide comprehensive, round-the-clock support across four key areas:

1. Safety, Nutrition & WASH

• Secure Environment: 24/7 safe, gender-segregated living spaces managed by trained caretakers.
• Healthy Nutrition: Three balanced, nutritious meals daily to combat malnutrition often suffered on the streets.
• Hygiene & Healthcare: Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, along with immediate primary healthcare and medical check-ups.

2. Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

• Trauma-Informed Counseling: Dedicated psychosocial counselors help children process the trauma, exploitation, and abuse experienced on the streets.
• Healing Through Play: Structured recreational activities, sports, and creative arts to restore a sense of joy, childhood, and trust.

3. Basic Literacy & Life Skills

• Bridge Education: Informal accelerated learning modules covering basic literacy and numeracy to prepare children for mainstream schooling.
• Life Skills & ICT: Interactive sessions on personal hygiene, rights, safety awareness, and early exposure to basic computer and digital skills.

4. Family Tracing & Reintegration

• Active Case Management: Social workers conduct meticulous background research and community outreach to trace biological families.
• Safe Reintegration: Where possible and safe, children are reunited with their families, supported by a formal follow-up mechanism to ensure long-term stability.
• Long-Term Referrals: If family reunification is unsafe or impossible, children are transitionally moved to permanent care, such as the LEEDO Peace Home, or specialized partner facilities.

Changing Lives, One Step at a Time

At TSSB, we don’t just provide shelter; we restore a child’s right to dream. By removing them from the immediate hazards of street life, we give them the breathing room, care, and guidance they need to rebuild their lives.

How You Can Support TSSB

Our transitional shelters run on collective effort, empathy, and community support. You can help us keep the doors open for the next child arriving at the station.

• Sponsor a Child’s Stay: Cover the cost of a child’s six-week nutrition, medical, and counseling care at TSSB.
• Donate Essential Goods: Contribue clothing, educational kits, hygiene supplies, or food staples.
• Partner With Us: Collaborate as an organization, volunteer, or advocate to amplify the voices of street-connected children.