Society For Children (SOCH)

Programme Rakshyak, led by SOCH, safeguards children who have run away, been separated, abandoned, or trafficked. Operating at Odisha's railway stations, it rescues and supports such vulnerable children, aiming to prevent violence, abuse, and exploitation. The project provides counselling, essentials, and strives to reunite them with their families. It also addresses child labour and begging situations, focusing on protecting and reintegrating these children into safer environments.

The initiative titled Programme Punarjivan, led by SOCH is designed to support and transform the lives of children facing challenges. It addresses children who have run away, are addicted to harmful substances, or lack access to essential services. Through residential rehabilitation camps, the programme focuses on behavioural modification and educational development. Divided into three types of camps, the initiative caters to family-connected children with hard behaviour, street-connected children exhibiting similar behaviour, and school dropouts seeking educational advancement. The 3-week and 4-week camps work on behavioural changes, involving activities, counselling, and observation. The 12-week Education Bridge Camp focuses on motivated students who need to catch up with their education due to financial constraints. With a dedicated approach and follow-ups, Programme Punarjivan aims to equip children with tools for better lives.

SOCH's Pankh Programme responds to the distressing issue of numerous Indian children facing homelessness and abandonment due to complex family situations. Initiated in 2015, Pankh aims to empower vulnerable youth aged 14 and above from Child Care Institutions and challenged communities. It provides a comprehensive approach through counselling, mentoring, life skills training, vocational education, and job placement support. Pankh strives not only for their financial independence but also their social and moral development, fostering responsible citizenship and personal growth. By collaborating with Child Care Institutions, SOCH identifies and assists disadvantaged children, guiding them through a multifaceted intervention process to pave the way for a brighter future.

SOCH's Child Centered Community Development Programme recognizes the significance of prioritizing children for India's future. The programme focuses on holistic child-friendly development, spanning education, health, livelihood, WASH, and women's empowerment within communities. By fostering safe environments and involving children actively, this initiative emphasizes the pivotal role of children as agents of change. The theory underlying this approach is that a community shapes the ecosystem for its children; thus, interventions aim to enhance community accountability and decision-making for children's welfare. The project encompasses improving education, healthcare access, women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and supporting vulnerable groups like the elderly. By engaging the community and fostering local change agents, SOCH aims to create sustainable transformations in low-income urban communities, fostering holistic growth and development.

SOCH aids children affected by disasters. For example, during Cyclone Fani, it provided food, books, and more. Amid COVID-19, SOCH distributed supplies to 1500 families. Objectives include awareness, food aid, shelter support, and children's rights. Interventions are tailored, prioritizing vulnerable groups. After Fani, SOCH's efforts brought relief to communities. Amid COVID-19, it adhered to distancing norms while providing aid. Proactive visits identified vulnerable families in slums, ensuring effective distribution. Despite challenges, SOCH's volunteers managed relief work, prioritizing needy groups and skillfully handling distribution.