ChildFund India launches Childhood campaign “Khilta Bachpan” to empower marginalized children!

New Delhi: In line with its focus on Child Protection, ChildFund India launched its nationwide campaign “Khilta Bachpan” that aims to provide children aged 6-18 years, in underserved communities across the country, access to art education, in order to promote cognitive, social and emotional learning, encourage creative expression and inculcate in them appreciation for the richness and diversity of arts in India, while giving them a platform and an opportunity to “ENGAGE. EXPRESS. EMPOWER!”.

ChildFund believes that in absence of a creative, open and secure option to express, young children can be negatively impacted. Through this initiative, ChildFund hopes to reach over 250,000 children and young people over 2 years across 15 states in India.

The campaign was launched by Padma Shri Kathak Guru Smt Shovana Narayan, who was the Chief Guest of the event organized at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Delhi.

The event was attended by government school children, Principals, representatives from various corporate organizations, government and non- governmental organizations as well as individual artists.

Padma Shri Kathak Guru Smt. Shovana Narayan speaking to Ten News said,

“Culture is an integral part of every society and its understanding and integration is essential for a healthy and progressive world. I am delighted to be part of a cultural movement which educates children across the country in the field of performing arts, therefore sowing the seeds of a culturally rich country.”

Neelam Makhijani, Country Director and CEO of ChildFund India, said,

“Our lifestyle currently is extremely mechanical and we are losing what used to be precious in terms of closeness, relationships and sensitivities towards our community! Our means of communication has changed dramatically lacking values, emotion, compassion and genuine care. It has, therefore, never been as important as now to rebuild and strengthen connections with our children and young people, especially the deprived and vulnerable. We must safeguard this generation and allow them to fulfil their dreams in a safe environment.”