Rani loves to paint. Her day starts at school and continues at the Beacon Centre, a place of safety for girls growing up in Mumbai’s red-light district. Run by Cornerstone, with support from Blythswood Care, one of its main objectives is to protect young teens like Rani from the exploitation which has led to their mothers being trapped in the sex trade in India’s biggest city.

At the Beacon Centre, the 15-year-old can paint to her heart’s content, as well as receiving a cooked meal and help with her school lessons. And there she is encouraged to pursue her dream of one day having a job in an office.

“Rani’s mother is worried for the safety of her daughter, and so are we,” admits Asmita Vadavana who runs Cornerstone. “As girls reach that stage, they are in more danger of being exploited. When she was still a child, her mother saved her from abuse by a neighbour and so doesn’t want to send her to a hostel or boarding house.

“When Rani’s mother is free of her debt, we plan to move them both to a safe place and find her alternative work, while continuing our support for Rani’s education and social well-being.”