New Life through its ‘Child Laborers’ Schools’ project operates special schools for children engaged as laborers in agriculture, mat weaving, waste paper collection, food processing, and other industrial activities. Children enrolled in these schools are motivated to learn, and, after a year or two, based on their capabilities to interact with other children, they are admitted into regular schools.

The first special school under this project was started in 1999 in the Manamedu village of Musiri Taluk. Its students comprised mainly of child laborers engaged in the weaving, gem cutting and match industries. By September 2008 the project had benefitted a total of 1366 children, out of which 730 children had been mainstreamed and admitted to regular schools.

At present, the program is benefitting 174 children through six special schools situated in Arangoor, Musiri, Kamatachipatti, Amoor, Kodiampalapalayam and Ariyamangalam. 102 children have been admitted to regular schools in the current year. 

Besides formal education, students are also given vocational training in tailoring, crafts, etc. They are also given opportunities to engage in activities such as yoga, music and dance. Nutritious meals are also provided to these children daily and every month, Rs.100/child is deposited in each child’s account to increase his/her family’s total earnings.   

"Nila Palli" is an awareness cum motivational program, conducted under the project, for the child laborers and their parents. Under this program, an entire full moon day is set aside for games, cultural programs, and a public meeting. The day ends with a delicious dinner served to all participants. During the current year, Nila Palli has been conducted in the Arangoor, Amoor and Alamarathupatty child labor schools.