Role of NGOs in early childhood care and education

In India, the scope of development programs for children's ideal care and upbringing, especially for the vulnerable and underprivileged section is very broad and a lot needs to be done to bring a conducive ecosystem for implementing progressive initiatives at multiple levels. A collaborative approach is key, involving the Government programs, Corporates' CSR initiatives and Social / NGOs for ensuring

comprehensive life-changing care for children, including, nutrition, health, education and basic rights. There are thousands of orphans and poor children in the country who don’t have any facilities or basic amenities for sustenance and are deprived of the rights. There are many such NGOs in the country which are not only giving children a roof to live in but also making them self-reliant for the future through education, nutrition and overall development initiatives.  

Here are few of the NGOs, who are working towards child care development:
Miracle Foundation India: Miracle Foundation India is a non-profit organization that works towards bringing life-changing care to orphaned and vulnerable children. With a multi-faceted, collaborative and community-based ‘Child First’ approach, Miracle Foundation India ensures that all these children are educated, healthy and safe. As part of its commitment to education of vulnerable children, Miracle has ensured enrolment of 100% of their children in school, following which, students go to college. To ensure continuity in education for children in childcare institutes (CCIs) as well as those who have been sent back home, Miracle Foundation India has increased application of technology online classes/live streaming of sessions/use of smartphones, i-Pads, etc. From taking care of their school needs to providing them skill training and career counselling for a bright future.

Smile Foundation: Smile Foundation provides education to thousands of children from Class I to Class XII running across 23 states. The foundation found that about 56% of Indian children lack smartphones. In this scenario, amidst Covid-19, they are providing possible solutions to access education. Smile Foundation has been tirelessly striving to achieve. Through intensive programmes based on education, healthcare, livelihood and women empowerment, we work towards bringing positive and long lasting change in the lives of children and their families.

Bhumi: Bhumi is one of India’s largest independent and youth volunteer non-profit organisations.
Bhumi was founded on August 15, 2006 by a small group of friends with a strong passion to change society today and build a better India for tomorrow. The organisation provides youngsters a platform to serve the society and bridges the gap between the educated and the uneducated.

Our volunteers educate and mentor children from orphanages, slum and village community centres across the country to give them a better future, which will benefit them as well as our country. The learning experience is mutual – our volunteers gain perspective and the experience to mould themselves into tomorrow’s leaders.

The Akanksha Foundation: The Akanksha Foundation was started in 1991 with a simple idea - To deliver a high quality education to each child, no matter his or her background. Since 1991, Akanksha has grown from an organisation of student volunteers to a professional institution with over 700 staff, teachers and volunteers with a mission to provide educational opportunities to less privileged children.