Marialaya, located in George Town, Chennai, is a non-governmental organization run by the
Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. Since August 1990, Marialaya has been committed to the
rehabilitation and empowerment of street and slum-dwelling girls in the northern parts of
Chennai.
Registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act (No. 147/1990), Marialaya is
dedicated to restoring human dignity by creating a safe and supportive environment, and by
providing essential opportunities and resources for street and destitute girls.
Marialaya run a Child Care Institution for Girls and an Open Shelter for Girls, both
registered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and
supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development through the Integrated Child
Protection Scheme (ICPS).
Marialaya operates in 20 major locations across North Chennai, reaching over 500 street
children through 10 centers. The children, aged between 6 and 18, include rag pickers, petty
hawkers, orphans, runaway youth, and children in difficult circumstances, beggars, and
unwed mothers. Marialaya aims to equip them socially and culturally, enabling their
integration into mainstream society.
Our programs focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and empowerment—especially for young
girls and women. For over three decades, Marialaya has promoted life with dignity through
initiatives such as the Children’s Parliament, skill and vocational training, capacity
building, educational assistance, legal support, shelter homes, and more.
We have also formed over 400 Women’s and Youth Groups across two communities,
empowering individuals through education, support, and life skills.