India: programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in India has positively impacted more than a million children and their families since it began working in the country in 1966.

Working in partnership with over 120 local partners, ChildFund in India currently supports health, education and micro-enterprise projects and helps almost 70,000 children in around 100 projects in urban and rural areas.

ChildFund in India focuses on child health by facilitating vaccinations in a large-scale polio immunisation program. Regular healthcare is provided to children through medical checkups and referral services. Periodic nutritional assessments are made, and for children identified as malnourished, special feedings are provided.

Children with disabilities receive special physical therapy and when equipment is needed to ensure healthy development, ChildFund in India provides equipment such as crutches and hearing aids.

Children in ChildFund assisted areas are encouraged to continue their education, as materials such as uniforms, books and the payment of school fees are provided. Special classes are offered for children who are struggling to learn, and regular follow-up visits are undertaken to improve the quality of education among the children.

Development in progress

In an effort to alleviate the strain of cultural biases, ChildFund in India has implemented self-help groups to target women who have low rates of literacy due to gender discrimination, social taboos or cultural biases. The groups promote literacy as well as leadership, social advocacy and women's rights. They are also taught business skills, record keeping, entrepreneurship and management of thrift and credit activities.