Making a difference for children in India
Stories | April 15, 2021
We’ve recently been looking at the impact of our programs in India and how it has impacted different groups. We know that children living with a disability are often lonely and highly protected by their families, but often victims of discrimination and teasing. However, involvement in our community program changed that. 78 per cent of parents told us that as a result of CBM’s program there was much improvement in opportunities for their child to interact with other children. Making friends is a first step for many children living with a disability to build confidence and make their way in life.
But for 17 per cent of families, there was no change. And for four per cent the situation was worse. This shows the value of doing regular check-ins with families.
One child who saw positive changes was 17-year-old Priti. She lived in a village in northern India and had an intellectual impairment. The CBM program connected her with other young people, and also helped her family access learning materials that were pitched at her level. In this poor rural area, there wasn’t a local school that could meet Priti’s needs. Community volunteers worked with her at home, building her confidence and curiosity.
CBM acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/making-a-difference-for-children-in-india
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