Home >>
FPAI

 

Underprivileged children get a new lease of life

“SMILE Mission Education programme” involving children of vulnerable women from Bhopal and Obedullhganj is the first of its kind efforts of FPA India across India. Traditionally Family Planning Association of India works on reproductive health issues but the SMILE Mission Education programme brought new insights within the organization itself to work with the children of sex workers and rag pickers and contribute to their health and well being through education. Linkages with the government education programmes and schemes will ensure that the initiatives made by the project staff will continue in future with free books, uniforms and scholarships to these children from the schools. FPA India staff and volunteers are thankful to SMILE Foundation staff for their continuous support and guidance to make the programme a success with long term impact in the lives of the children

Josh thomas, Chief Coordinator

 

About the partner

Family Planning Association (FPA)of India is a non-profit making, non-political, and non-sectarian organization working without any discrimination as to religion, creed, race, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age and people living with HIV. Established in 1949, FPA India has been recognized as India's leading and largest reproductive and sexual health organization.

FPA India has worked towards enriching the lives of millions of people across India over the past 50 years. Its presence in 38 cities, 40 towns and 10,408 villages reflects its commitment to protect these rights. FPA is the founder member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which is currently represented in over 180 countries.

FPA India envisions health, particularly sexual and reproductive health for all, especially marginalized and young people, in the broad context of sustainable development leading towards the alleviation of poverty, stabilization of population, gender equality, and human rights.

About the Projects

This is an education project for the children of female sex workers in Bhopal and Raisen districts. These children, especially girls, fall under the high risk group and are prone to very hazardous environment. At very early ages they are exposed to unhealthy lifestyles, and ill-treatment of parents, neighbours and the community. They are also subject to social exclusion that it difficult for them to get enrolled in schools.

Those in schools try to keep their parentage hidden, or suffer severe psychological humiliation at the hands of teachers and children.

The project covers more than 500 children, through Balwadis and day care centre for children less than 6 years of age, education materials for school going children and vocational training for girls above ten years old and do not go to school. The objectives of this project are -

•   To promote education among children of female sex workers
•   To facilitate school education and reduce school dropout rate
•   To promote vocational skills among girl children of the sex workers

Other ongoing initiatives
•   Jigyasa Youth Centre
•   Panchsheel skills development centre
•   Youth HIV projects
•   Smile Twin e-Learning Programme for the adolescent youth