In modern Indian society, a tragic contradiction persists. While children from middle and higher-income households enjoy advanced technology and luxurious lifestyles, thousands of children from lower-income households struggle to meet their basic needs.
Privileged children often live in a comfortable bubble, often unaware of the harsh realities faced by those living on the margins. Meanwhile, underprivileged kids find themselves marginalized, struggling to find their place in mainstream society. It is not the fault of those born with privileges. Quite simply, we only know the life we live, unless shown different perspectives from time to time.
Smile Foundation’s Child for Child (CFC) program initiated in 2006 aims to involve privileged children in the process of social development, feeling empathy and promoting responsible citizenship.
The Power of Empathy and Education
Sustainable change can only occur when the privileged society actively participates in the development process. Children, with their boundless energy and open minds, are potential change agents. Moving beyond indifference that may often overshadow our natural empathetic tendencies, CFC steps in, channeling the energy and enthusiasm of children into positive actions and instilling a strong value system.
A Comprehensive Approach: Change happens when one child stands up for another child
The Child for Child program operates at three levels to create a well-rounded impact:
1. Children: Value Education and Workshops
CFC conducts engaging sessions and workshops in various schools across India. These sessions aim to sensitise children to various social causes and instill values that promote responsible citizenship. By sharing stories and lessons from the lives of inspiring change-makers and leaders who have dedicated their lives to societal betterment, the program tries to mold children into not only successful individuals but also responsible citizens and potential future change-makers.
In the academic year 2022-23, more than 2,500 value education sessions were conducted. These sessions covered a range of topics from empathy and kindness to leadership and social responsibility. The goal is to help young minds realise the importance of growing up as conscientious and active members of society.
2. Schools and Teachers: Creating Dialogue
Schools and teachers shape the minds of children. Through seminars and workshops, CFC creates a dialogue among educators about the importance of value education and the need to lead with empathy among students. These interactions equip teachers with the tools and strategies needed to incorporate these values into their everyday teaching practices.
3. Parents and Caregivers: Sensitisation and Communication
The role of parents and caregivers is crucial in reinforcing the values taught at school. CFC conducts webinars and provides communication tools to sensitise parents about the importance of empathy and social responsibility. This ensures that the lessons learned in school are reinforced at home, creating a consistent and supportive environment for children.
Building Bridges Through Interaction
One of the main objectives of CFC is to bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged children. To achieve this, CFC organises interactive sessions where children from different backgrounds come together to celebrate festivals, share experiences and learn new skills from each other. These interactions help privileged children develop empathy and understanding, while underprivileged children gain exposure and confidence.
For instance, during the Diwali festival, privileged children from a private school in Delhi and underprivileged children from a nearby slum community came together to celebrate. They shared stories, learned about each other’s cultures and participated in fun activities. Such experiences foster friendships and break down social barriers, creating a more inclusive society.
Creativity and Awareness
The Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) is another significant initiative under the CFC programme. The 10th edition of SIFFCY brought critically acclaimed films from around the world to thousands of school children and youth in India. The festival stimulates discussions on personal, societal, moral and world issues, encouraging children to think critically and empathetically about the world around them.
The Impact Made Last Year through Child for Child
Over 300,000 children have been engaged through various activities and more than 1,500 schools have been covered. These numbers are not just statistics- they represent lives touched, minds opened and future leaders inspired.
