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
Related Stories
A Light of Hope
Content Warning: The story in this letter refers to suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please...
Small Business, Big Impact: supporting mental health in Indonesia
Work is a big part of our lives. Not...
A Resilient Woman
Margie, a mother of seven, is a daycare worker in a small coastal village in the Philippines. A few years ago, Margie was diagnosed with a mental health condition after...