Chhoti Si Asha

As the events of the last few months have unfolded, as always the worst affected have been the Children. Keeping in mind the future, we are turning our attention to their needs to build long-term projects to benefit them. The truth is that as much as can be done should be done and even that will not be enough to avert the human tragedy that’s unfolding.

Rotary India, Wizcraft International and Rotary Club of Bombay are committed to work across different aspects to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 lakh Rotary families and their partner organisations are committing large resources towards the work that is underway and all of us are committed to do all that we can for both immediate relief as well as to institute long term projects for the development of children and the disadvantaged across the country.

A holistic approach to children’s development is the focus. Caring for children’s health, their nutrition, education and skill development are the areas of work that will be undertaken by Rotary.

Some of the major initiatives across India are outlined below:

TEACH: Under Rotary’s Total Literacy program major focus has been provided to education of the child where we aim equip schools with safety measures, well painted new toilets, drinking water facilities, libraries, etc. We aim to reach 50,000 schools across India and now also aim to provide quality nutrition to all the school kids for their physical well being as well.

E-Learning: Through Rotary’s E-learning program, the digital divide between the urban and the rural child is being bridged. An outreach has been undertaken to reach 30,000 schools impacting about 1 crore children. With an approach of Blended Teaching, their comprehension is better, and their retention is better. Rotary in India is committed to provide online learning to children who are locked down at homes by providing the Government of India e-learning curriculum from Class I to Class XII.

Asha Kiran: Through this Child Development program, Rotary has already sent 40,000 children back to school. These are children of sex workers and beggars, or beggars themselves. They are the most vulnerable children, facing highest risk. Rotary is committed to send 60,000 more children back to school under this program.

Healing Little Hearts: This program has ensured that thousands of children have undergone heart surgeries. In India, more than 30,000 children have benefitted from heart surgeries and today are living a normal life. Each heart surgery costs at least Rs 1.80 lakhs and through the Rotary heart surgery program, thousands of lives have been saved, literally giving them the gift of life!

Through our various initiatives we have already impacted more than 1 crore children. Our target is to assist atleast 5 crore children across India.