Programs for Girls

Citizen groups trained in child protection policies

As part of our holistic approach to child safety and protection, we have mobilized community members ranging from doctors to rickshaw drivers to be on the lookout for signs of abuse and child rights violations. They raise their concerns to us, and our team then deals with the situation, involving the appropriate authorities. We have also helped establish child protection committees comprised of parents and other community members that know how to provide support when a child in need approaches them.

Programs for Boys

To better serve children who are in need of care and protection, we partner with the Childline India Foundation. Shaishav counselors and social workers provide a 24/7 helpline, counseling and information services to children, parents or others interested in children’s rights or reporting abuse. When children are lost, abused, need medical attention, or just need someone to talk to about their stress of upcoming exams, we are here to help.

The impact

We see with our own eyes boys and girls playing and working together as equals. We see boys encouraging girls participate and take the lead. Our Wenlido personal safety trainings have increased the confidence of adolescent girls, which helps them feel safer when being out in the community, because they know they have the power to defend themselves. For girls who were previously not allowed to continue on to secondary school for fear of what would happen to them during the long commute outside their communities, they reported being able to convince their families that they could take care of themselves and continue their education. Several alumni have said our programs helped them resist premature marriage for themselves or their siblings, opting for higher education before marriage.