CINITIATIVE Cini Best NGO Newsletter Second Quarter 2025

From the Secretary’s Desk  


Dear Friends of CINI,

We are pleased to share some of the highlights from our activities, during the months of April to June this year. Needless to say, other interventions by our colleagues covering the states West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam and Tripura, amongst over 10 million people are no less important, as you will read in this newsletter.

Murshidabad District office of West Bengal located in Berhampur, marked their 25 years of service, with a celebration of song and dance by children, testimonies from senior government officials and family members held at the city centre on 4th April. Many of our colleagues who served in the initial years and have moved on in life, narrated their cherished experience of service to the community. On 11th April all the units observed the National Safe Motherhood Day to remind communities that periodic ante-natal visits should be strictly ensured for the outcome of a healthy mother and child.

On 21st May a few of our Street Champions living on the streets of Kolkata, who have been actively promoting their rights of survival in their respective communities, had a one-to-one dialogue with Mama Fatima, the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse of children sharing their experience of how they survive monsoon flooding, struggle to access education and stay away from addiction. This was very inspiring and exciting for them as they felt that such high officials from UN care to listen to them and promised to bring about policy changes in poor and middle-income countries.

We now invite you to read the other interesting events from our colleagues and children and mothers whom they serve. Thank you for all your good wishes and support.

Dr. Samir Chaudhuri,
Founder & Secretary

Teenline : Queries of this Quarter


To conduct such ‘Stress Management Session’ in your school, college or academic institution, call TEENLINE on 1800-121-5323 (Toll Free)

Special Mention :


Voices from streets to the United Nations: A Dialogue with UN special Rapporteur

Kolkata: Street Champions, i.e. street-connected children and young people trained by CINI as peer leaders, were actively engaged in two significant virtual consultations with Mama Fatima, the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children. These sessions provided a critical platform for the voices of children, especially Street Champions, to be heard at an international level.

In response to Mama Fatima’s Call for Input, (22nd May, 2025) the Street Champions led the second session by presenting solutions they have developed over the years to improve their circumstances. They emphasized the participatory tools they have used—such as the Problem Tree and the Social Resource Map—which have enabled them to accurately capture the perspectives and needs of their peers.

The children underscored the importance of a solution-oriented approach that meaningfully includes children’s voices. They called on Mama Fatima to ensure safer cities by integrating street children’s perspectives into urban planning processes. While acknowledging the vulnerabilities faced by children from diverse backgrounds, they chose to focus not just on the challenges but on their aspiration to be active contributors to change.

They professed their wish to be part of the global solution, working hand in hand with decision-makers to build a safer, more inclusive world for every child. Mama Fatima invited 2 children from the Streets of Kolkata to meet her personally in New York later this year.

Celebrating 25 years of commitment to the people of Murshidabad

Murshidabad:  On 4th April 2024, CINI Murshidabad proudly celebrated its 25-year journey of working with communities, children, adolescents, and women across Murshidabad district. Held at Rabindra Sadan, Berhampore, the event brought together district-level officials, service providers, CSO representatives, adolescents, women, staff, and children from the field — all of whom have played a vital role in this shared journey. The event featured a press meet with Dr Samir Chaudhuri, Founder-Secretary, CINI with a speech highlighting CINI’s transformative work since 1999, and a presentation of the participatory methods anchored in CINI’s core principles. Attendees were moved by a documentary capturing milestones and impact stories from the past 25 years, reflecting resilience and community-driven change. As the field unit mark this silver jubilee, it reaffirms CINI’s commitment to building safer, healthier, and more equitable communities. CINI Murshidabad thanks its partners, supporters, and community members for walking alongside CINI on this remarkable journey — and for inspiring the organisation to continue creating change together.

Towards Safe and Child Friendly ‘Cheches’: Rural creche initiatives at Jharkhand

Simdega, Jharkhand: The Rural Crèche Initiative, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation, is opening doors for more families in Simdega with safe, caring spaces for their children between 7 months to 3 years.

Between April and June 2025, the initiative’s reach grew steadily — starting with 100 new enrolments in April and rising to 112 new enrolments in June, spread across 41 operational centres. Eight more crèches were added this quarter, creating daily access for 723 children to early learning, nutrition, and secure supervision.

These centres give working parents from the tribal and marginalised communities a peace of mind, knowing their children are in good hands close to home. To keep children safe and comfortable during the peak summer heat, 30 crèches adjusted their hours to mornings — showing how community suggestions directly shape operations. Parents see their feedback valued, which builds ownership and trust. Each new centre means more children get balanced meals, play with friends, and grow up in safe, child-friendly settings. This steady expansion shows families see real value in these local crèches. By expanding thoughtfully, the Rural Crèche Initiative makes sure no child is left behind when it comes to care, safety, and early childhood development. Every new smile in these villages is proof that when communities and committed teams work together, children can thrive in secure, nurturing spaces.

Learning Centres at the Tea Gardens of Assam: Generating new hope 

Assam: Building on the success of CINI’s ongoing intervention in the tea gardens of Assam, six new Learning Centres were developed, bringing the total number of centres under the Creating Child Friendly Communities in Tea Gardens of Assam initiative to sixteen. These centres are designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for children from tea garden communities, who often face educational challenges due to systemic barriers and limited access to remedial support.

To prepare tutors for their role, a three-day introductory training was held from 23rd to 25th June 2025. The training focused on foundational pedagogy in Mathematics and English, equipping the newly recruited tutors with essential teaching strategies and child-friendly approaches. The sessions aimed to build their confidence and competence in delivering joyful, activity-based learning tailored to multi-level classrooms.

Community Driven Change: Awareness drive on Child Marriage & Teen-Pregnancy on Eid-Ul-Azha prayer ground

Murshidabad: In Murshidabad district, where the child marriage rate remains alarmingly high at around 56% and teenage pregnancy ranges between 28% and 30%, the district administration, in partnership with non-governmental organizations, continues its efforts to address these pressing issues. As part of this ongoing campaign, a major awareness drive was conducted during Eid-ul-Azha, leveraging the large gatherings at several Eidgahs across the district to reach wider audiences. CINI strategically utilized the occasion to highlight the importance of preventing child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

Starting early in the morning, the campaign covered areas stretching from Jalangi to Suti and from Baharampur to Bhagabangola, Nowda, and Raninagar. Through posters, banners, and microphone announcements, clear and culturally sensitive messages were shared to raise community awareness. A notable feature of the drive was the active participation of religious leaders, including Maulanas, who addressed congregants after prayers. They spoke about the harmful impact of child marriage on children’s health and future and explained the legal consequences and penalties outlined in the law.

Indian Initiative of Child Centred HIV/AIDS Approach (IICCHAA): Life skill training of HIV infected and affected adolescents

 

South 24 Parganas: As part of CINI’s IICCHAA program, a three-day residential training on life skills was conducted from May 26th to 28th, 2025. The training aimed to empower marginalized (HIV infected and affected) adolescent boys and girls by deepening their understanding of the importance of life skills and strengthening their ability to apply these skills effectively in various real-life situations. During this training program, participants were introduced to a range of essential life skills, including developing self-awareness and self-worth, understanding diverse perspectives and values, setting life goals and planning related activities, problem-solving strategies, and making responsible decisions. They also learned about effective communication, teamwork and leadership skills, cyber safety, and self-protection during childhood and adolescence. Most of the participants were newly exposed to these important public health topics and came from various blocks of the South 24 Parganas district. For many, it was their first time staying away from home, which gave them a unique opportunity to interact with peers and express themselves in a supportive group setting.

Nota Bene : Regular Column


Strengthening Grassroots Governance for a Healthy, Safe, and Child-Friendly Community
Chitra Chandra

CINI works closely with Gram Panchayats to ensure inclusive and sustainable rural development by enhancing their role in public health, nutrition, education, child protection, social welfare and climate action. By building capacities, facilitating data-based planning, and supporting community engagement, CINI enables Panchayats to integrate social development priorities into their annual planning and budgeting processes called the Gram Panchayat Development Plan or GPDP. Regular support in organizing statutory and community meetings ensures voices from the grassroots—especially women and children—are heard and acted upon. Encouraging the use of local resources and available funds, CINI fosters innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to community needs. These efforts not only institutionalize human development at the grassroots but also contribute to key Sustainable Development goals: Zero Hunger, Good Health, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action—laying the foundation for healthier, safer, and more child-friendly rural communities.

Facilitating ‘Para Baithak’ at Hatinagar Gram Panchayat, Murshidabad

Special Days Celebrations


Earth Day and World Environment Day Celebration

International Mother Earth Day, 22 April, 2025: The theme of this year’s Earth Day was “Our Power, Our Planet”.

South 24 Parganas: CINI in collaboration with the Block Administration and Health Department, organised a tree plantation ceremony in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Block Development Officer (BDO), Joint BDO of Kulpi Development Block, MLA, Sabhapati, Saha Sabhapati, and the Sub-Inspector of Kulpi Police Station. ASHA workers, parents, and more than 150 adolescents actively participated in the program.

Murshidabad: Earth Day was celebrated across Murshidabad district with a series of vibrant and meaningful activities held at both school and community levels. In schools, students enthusiastically participated in quiz competitions, sit-and-draw sessions, and poster-making activities, using creativity to highlight pressing environmental issues. Awareness rallies were organized, where children and adolescents marched with banners and chanted slogans promoting eco-friendly habits and responsible living.

Celebration of World Environment Day, 05th June, 2025: The theme of this year’s World Environment Day was “Ending Plastic Pollution”.

Kolkata: World Environment Day, 2025 was observed at different intervention areas of CINI focusing on this year’s theme – ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’. On this occasion, Child in Need Institute (CINI) organised a theatre festival at Dr. Triguna Sen Auditorium of Jadavpur University campus. Ms. Tulika Das, Director, West Bengal SCPCR, Dr Nilanjana Dasgupta Retd IAS, Member CINI Governing Body, Dr Priyanka Das, Entomologist, State Urban Development Agency, representative from TDH, Mr Amit Kr Dasgupta, Treasurer, CINI Governing Body and Mr Meghendra Banerjee, Chief of Programme, CINI and renowned theatre personalities graced the occasion. Various child-groups from different part of West Bengal performed five short theatres to promote issues related to climate change that affects children. A painting exhibition showcasing children’s expression on environmental hazards and silver-lines enriched the occasion.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : World Environment Day was observed in three Inclusive Learning Centres at Somnath Basti, Kargil Basti, and Jalimunda Sahi (urban slums of Bhubaneswar) in collaboration with Sattvic Soul Foundation, Bhubaneswar, engaging 159 participants. The activities were raising awareness about deforestation, climate change, and plastic waste, learning eco-friendly plantation methods through seed ball making, promote cleanliness in community spaces through clean up drive, plantation and drawing by the children.

Assam: World Environment Day was celebrated across the unit in Tamulpur district and the tea gardens of Sonitpur, Golaghat and Udalguri districts, Assam.  Following this year’s Environmental theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ through the project, Creating Child Friendly Communities in Tea Gardens of Assam, a total of eight capacity-building sessions and community action focused on environmental conservation and hygiene was conducted. Over 200 adolescents and mother’s groups, participated in the events, discussing on the impact of plastic waste, waste segregation, hygiene practices, and sustainable alternatives.

Uttar Dinajpur World Environment Day was observed across all nine blocks in Uttar Dinajpur where CINI is implementing programmes, aiming to educate the public about environmental concerns, inspire individuals and organizations to take action, and advocate for environment-friendly practices and technologies. Near about 670 participants, including adolescents, different service providers, and stakeholders, take part in this event. Maraikura Gram Panchayat of Raiganj Block distributed 50 fruit plants among adolescents.

North 24 Parganas : A Plastic Donation Camp was jointly organized by Majhipara Gram Panchayat, CINI, and Palasi ADP High School at Barrackpore-I, North 24 Parganas. The initiative aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management among students. School students actively participated by collecting, cleaning, and restoring plastic waste, demonstrating their commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

Murshidabad : World Environment Day was celebrated across all 22 blocks of Murshidabad district, aligning with this year’s global theme — “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The celebrations engaged over 3,500 participants, including adolescents, youth, school students, and community members, highlighting the urgent need to protect the environment through collective action.

Cyril Academy : World Environment Day was celebrated at Cyril Academy, within its green campus aiming to educate students about the significance of protecting our planet and inspiring them to plant trees promoting greenery in their surroundings.

Birbhum :Rural Health and Nutrition Project team in Birbhum & Murshidabad organized plantation and awareness activities in collaboration with Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), local panchayats, schools and other stakeholders. Community members, especially children and students, actively participated in tree plantation drives. Enthusiastic children planted saplings and learned about the vital role of trees in our lives.

South 24 Parganas: In collaboration with the Kulpi Block Administration and the Health Department, CINI organized a special event aligned with this year’s theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The program also featured exhibitions showcasing products made from waste materials under the concept of “Waste into Wealth,” as well as models depicting various forms of pollution and drawings on environmental themes.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, World Day against Child Labour,International Day for Street Children, Mother’s Day & Safe Motherhood Day, World No Tobacco Day & Day against Drug Abuse,Blue Umbrella Day, Play Day

World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28th) The theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 was “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”. 

Kolkata:  On the occasion of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, sessions were held with adolescent girls and young women on menstrual hygiene. Safe practices, use of sanitary pads, proper disposal, and breaking myths were discussed. IEC materials were shown for better understanding.

Assam: Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated across the unit in Tamulpur district and the tea gardens of Sonitpur, Golaghat and Udalguri districts, Assam.  Peer leaders led the awareness sessions among women groups across seven tea garden areas. The facilitators used flipcharts to providing visual aid along with participative and engaging discussions on the female reproductive system, menstrual hygiene practices, and the importance of breaking taboos.

Odisha:  Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated across three Inclusive Learning Centres in Somnath Basti, Kargil basti and Jalimunda sahi (Urban slums) in Bhubaneswar engaging 124 participants, including male youth from the community. The event focused on breaking myths and misconceptions around menstruation, encouraging empathy among boys towards girls during their menstrual cycle and promoting awareness on need of menstrual hygiene.

Jharkhand : 13 awareness sessions were held across schools, adolescent groups, and community platforms to raise awareness about safe and hygienic menstrual practices. These sessions involved adolescent girls, teachers, mothers, and ASHAs. Demonstrations on proper sanitary pad usage and disposal, myths and taboos around menstruation, and the importance of maintaining hygiene during periods were discussed.

Medical College, Kolkata : An awareness session on menstrual hygiene was conducted in the month of May with 20 adolescents at medical college and hospital. Myths were addressed, a video and presentation were shown, and sanitary pads and leaflets were distributed. The event ended with a pledge to spread awareness. Moreover, 20 adolescent girls from Rambagan, Kolkata participated in a session to understand menstruation, hygiene practices, and bust common myths.

North Bengal : Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed across all regions of the North Bengal Unit—Siliguri, Jalpaiguri (Banarhat), Darjeeling (Rangli Rangliot), and Kalimpong (Kalimpong I and II)—on 28th May 2025. The event was organized by the CINI in collaboration with Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC), Primary Health Centre (PHC), Gram Panchayats, CHOs, ANMs, ASHAs, and AWWs.

Gosaba :Menstrual hygiene day was celebrated with 22 adolescents group members 13 GPs of Gosaba block. The day was observed through meeting where the adolescent girls are sensitized on maintaining hygiene during menstruation and also the food that they should consume in order to ensure nutrition.  Also, the taboos and local beliefs regarding menstruation were addressed.

Murshidabad: Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated with commitment and collective spirit across all 26 blocks of Murshidabad District under the global theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.” The day aimed to break silence, dispel myths, and promote healthy menstrual practices among adolescents and the wider community. Awareness sessions and rallies engaged peer leaders, peer group members, mothers, and community residents, encouraging open dialogue on menstruation—a subject often shrouded in stigma. Service providers played an active role in sharing accurate information and practical guidance.

North 24 Parganas:  A special event to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day was organized at the Gram Panchayat in North 24 Parganas, involving awareness sessions conducted by Teenlne, sanitary pad distribution, stigma-breaking discussions, and guided relaxation activities.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebration at Ward No 18, 26, 32, 58 of Kolata Municipal Corporation Area:

 National Safe Motherhood Day & Mother’s Day: (11th April & 11th May. This year’s theme was “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind,”)

Uttar Dinajpur: Safe Motherhood Day was observed on 11th April, 2025, at Domohona Gram Panchayat under Karandighi Block in Uttar Dinajpur. The objective of the program was to raise awareness about maternal health and promote safe pregnancy and childbirth practices. This includes ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, regardless of their social or economic background.

Keonjhar, Odisha: CINI Odisha with support of DMF, Keonjhar observed National Safe Motherhood Day in 72 of its Creches in Hatadihi Block of Keonjhar district with great enthusiasm on 11th April 2025 with active support of the community people. The central theme of the celebration was to raise awareness about safe pregnancy, healthy delivery practices and maternal and newborn health within the community. Mother’s Meetings were organized in 58 crèches, involving mothers, caregivers, ASHAs, and Anganwadi Workers from the community.

Kolkata: In the urban slums of Kolkata, a Snake and Ladder Game was organized with pregnant women. The game board depicted pregnancy practices – good habits like early registration, consumption of iron tablets, exclusive breastfeeding helped the player climb ladders, while bad practices like heavy work, and malnutrition during pregnancy brought them down via snakes. It was done as an initiative to reinforce positive behaviours.

Damond Harbour: Safe Motherhood Day was observed with great community participation across 22 locations within the Gosaba Block. The day was dedicated to raising awareness among mothers about the importance of maternal health, antenatal and postnatal care, and safe delivery practices. The events were organized in collaboration with CINI and local health and community workers, including ANMs, AWWs, and ASHAs, who played a vital role in mobilizing participants and facilitating the sessions.

North Bengal: National Safe Motherhood Day was observed across the North Bengal Unit—Siliguri, Jalpaiguri (Banarhat), Darjeeling (Rangli Rangliot), and Kalimpong (Kalimpong I and II)—on 11th April 2025. The event was organized by CINI in collaboration with the Health Department (UPHC/HWC) and the ICDS Department.

Murshidabad: Mother’s Day was commemorated with dedication and community spirit across Murshidabad and Nadia districts. Organized through various project interventions, the events aimed to highlight the importance of maternal health and empower women and adolescent girls with crucial knowledge.

World Day against Child Labour: (12th June, Theme: “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!”) & International Day for Street Children (April 12th, Theme: “Power to Participation”)

Jharkhand: CINI Joins 44-Day Campaign Against Child Labour: As part of the 44-day campaign against child labour, CINI organized awareness activities across Ranchi’s urban wards – Misirgonda (Ward 2), Lem Baragain (Ward 5) and Madhukam (Ward 28). Children and youth came together to express their voices through poster-making, street plays, rallies, and community meetings, echoing the campaign theme “Youth Together Against Child Labour.”

Odisha: Child Labour Day was observed in three Inclusive Learning Centres at Somnath Basti, Kargil Basti, and Jalimunda Sahi (urban slums of Bhubaneswar), engaging 73 participants. The sessions highlighted the importance of education, play, and a safe childhood, while addressing the health risks and long-term impact of child labour. Discussions also focused on children’s right to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Kolkata and Asansol: World Day Against Child Labour was observed at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata. The event brought together key stakeholders from government departments, child rights institutions, and civil society organisations, including Child in Need Institute (CINI), which was invited to participate in the occasion.

CINI also observed World Day Against Child Labour with the children of Sealdah School and Activity Centre. The Child Protection Committee (CPC) of Asansol continues to take progressive strides in the fight against child labour.

North Bengal: The World Day Against Child Labour was meaningfully observed in two locations under the initiative of the DIC, with active participation from various stakeholders, children, adolescents, and community members. A special awareness session was held in the presence of Sub-Inspector, Assistant Sub-Inspector from Government Railway Police, and the Ward President cum SHG President of Ward No. 1.

Children Lead the Way through Participation: International Day for Street Children (IDSC) 2025

This year, the theme of International Day for Street Children (IDSC) centered around the importance of Participation in the lives of the Street Children.

Participation is an important Principle of CINI’s ideology, which governs most of its initiatives. The IDSC celebrations, this year, were formally launched in the presence of CINI’s senior management. Street Champions over the prior three months, planned and implemented a series of activities targeting specific issues such as- Cyber Safety, Child Labor, Importance of Children’s Group in the community etc. They presented their work to the senior management at CINI’s Strategic Review Meeting showcasing their efforts and impact. In a significant moment of dialogue, the Street Champions directly addressed the senior leadership, stating that they want to be meaningfully involved in budgetary planning and decision-making processes in decisions related to children.

World No Tobacco Day (31st May), Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26th June)

South 24 Parganas: World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31st, is celebrated to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco use on public health and to encourage individuals to quit tobacco or reduce their consumption. The primary goal is to educate the public about the various health risks associated with tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.

On that day the children held a rally with various placards with slogans written on them. The children had made the placards themselves. Teacher explained the importance of this day.

North Bengal: On World Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an event was successfully organized in Ward No. 1 in collaboration with Siliguri Town Government Railway Police Station. The event featured an awareness rally that covered key community areas, including the Siliguri Junction, with the active involvement of children from the Drop-in Centre, adolescent groups, and community members. A special awareness session was conducted by Inspector-in-Charge, Mr. Jayanta Kumar Ray, at Siliguri Junction, where he sensitized the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of staying informed and vigilant.

Kolkata: On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an awareness program was organized at Mallikpur Safe Space on 26th June 2025. The theme for this year was “Break the Cycle – Stop Organized Crime.” The event aimed to raise awareness among children and the community about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the growing threat of organized drug-related crimes. A group of children from the Safe Space actively participated by creating placards with strong messages to discourage drug use. These placards were displayed during a rally to educate the people of the community about the dangers of drug abuse.

‘RESIST’: State level Anti-drug Abuse Campaign: In its commitment to work closely with government, CINI expanded its wing and collaborated with Government of Jharkhand for “Statewide Campaign for Prevention of Misuse of Drugs and Illicit Substances” from June 10, 2025 to June 26, 2025. As a Technical Support Agency, CINI was part of this initiative in planning, development of IEC materials, training of master trainers and execution of activities at field level. The contribution of CINI was well recognized by the government and the organization was felicitated by Ms. Deepika Pandey Singh, Honourable Minister, Department of Rural Development and PRI, Government of Jharkhand.

Blue Umbrella Day (April 26th, Theme: “Together we can Protect Boys, better”) & International Play Day (June 11th, Theme: “Choose Play – Every Day”)

Bhubaneswar: Blue Umbrella Day was celebrated at two Inclusive Learning Centres in Kargil Basti and Jalimunda Sahi, Bhubaneswar, with the participation of 83 children and community members. The event focused on sensitizing participants about child sexual abuse, how to recognize, prevent, and respond to it. Through interactive discussions and activities, the program aimed to empower children and the community with knowledge and tools to ensure safety and protection for all.

Jharkhand: CINI observed Blue Umbrella Day in Ward 2 (Misirgonda) and Ward 28 (Madhukam) with 54 participants, including children, adolescents, youth and women. The session focused on creating safe spaces for all, especially boys, through interactive activities like the Umbrella Zone, film screening, breathing exercises and group discussions.

Kolkata: Blue Umbrella Day was observed at Rabindra Kanan Mukta Mancha, Kolkata focusing on the theme “Boys Need Protection Too.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding boys from sexual abuse and addressing gender stereotypes. The program began with interactive ice-breakers, followed by a symbolic umbrella painting activity where children added blue handprints to a drawn umbrella to reflect their understanding of each session. Participants engaged in a thought-provoking exercise titled “Write Your Stigma,” sharing commonly heard gender-based stereotypes.

Jharkhand: Celebrating World Play Day with an Inclusive Sports League: The G-SAFE+ project marked International Play Day with a vibrant Inclusive Sports League at Lem Basti Centre, Ranchi. The event brought together over 120 participants including children, adolescents, women, men and transgender individuals from all three intervention wards: Lem Basti, Madhukam and Misirgonda. With the local kotwar ceremonially announcing the event to honour community traditions, the day featured spirited football and mixed-gender kabaddi matches.

Kolkata: Across all the locations of programme implementation, children and adolescents came together to participate in a variety of fun and engaging games, with a focus on joy, expression, and healthy competition. The activities provided a vibrant platform for children to not only enjoy themselves but also to express their rights through the universal language of play.

This day serves as a powerful reminder that play is not a luxury—it is a right. Every child deserves time, space, and freedom to play, every single day. The energy and enthusiasm of the children echoed a clear message: our right to play is not just for today, but for every day.

News Positive


News Positive    

Rantika Sarkar: A Young Changemaker Leading the Fight Against ending Child Marriage and school dropout.

Rantika Sarkar’s journey with CINI began when she was in class 7. Since then, she has emerged as an inspiring peer leader in her community, dedicating herself to protecting children’s rights and raising awareness on critical issues like child marriage and school dropout. As a peer leader, Rantika regularly conducted peer group trainings and intervened when friends faced vulnerabilities such as early marriage risk, dropping out of school, or neglecting health measures like IFA tablets. She conducted home visits, organised sessions with the support of Anganwadi Workers and other stakeholders, and tirelessly promoted positive change.

At school, Rantika served as an active Kanyashree Club member and Kanyashree Yodha. Using the Kanyashree kit, she facilitated sessions for fellow students and remained vigilant, informing the school administration and CINI facilitators whenever she identified vulnerable cases of early marriage or other child rights violations. Remarkably, she also played a pivotal role in re-admitting two girls back to school. Recently, during the district’s initiative to make Berhampore block child marriage–free, Rantika shared her experiences at the first awareness session at Sarada Vidyapeeth, eloquently explaining the dangers of child marriage and school dropout. Recognising her dedication, she was selected as Kanyashree Ambassador by the Additional District Magistrate (Development) and later awarded by the District Magistrate of Murshidabad for her exemplary leadership at such a young age.

Rantika’s story stands as a powerful example of how one motivated adolescent can spark change and inspire an entire community.

Active Child Participation: An effective mean to include children’s issues in GPDP in Jharkhand

In 2024–25, CINI took a strategic step in Khunti and Gumla by actively engaging in the Panchayat Development Plan (PDP) process, which is the cornerstone of decentralized planning in rural India. 7 project team members were nominated to the Gram Panchayat Planning and Facilitation Teams (GPPFTs) and received formal training at the block level.

Post-training, the learnings of the training were shared with other project team members and all of them took lead in facilitating Gram Panachayat Development Plan processes in all 33 panchayats in both the districts.  They systematically helped community members to identify and prioritize pressing issues in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and environment.

 

Outcomes and Impact: 29 Panchayats (24 in Khunti and 5 in Gumla) provisioned Rs.1,64,84,257/- (Rs.1,12,05,600/- in Khunti and Rs.52,81,657/- in Gumla) for implementation of different budgeted activities under 4 LSDGs namely Healthy Village, Child Friendly Village, Water Sufficient Village and Clean & Green Village. Some unbudgeted activities were also included in the plan which reflects that the collective and inclusive exercise led by CINI team succeeded in building perspective of community to identify their development needs and setting their priorities not only focused on the current need but on future too.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

This initiative emphasizes the transformative potential of participatory planning when communities are empowered and supported. The Rural Health and Nutrition Project in Khunti and Shiksha se Hi Suraksha project in Gumla successfully demonstrated how the GPDP process can be leveraged to institutionalize community needs, especially around health, nutrition, WASH and environment within formal governance structures.

Other Events of the Quarter


Other Events of the Quarter    

“Pride in Unity: Celebrating with Stakeholders and Communities” was organised by CINI, in collaboration with RINPAS and Utthaan, in Ranchi under the G-SAFE+ project. The event concluded with a vibrant Pride Walk, symbolizing unity and shared commitment to inclusive communities.

Monitoring & Supervision vector control operations: CINI teams conducted 302 field visits across 131 Urban Local Bodies (38 in April, 35 in May, and 58 in June), ensuring hands-on supervision of on-ground vector control operations, cross-checking intensive cleaning drives, and overseeing pulse-mode Solid Waste Management activities. Monitoring also included visits to key government sites (e.g., hospitals, schools, housing colonies, police stations) to enumerate Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) and provide detailed reports to State Urban Development Agency (SUDA).

Plastic Donation Camp Promoting Environmental Cleanliness: On 3rd July 2025, a Plastic Donation Camp was jointly organized by Majhipara Gram Panchayat, CINI, and Palasi ADP High School at Barrackpore-I, North 24 Parganas. The initiative aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management among students. School students actively participated by collecting, cleaning, and restoring plastic waste, demonstrating their commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

Orientation on Gender-Friendly Health Services Conducted for Medical Professionals: In the months of May and June, CINI organized orientation programs on providing Gender-Friendly Health Services for medical staff and hospital professionals at Capital Hospital and UPHC, Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar. A total of 68 participants attended the sessions. The technical discussions focused on Legal Aspects in Reproductive and Gender Health and Gender-Friendly Health Services for All. The sessions witnessed active participation and sensitivity among healthcare providers towards inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery

National Reading Day – Read a book, share stories, create a reading space: To promote the habit of reading and to make people aware about the importance of reading books, National Reading Day is celebrated every year on June 19. India celebrates National Reading Day in honour of P N Panicker, the father of the Library and Literacy movement in Kerala. National Reading Day was established to promote the importance of literacy, particularly in the early stages of a child’s development. This year also CINI celebrated Reading Day at various schools of South 24 Parganas promoting habit of reading books and sharing stories.

Mobile Library in Tea Gardens of North Bengal: Bringing Books to Life: In the field of education, CINI operates 25 Community-Based Learning Centres (CBLCs) across 23 tea gardens and one municipal ward in North Bengal, reaching children aged 6 to 18. To further enrich learning and make it more accessible, CINI has launched the Mobile Library   Programme in Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Alipurduar districts. This innovative initiative currently reaches over 1,060 children, offering age-appropriate books and engaging learning materials.

Picture Speaks


Picture Speaks    

Employees of Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP visited our Boys’ Child Care Institution (CCI) and spent valuable time with the children. They sponsored stationaries and vegetable meal for both of the CCIs and provided stationery items for all the children 21st June 2025.

The Principal of Bishop Westcott School, Namkum, and Ursuline convent school, Ranchi, received a memento from the representative of CINI on 28th April 2025. CINI had organized a Young Ambassadors Program with the students of the school.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Loyalka and his wife visited our Boys’ Child Care Institute (CCI) and interacted with their sponsored child on 4th May 2025.

International Day of Yoga (21st June) was celebrated across all units of CINI: Here are some photographs from Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand & West Bengal

 


Read it & Donate Now.

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In the heart of Kolkata’s slums, where narrow lanes echo with the sounds of daily struggle, a group of 25 children dare to dream – of books instead of burdens, of classrooms instead of child labour, of hope instead of hardship. At the Child in Need Institute (CINI), we believe every child deserves a safe space to learn, laugh, and thrive. That’s why we’re launching “Nayi Disha” – a community-based learning centre for children aged 8 to 16 years.

Even a small amount will make a difference.


Child in Need Institute (CINI)
Daulatpur, P.O. Pailan via Joka,
Dist: 24 Parganas (South),
Kolkata – 700 104, West Bengal, India;
Tel: +91 8420458926
Email: cini@cinindia.org
Website : www.cini-india.org