KOLKATA, INDIA (ANS) -- All over the world, there are millions of children living in the streets, in a daily struggle to survive, little chance for schooling and almost no possibilities for a better future.

'One of many Indian children who find themselves at risk.

Over the years YWAM has pioneered various welfare and empowerment programs. We seek to bring dignity, self worth and purpose to their lives. This is our way of giving back to society - by being the ones who hear the silent cry of the helpless.

YWAM Kolkata was the very first YWAM base to be established in India in 1982.

"Would you like to be one of those used by God to rescue children at risk and help in restoring their dignity and transforming their families and their communities? " ask Dener and Gal from the Children at Risk (CAR) school.

They write that YWAM Kolkata will be offering the Children at Risk School combined with the HIV/AIDS School in order to train workers to start and maintain projects of working with Children at Risk, their families and communities, transforming the reality of the problems in the big Urban centers around the sub-continent.

CAR, Children at Risk School, in combination with the HIV/AIDS School, have been pioneered by various leaders of the YWAM base in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and others.

The base in Belo Horizonte (www.bhcentro.jocum.org.br) has since 1987 acquired a broad experience in ministering to children at risk. The leaders of both schools will be co-leading this upcoming school in Kolkata.

This school is for Christians who are passionate about reaching out children at risk, like street children, kids from

'An Indian child stares wistfully at the sky in the hopes of a better life.

The information and methods are developed in such a way that students can put them into practice straight away during the lecture phase of 3 months. This is then followed by a mandatory one year internship.

Where? In the city of Kolkata in English and Bengali.

When? From February 2nd through April 24 2008.

Students will need to commit to do a practical year after the lecture phase. This can be done at any YWAM location where there is a ministry with Children at Risk. Or for none-YWAM students at the organizations where they have a commitment

Classes include topics on: Biblical understanding of the value of children and teenagers - Categories of Children at Risk - Sexual Abuse - HIV/AIDS - Bereavement - Counseling and inner healing - Creative evangelism - Loving discipline - Transformation of a community - Ministry models - Project planning - Communication - Working with well balanced teams - Psychology and studies of personalities - Urban Missions.

Who can participate?

YWAM Staff that have already done a DTS (Discipleship Training School) as well as staff of Churches and/or Organizations that have a commitment to continue with their own organization after the three months of class.

YWAM says: "You can help to transform the current situation of crime, abuse, poverty and injustice in our big cities. Come and do the Children at Risk (CAR) school!!"

Please contact them at: CAR school Kolkata, (Dener and Gal), e-mail: projwb@gmail.com

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: Michael's Wor(l)d BLOG