Leadership is not simply about leading others—it begins with believing in oneself, finding one’s voice and having the confidence to create positive change. For adolescent girls, these opportunities are often limited by social norms, gender inequality and unequal access to education and leadership platforms. Recognising this, The GOOD Project, implemented by Children of India Foundation...

Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future Every meaningful journey begins with reflection. For organisations working to improve the lives of children and communities, the future cannot be shaped through planning alone—it must emerge from lived experiences, collective wisdom and a shared commitment to creating lasting change. At Children of India Foundation (CIF), strategic planning...

Supporting the mental health of children in India has become one of the most important social and developmental priorities of our time. India has the largest child population in the world, with more than 430 million children below the age of 18. While significant attention is given to physical health, nutrition, and education, emotional and...

The fundamentals of child welfare in India are deeply connected to the country’s constitutional values, social fabric, and long-term development goals. With nearly 40% of India’s population below the age of 18, children form the backbone of the nation’s future. Ensuring their survival, protection, development, and participation is not only a moral obligation but also...

The well-being of children is the foundation of every strong and thriving society. When children are healthy, protected, emotionally secure, and given opportunities to learn and grow, the entire nation moves forward. Yet many communities underestimate just how essential their role is in shaping a child’s environment. While governments create laws and institutions, the real...

Child marriage is one of the oldest and most persistent social practices in India. Despite decades of progress in education, gender equality, and economic growth, this tradition still continues in many parts of the country — often hidden behind cultural acceptance and poverty. What makes it especially concerning is that it directly affects the health,...

In today’s rapidly changing world, the mental health of children has emerged as one of the most critical yet least discussed aspects of overall well-being. While conversations around mental health have increased in the past decade, children’s mental health often remains overshadowed by academic achievements, physical growth, and social pressures. The World Health Organization (WHO)...

In August 2025, the Children of India Foundation (CIF), in collaboration with Pratyek, nominated two young advocates to participate in a two-day Children’s Parliament Training. The program was designed to strengthen leadership skills, build awareness of rights, and inspire children to take an active role in decision-making in their schools and communities. The Participants Alisha,...

Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the professionals who shape young lives,  and to reflect on how partnerships with educators make our work possible. At the Children of India Foundation, we partner with school principals, teachers, and anganwadi workers across several projects to bring children back into learning, support their well-being, and protect them...

Introduction: The Growing Urgency of Addressing OCSEA The digital era has opened unprecedented opportunities for children in India to learn, connect, and explore the world. Smartphones, affordable data, and the expansion of online platforms have created a vibrant digital space where young people can thrive. Yet, this very openness also poses serious risks. Among the...