Our End of Financial Year (EOFY) Appeal is a great opportunity to take advantage of CINI Australia‘s tax-deductible donation status and make a difference.
CINI Australia helps to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty and disadvantage in India. Any donation you give will make a real and lasting change in the lives of women, children and local communities.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30th and help us raise $20,000! Thank you to those who have supported us so far!
Use the ATO’s Donation Tax Deduction Calculator to help you estimate the tax advantages you may receive: Click here.
We recently received news from Dr Chaudhuri, founder of CINI, about the devastating impact of USAID defunding. Not only are USAID programs ceasing, but NGOs funded by American foundations and corporations are also no longer receiving support.
Dr Chaudhuri shared, “CINI has lost substantial grants from the US, including from USAID, which led to 80 of our colleagues losing their jobs overnight.” This has resulted in the closure of maternal and child nutrition programs. The loss of staff is deeply concerning, as it means the loss of expertise, knowledge, and skills built over many years at CINI.
Below is an outline of our costs and the difference your support can make:
Indian Initiative Child-Centered HIV/AIDS Approach (IICCHAA) Each year, around 40 new HIV/AIDS-affected families join our IICCHAA program. Many are headed by grandparents caring for children orphaned by HIV, and are facing severe financial hardship. IICCHAA helps ease their burden. Fundraising Goal: $500 per family per year.
Child Friendly Communities (CFC) This groundbreaking program continues to make inroads into rural villages and city slums, improving the health, education, and safety of thousands of women and children. Adolescents are increasingly stepping up as agents of change. Fundraising Goal: $7,500 per month to reach over 140 villages.
Adolescents (Ujjan) Our dream is to restart the outstanding Ujjan program to support more than 300 young people (aged 10–18) through a safe, healthy, and empowered transition into adulthood. Fundraising Goal: $250 per child per year.
CINI Staff Our passionate Community Field Officers and Outreach Workers are central to the success of all our programs. They are on the ground every day, trusted and respected by the communities they serve. Fundraising Goal: $3,500 per worker per year
Our programs require $70,000 – $80,000 each in fundraising costs every year to continue. Whilst this amount may seem a lot, these costs are put to direct and instant use.
With your help these funds support essential services that empower women, children, and families in need. Thank you for your support
On Sunday 4th May 2025, 190 guests attended the Exhibition Hall at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont, to celebrate the mothers, friends, and family in their lives. The afternoon high tea was a fantastic celebration and raised nearly $23,000 for young mothers and women living in disadvantage in India.
Jennie Connaughton, Board Member and Co-Founder of CINI Australia, would like to personally thank the many individuals who came together to make the day such a success.
“Our Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser was both a wonderful success and a tremendous effort. The fundraising total for the Mother’s Day Appeal has nearly surpassed $23,000! Thank you to the 190 guests who attended.
We had an incredible core team of volunteers in the lead-up, around 40+ helpers on the day, 16 cooks, 25 students, 4 performers; a violinist, singer and 2 Bollywood dancers, 1 energetic auctioneer, Patrick Darrig of Ray White, and a fantastic MC, Vashi Pyndanna.
Guests had a great time — the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the room beautifully styled in pink and purple with fresh flowers, and the food was plentiful, homemade, and delicious. The live auction was a highlight — our auctioneer was skillful, and Jas Walia spoke with great clarity and insight about his visit to India.
The Pretty Pick, Silent Auction, Reading Roulette, and Lucky Sip were all well received. Many local businesses and individuals donated a huge array of prizes and vouchers, including contributions from our local grocery stores for the high tea. Everyone went home with a handmade ladoo, lovingly prepared by Gurpreet Sandhu.”
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE
If you were unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation towards our Mother’s Day Appeal, please visit our GiveNow page to make a contribution.
The money raised will go towards CINI’s programs for mothers who struggle to provide their children with the opportunities we can take for granted. These programs empower women to create a better future for themselves and their children.
Since 1974, Child in Need Institute’s work has had a powerful impact in some of India’s most disadvantaged areas, helping families and entire communities break free from the inter-generational cycle of poverty.
We would like to say a special thank you to the individuals and organisations who donated to make the events such a great success.
Our sincere thanks: Anjlems Project, Banovich Pharmacy, Cable (Cottesloe), Colaba Social, Copper Chimney, Dan Murphy’s South Fremantle, Easy Peasy, Eco Spray, ESOLA, Fox in a Box, Fremantle Chamber Orchestra, Fremantle Press, Frida’s Luxe Sip n’ Paint Fremantle, Gabe Giambazi, Gifted Design, Hon Kate Doust MLC, Honey Cake, InStyle Shoes & Accessories, Lakshmi Ayurveda, Lesley Tunnecliffe, Liquor Barons, Liz Sandes, Masstengo, Musica Viva Australia, Peppermint Grove Jewellers, Seven Seas Teas, Silver Sponge Car Detailing, Simmer & Glow Candle Studio, Sin Gin Distillery, Sizzle N Sambar, St John’s Ambulance, Sultan’s Treasures, Swan River Distillery, Tamara Yoga, Terrace Greenhouse, Vans Cottesloe, West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), Williams Woolshed, Woolworths Palmyra, YOGALAB Fremantle.
Regular supporters: John XXIII College, Officeworks Subiaco and Osborne Park, IGA South Fremantle, Mosman Fresh, Swanbourne Markets, Food by Ros, Creation Landscape Supplies, Plata Bonita, Boatshed Market Cottesloe, Julia Craigs and Christ Church Grammar School.
Student volunteers: John XXIII College, IONA and John Curtin College of the Arts.
On Sunday 23rd March 2025, Perth Well Wishers celebrated CINI Australia, Child In Need India, by bringing together over 60 people for a fantastic morning at their Family Fun Day at Whitfords Nodes Park, Hillary’s. Together, they raised over $1,600 on the day, with more to be added to the final total.Thank you to everyone who was involved!
The morning started with face painting by Rashmine and exciting lawn games donated by Perth Party Games. Beautiful hand-crafted soy candles, made by Simmer & Glow, and stunning South Asian jewellery from The Luxe Range were displayed for sale. Children ran around having fun while parents and grandparents mingled under the shade of the park’s beautiful trees.
Elisha Balakrishnan from Perth Party Games had this to say:
“It was lovely meeting you, Raj, and all your guests at the Family Fun Day event. We were honoured to be part of this beautiful fundraiser.”
By 10:30 am, the sausage sizzle was ready for guests to enjoy, expertly barbecued by volunteers from Perth Well Wishers. CINI Australia-branded cupcakes were a hit with both kids and adults, and guests indulged in delicious food lovingly prepared by the Perth Well Wishers—a true feast!
Once refreshed, the fun continued with more lawn games. At 11:00 am, Annette Chivers, Chair of CINI Australia, spoke about the organisation’s programs in West Bengal and how CINI supports children from some of India’s most vulnerable communities. Guests gained insight into the severe lack of access to health, nutrition, and education that millions of children in India face daily. Annette highlighted the powerful impact of CINI’s work and encouraged guests to support their mission.
The morning concluded with an exciting game of Bingo, where the lucky winner took home a Kathmandu hiking backpack! Sweet and sticky jalebi were passed around as guests slowly said their goodbyes after a wonderful morning of fun and community spirit.
CINI Australia extends a huge thank you to Perth Well Wishers and, in particular, Jaswinder and Raj Walia, for their unwavering commitment to the charity. Having recently returned from a visit to CINI, they remain deeply connected to the cause: you can read their story here. Their message to their guests on the day was:
“From our perspective, the event was a success. A lot of awareness was created about CINI Australia and Child in Need Institute (CINI), India, and we are thankful to Annette for speaking so well to the attentive audience. We would like to thank all who worked hard (Perth Well Wishers) in making the event successful and to all who registered for the event as well as the generous donors.”
Thanks to Jas and Raj’s enthusiasm and their ability to engage such a fantastic community, over $1,600 was raised at the event, with more to be counted once final contributions have been made. The donation tin will be opened on 5th April after a prayer meeting in the presence of attendees.
If you missed the event, but would still like to make a donation, please visit CINI Australia’s GiveNow page. No amount is too small—every donation brings us closer to our goal of ensuring every child has the right to play, safety, health, education, a clean environment, and a brighter future.
CINI Australia’s Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser will be returning on Sunday, 4th May 2025. We warmly invite you, your family, and your friends to attend. Together, we can uplift women and children and empower their voices for generations to come.
On Friday 2nd May bring along your friends and dancing shoes for a fantastic Music Night of Country and Rock by the Brass Ferrules to raise funds for CINI Australia. 7pm – 9.30pm, RSL Club Bicton, Tickets: $20.
If you missed this event and are unable to attend our Mother’s Day Celebration in person, there are still ways to be involved. If you would like to donate a gift for our events, we are always looking for amazing prizes to help raise funds. Or, if you’d like to volunteer—either behind the scenes or on the day—we’d love your help. Our events wouldn’t be possible without your time and generosity. Please email us at admin@ciniaustralia.org.
In the meantime, please join our mailing list to stay up-to-date with news from our programs in India and up-coming events.
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Prize laureate and UN Messenger of Peace with a special focus on girls’ education speaks at the UN during a high-level event “Financing the Future: Education 2030.” Source: UN Photo/Rick Bajornas.
International Day of Education is celebrated worldwide to emphasise the power of education in creating opportunity, optimism, prosperity, and peace.
Currently, there are an estimated 40 million Indian children aged 6-11 who are not in school. Over half of India’s children will not progress beyond elementary school, and in some cases, children are unable to access education at all. Many children are forced to work rather than attend school, as some families do not value education or believe that the barriers of caste, poverty and gender are just too strong to overcome.
The Child in Need Institute (CINI) works to address all forms of social exclusion that contribute to keeping children, particularly girls, out of school. International Day of Education coincides with National Girl Child Day in India, underscoring the critical role of education in transforming lives. A key message is that for every year a girl continues her education beyond fourth grade (age 9-10), her family benefits significantly: wages increase by 20%, child mortality decreases by 10%, and family size is reduced by 20%.
Awareness of Education Rights
Knowledge of the law is the foundation of empowerment. When people know their rights, they can identify issues, address deficits, and gain the tools needed to facilitate change.
CINI empowers women and children living in poverty by providing education and information about their rights, including:
Their right to free and compulsory education.
Child protection laws that prevent child labour and child marriage.
Their right to access quality services.
Their ability speak up to service providers and the local government.
By supporting individuals to understand their rights and enabling them to participate in making decisions that affect their own lives, women and children become leaders in their communities. They help to transform their network to be inclusive of the most marginalised and poor members. This concept sits at the core of all CINI programs, who can then address and support immediate local needs.
The Power of Education in Our Programs
Child Friendly Communities
CINI Education Centres provide ‘safe spaces’ for first generation learners to attend or return to school and succeed. By working with schools, CINI ensures teachers understand children’s rights and create child-friendly environments. Schools are also shown how to access government resources.
Young women learn their right to access quality health services early in their pregnancy. The whole family learn how to support the mother, and are educated about health, hygiene, feeding practices, nutrition and reproductive health.
Ujjan
Adolescents that join Ujjan are the face of the initiative and the catalyst for change within Kolkata’s Red-Light District for their age group. Peer Leaders are trained in groups to bring about change in their lives, focusing on school enrolment, reducing dropout rates, child marriage, trafficking and teenage pregnancy. They share their training with their peers, extending their knowledge throughout the community.
CINI works on the ground to identify children who are not in mainstream education or are at high risk of dropping out. By leveraging local community networks, they teach families that the long-term benefits of education outweigh the short-term gain of a child’s income.
IICCHAA
Public education about HIV and AIDS plays a significant role in reducing stigma in villages and wider communities. As awareness grows and fear subsides, people are welcomed back to work, and children are re-integrated into schools.
Education about HIV, health, hygiene and sexual reproductive health enables families to manage illness and improve overall health.
Families are taught how to access regular medication, government schemes for housing and education funds, plus vocational and leadership training, which all help their economic stability.
CINI’s Vision for the Future
Recognised as a leading authority on mother and child nutrition and healthcare in India, CINI set up an independent body in 1974 to provide appropriate education and training. In addition to training over 25,000 government workers and its own staff, CINI has trained staff from major charities such as UNICEF, CARE India and CRY (Child Rights and You), as well as those from smaller local Non-Government Organisations operating in other countries.
By continuing to develop a range of appropriate training materials, CINI provides support to frontline health workers, midwives, nutritionists, teachers and local government workers in child rights, healthcare, and capacity-building.
CINI ensures education becomes a reality for vulnerable populations, equipping them with knowledge and skills to break the cycle of disadvantage. Together, we can ensure every child—regardless of their circumstances—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
If you wish to support our life-changing programs, please visit:
Please consider giving the gift of education to a child or the promise of a heathy baby to a new mother this Christmas.
From as little as $10 a month you can change the lives of women and children living in poverty and disadvantage. The CINI Method creates lasting change by empowering individuals and their communities; by supporting our Christmas Appeal, you will help build a strong foundation to fund our programs in 2025.
What your donations can do:
$10 a month for 2 years helps a child succeed in school and provides a safe space to learn and play.
$15 a month for 30 months supports a mother and baby from pregnancy through the first 2 years of life.
$10 a month provides essential food packages for one child, including staples like rice, oil and lentils.
$50 a month trains peer leaders and youth volunteers to protect vulnerable children from labour, trafficking, and early marriage through IICCHAA.
$100 a month educates women about their right to access quality health services early in their pregnancy, and then through childhood and into adolescence.
Send a Christmas Card with your Online Donation
You can choose to send a digital Christmas Card created by CINI Australia by downloading one of the designs below and following the steps on GiveNow.
CINI Australia is a registered charity with DGR status, so any donation over $2 is tax deductible. $2 goes long way in India and at least 92% of funds raised in Australia goes directly to women, families and communities in India.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers this International Volunteer Day, Thursday 5th December, by extending our deep gratitude for your commitment and support of CINI Australia.
You are the heart of our organisation and create a community of strength and compassion.
We simply wouldn’t be able to achieve the level of activity and fundraising for our life-changing programs without the many individuals that contribute towards CINI Australia each year, and you do so in numerous and amazing ways.
We wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser
Thank you to our incredible Mother’s Day Team for your tireless hard work and support. You contributed countless hours of your time planning and preparing the event months ahead of time. More than 30 of you sought donations, organised the silent auction and shawl stall, cooked delicious food and were there on the day to make it a great success for our guests. A special thank you to the 35 students from John XXIII and IONA colleges for bringing their hard work, creativity and sense of fun to the day, where many hands make light work. Thank you to John XIII for hosting the event at your fabulous venue.
A huge thank you to numerous local businesses that donated incredible prizes to our silent auction, raffle, reading roulette and Lucky Sip. There are so many of you, we are overwhelmed by your generosity even when times are tough.
We thank you all for your support in our biggest fundraising event of the year. Its success is the result of your efforts.
Fundraising for CINI Australia
Thank you to those who hosted an independent fundraising event on behalf of CINI Australia.
Thank you to Mia Lamport, for hosting a Big Bake Sale at Orchard Montessori Day Care for Children’s Day India. Cakes baked by Charlotte Terrier were enjoyed by busy mums and dads at drop-off and pick-up.
Thank you to Dr Ashwita Siri Vanga for hosting a Mother’s Day Morning Tea at her hospital in Toowoomba, QLD, and introducing a new community to CINI Australia.
Thank you to the Wonderful Women of Wyndham up in the far north of WA. The day was a spectacular and colourful event.
Thank you to “Perth Well Wishes for Kolkata”, for your fantastic fundraising efforts.
Thank you to Annette Chivers and her husband John Rich, for championing our Containers for Change efforts.
CINI’s 50th Anniversary
Thank you to our CINI Australia visitors who travelled to Kolkata in February this year to join in CINI’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations. Visiting our programs and meeting the women, children, families and communities we help is an important way to connect and learn about how we can do more. (Note: all travel to West Bengal, India is self-funded).
CINI Australia Board Members
Thank you to our Volunteer Board Members for their commitment to the organisation and the women and children in India. Not only do the Board provide excellent Governance to make sure we can continue doing what we do as an organisation, but they assist on a personal level in many of our fundraising efforts.
Pro-Bono Services
Thank you to SW Accountants and Advisors Auditors, for your excellent audit services and to Carbon Group Queensland for your accounting support.
Volunteer With Us
We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers with a range of skills. If you have an interest in events, are a dab hand with a computer, or just want to find out how you can get involved, please send us an email: admin@ciniaustralia.org
Our annual Mother’s Day event is our biggest in-person fundraiser, so get in touch now if you would like to be part of our upcoming event in May 2025. We would love to hear from you!
The world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected. With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
In 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally.
Approximately 630 000 people died from HIV‑related causes in 2023.
An estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023.
On 1 December WHO joins partners and communities to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024. Under the theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS. (Source: www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day/2024)
CINI sits at the forefront of creating long-lasting change for those living with HIV/AIDS in India. We are proud to support our powerful program IICHHAA (Indian Initiative Child Centered HIV Aids Approach), creating change on an individual and community level.
CINI Australia has supported this lifechanging program since 2011, reaching over 300 families and 350 children for whom HIV compounds the difficulties of poverty, low literacy and irregular income. A majority of these children have a single parent or are orphaned due to HIV.
There are no government programs specifically addressing the holistic and complex needs of a child infected by HIV or with a parent with the illness. CINI addresses these needs and excels at supporting the individual, the family and the community.
IICCHAA provides psychosocial supportand counselling that dramatically improves a family’s communication and mental health, nutritional supplies and improved access to treatment.
Education about HIV, health, hygiene and sexual reproductive health enables families to manage their illness and improve their health.
Each year new families join the program as others become healthy, confident and financially secure and independent.
IICCHAA reaches families in 3 districts and over 100 villages of West Bengal. We need your help to raise $75,000 a year to keep this vital program going but to also grow and flourish.
What your donation can do:
$10 a month provides food packages for one child, containing essential staples like rice, soya beans, oil, lentils, and more through IICCHAA.
$400 a year supports one family in transitioning from the challenges of an HIV diagnosis towards independence. This includes psycho-social support, health education, healthcare access, children’s education, housing advocacy, and income generation training.
$2,500 a year employs outreach workers who are trained to assist families facing the challenges associated with HIV. Their understanding and courageous advocacy for rights is instrumental in driving change for these children.
IICCHAA Success:
In 2023-24our IICHHAA programs received approximately $76,000 in donations. This employed 9 staff who were empowered with a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience through their training. IICCHAA reached 223 children from 185 families across 3 districts. Each child receives a monthly essential nutrition bundle, a total of 2,676 food bundles in the year.
Please consider making a donation today, or set-up a regular donation, to help us continue this vital program.
Contacts us with any questions If you would like to discuss how to support a village or family or district or to partner CINI Australia in this wonderful program let us know. Please email: admin@ciniaustralia.org
Please forward and share this message to help continue this much needed program.Thank you for being an important part of the team.
CINI’s Comprehensive Efforts in Addressing Community Challenges
Beyond the focus of our three main programs, IICCHAA, CFC, and Ujjan, individuals in India face numerous economic, environmental, and social challenges that CINI addresses through their expansive work. By targeting ongoing issues such as menstrual hygiene and climate change, along with responding to immediate threats like Cyclone Remal, CINI continues to work hard on the ground to create better outcomes for those who are often impacted the most.
On May 26th, Cyclone Remal hit with high waves and wind, devastating villages in the Sunderbans and displacing communities to cyclone shelters. CINI began warning the community by using established mothers’ groups and adolescents’ groups to assist in this effort. During the meetings, the community was advised to take their important documents, medicine and food, and to take shelter in flood shelters or other safe places, undoubtedly saving lives.
World Environment Day was observed at different intervention areas of CINI on June 5th, focusing on this year’s theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’. CINI launched the campaign ‘Adopt a Plant and Build Your Planet – The #GreenDream initiative’. The celebrations included rallies, block-level seminars, awareness campaigns, and tree planting.
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28th with the theme #PeriodFriendlyWorld, was celebrated by CINI Ujjan in collaboration with the Adolescent Clinic at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. The event featured a virtual video by singer Shreya Ghoshal on period education, followed by group discussions on menstruation misconceptions, menstrual hygiene, and the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy. Awareness sessions also included healthy menstrual hygiene practices, the importance of using sanitary pads, cleanliness, mental health care, the importance of food, stopping food wastage, and sanitary pad distribution.
We invite you to read CINI’s Quarterly Report to gain a better understanding of the breadth of their incredible work:
During the first 9 months of 2024, Modus Property generously donated $14,050 towards our programs, specifically IICCHAA (Indian Initiative Child Centered HIV Aids Approach). Through their kindness every financial quarter, we are able to share stories of change from India.
IICCHAA: Memory Work Session and Nutritional Support
Memory Work sessions conducted by CINI between April 2023 and March 2024 played a pivotal role in supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS three districts. These sessions addressed the nutritional needs of affected children, tracking their height and weight quarterly to monitor their BMI.
Preventing malnutrition is critical for children with HIV and these sessions addressed their nutritional needs and tracked their children’s height and weight quarterly to monitor their BMI.
After providing Nutritional support to 223 children throughout the year it was observed that 33 children became “Normal” from “Thinness” during the span of 1 year.
These sessions not only facilitate better health outcomes for families, but improve communication between parents and children, providing a safe platform for families to express their needs and concerns.
Monthly Nutrition rations being received by Anil and Aunty (names changed).
Earlier this year, Tim Mathews, Director of Modus Property, travelled to India for the 50th Anniversary of CINI. Here he is pictured at the Nutrition Camp, surrounded by the fresh fruit and vegetables that individuals are encouraged to eat as part of a healthy diet.
Earlier this year, Alumni CINI Australia Staff Member, Hollie Cavanagh, travelled to West Bengal for the 50th Anniversary of CINI. Her story was shared at our Annual Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser to an audience of 100. Her story is one of empowerment, strength, resilience and change, as she followed the lives of two little girls from 2019 to 2024.
I’d like to start by adding my acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the beautiful country we meet on today, the Wadjuk people of the Noongar Nation who have nurtured these lands since the beginning of time. I pay my respect and gratitude to elders past, present and emerging, extending this to all First Nations people across the place now known as Australia and particularly to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who join us here today. May their deep and enduring connection to country and culture, always remain.
I live with my imperfect yet loving and loyal husband and our 2 often flawed yet warm and sometimes adoring adolescent kids and, our middle aged yet utterly adorable maltese shitzu dog. We live in a peaceful, safe community thick with the love and support of family and friends, on a backdrop of mostly solid acceptance and opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, my life and that of my family hasn’t been, nor is it now, without genuine challenge and trauma…but on the whole and outside looking in, mine is the life of a pretty ordinary whitefella living a mostly charmed life on the coast of beautiful Wadjuk country.
But between 2017 and 2023, I had the very EXTRA-ordinary privilege of working closely with Jennie (who you’ll hear from later) and CINI Australia – and while those years are over, I know for sure that I can never depart myself from it, because of the utterly captivating, faultlessly enduring efforts it continues to make, delivering life-changing programs of empowerment to the most vulnerable communities I will ever know.
This knowing deepened even further after my 2nd visit to CINI India, earlier this year, together with some of the Board members. We were inspired by the 50th Anniversary celebrations and humbled by the warm welcomes that met us upon arrival at every community we visited.
Seeing CINI in action in India, is a deeply profound experience – visiting the communities, meeting the families and children, and hearing about the impact that CINI is having on their lives. CINI operates at an unbelievable scale – seeing first hand the enduring commitment and passion of the CINI staff and frontline workers who stop at nothing meet the needs of every vulnerable individual they encounter, is nothing short of astounding. CINI is absolutely making a real difference in the lives of many.
As you’ll hear or may already know, the most direct impact CINI has is on the pre-natal mother, the newborn baby, child and adolescent stages of life. Just from 5 years of working with CINI and 2 visits to India, I’ve been witness to countless stories of change from every one of these life stages. So, it’s near impossible to choose what story to share, from which program impacting which family in what community…But as a parent of 2 teenagers, it’s the stories of transformation and empowerment of young people that resonate deeply with me right now.
So, I’m going to share the story of 2 girls we met during our February 2019 visit to India, at a support group meeting for HIV effected families and young people. In this picture these girls are the same age that my daughter is now. But by the age of 14, Arufa and Jasmina (names have been changed) had been dealt a very different hand to the tiktok-ing teens of Perth.
Arufa was sick for a long time before she learned that she was HIV positive. When she first found out, she blamed herself, she felt alone and scared and didn’t believe anyone would care that she was sick. When CINI outreach workers first came to her village, she wasn’t convinced that they could be of any help. But with further counselling and education, she eventually accepted the support of CINI and over the coming years, her strength and confidence grew.
Arufa’s Story
Jasmina’s mum died of HIV when she was a baby and her father took her brother and, being the burdensome girl child, Jasmina was left behind with her mother’s family. When we met her in 2019 she’d been attending CINI’s HIV support program for 2 years – at the time, she told us how CINI had taught her how to stay healthy and strong.
Five years on, in February this year, we met these girls again.
Arufa, now works as a mentor for groups of adolescent girls, just like she is here…she’s effectively paying forward the skills and confidence that she gained with CINI’s support, to the next generation of girls attending their HIV support programs. When we met this group, Arufa was sitting front and centre, telling us (a large group of tall white strangers) her story, with the help of Suchi, our CINI chaperone and translator. She spoke with unmistakable clarity, confidence and excitement for her future, as the girls behind her hung on her every word (as did we). Arufa blushed as she shared the news of her (choice) marriage and proudly spoke of her work as a tailor – a skill she also gained through the CINI lifeskills program.
When Jasmina recently turned 18, she made the difficult choice to run away from her family as they were planning her arranged marriage (so she would no longer be their responsibility). Also escaping the physical and emotional abuse of relatives, she bravely left with nothing but a small bag of personal belongings and went straight to CINI to seek immediate support.
If she hadn’t been engaged with CINI’s support program for as long as she had, Jasmina would have remained disempowered and convinced she was without choice. Instead, she took her rightful path and with CINI’s support has secured affordable accommodation and a traineeship to build her skills for future employment and a life of independence. In this photo, she too was telling us her story (again with our impeccable translator, Suchi) with authentic confidence and the knowledge that she has made the right choice and has the steady backing of CINI to follow through. Before we left India, we visited Jasmina at the café where she’s completing her traineeship and she proudly took our orders, and served us our meals.
And this gorgeous woman behind her is CINI outreach and support worker Deepa – she is a firm and bold feature in all these support groups and programs – so fierce and steadfast ensuring that vulnerable young women, like Arufa and Jasmina demand nothing less than genuine and empowered self-determination.
These are just 2 of the countless stories of change that I’ve seen since I first became involved with CINI 7 years ago. That’s just 7 years -out of FIFTY – they’ve been doing this for 50 years and they’re bloody good at it. CINI responds to whole spectrums of disadvantage and vulnerability – from the children rescued from being trafficked across the border to the flood effected regions high up in the mountains – countless programs across the most vulnerable communities with a reach that goes from the most remote and isolated villages of West Bengal to the densest inner city urban areas of Kolkata.
It’s a response that creates palpable excitement in a newly empowered adolescent and maintains the dignity of a new mum rejected by a community that doesn’t yet know that HIV is not a touchable disease. It’s these stories that are confronting and inspiring all in the same view, and the passion and care of the CINI’s enduring response that will keep this spectacular organisation firmly in the deepest part of my heart and soul, for the rest of my days.
Our End of Financial Year (EOFY) Appeal is a great opportunity to take advantage of CINI Australia‘s tax deductible donation status.
Your contribution can help a family with HIV to thrive, an adolescent in Kolkata’s Red-Light district to reach her potential and a rural village to see young mothers receive the best care.
CINI Australia helps to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and disadvantage in India. Any support or donation you give will make a real and lasting change in the lives of women, children and local communities.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30th and help us raise $20,000!
Use the ATO’s Donation Tax Deduction Calculator to help you estimate the tax advantages you may receive: Click here.
What Your Donation Can Do:
$100 funds the development of skills and knowledge for each of the 545 adolescents in the “Ujjan” Program, empowering them to navigate adolescence successfully and become community leaders.
$400 supports one family in transitioning from the challenges of an HIV diagnosis towards independence. This includes psycho-social support, health education, healthcare access, children’s education, housing advocacy, and income generation training.
$2,500 employs outreach workers who are trained to assist families facing the challenges associated with HIV. Their understanding and courageous advocacy for rights are instrumental in driving change for these children.
$5,000 will enable the “Child Friendly Communities” team to reach an additional 12 remote villages and enhance safety, health, and education for children and mothers.
CINI Australia is a registered charity with DGR status, so any donation over $2 is tax deductible. At least 92% of funds raised in Australia goes directly to women, families and communities in India.
Every dollar counts and even small change can create big change. Please consider making a donation today. Thank you!
We are excited to announce that you can now purchase your tickets for this year’s High Tea Fundraiser on Sunday 5th May!
Celebrate Mother’s Day with us this year with a delicious high tea, including scrumptious food, aromatic plunger-coffee and the option to buy a glass or two of sparkling wine.
There will be a talk by CINI Australia where you will hear all about our recent visit to India and the latest news from our programmes, plus live entertainment, a shawl stall and beautiful gifts to purchase for Mother’s Day.
Fundraising activities will include our famous ‘Lucky Sip’, plus prizes to be won in our raffle and an exciting silent auction with many amazing prizes.
Help CINI Australia raise funds for our programmes that improve the health, nutrition, education and protection of women living in poverty in India.
The girls of today are the mothers of tomorrow. Let us lift them up and empower their voices!
CINI Australia Mother’s Day Celebration High Tea Fundraiser Sunday, 5th May 2024, 2.00pm – 5.30pm Exhibition Hall, John XXIII College, Mt Claremont, 6010
This message was written from the Child in Need Institute headquarters in Pailan, just south of Kolkata, to share the 50 year celebration of CINI’s work empowering women and building safety for vulnerable children.
Thank you for your wonderful and continued support.
Let me give you a glimpse of what we saw and heard in the villages and slums where your contributions are changing lives.
Families told us that they want to continue on this path and request we continue to fund these life changing programs.
Thank you, Jennie Connaughton Founder CINI Australia
Note: Photos: names have been changed and permission received for use of photos
Foundation Day
CINI Australia visitors joined the fantastic celebrations of CINI’s 50th anniversary on Thursday 1st February.
The guests of honour were the 4 children from 4 of the states in which CINI works. They spoke to us about their lives, the change CINI has helped them make, of their dreams and aspirations and their determination to achieve their rights and be heard. Their beautiful regional dances were joyous celebrations, their dramas skilfully addressed family violence, gender equity, inclusion and child marriage.
Outstanding staff received well deserved recognition for their dedication and work over the past 50 years
Congratulations and recognition came from the world’s leading organisations working against child exploitation and violence against children including the UN, SAIEVAC, ECPAT and the West Bengal Commissioner for the Protection of Childs Rights.
Support groups came from Italy, Switzerland and Australia joined this celebration of extraordinary achievements.
IICCHAA: For Children Affected by HIV
A home visit to Naimah and Sabira
After squeezing into totos then making our way across the padi fields, we received a warm welcome into Naimah’s home where she lives with her 4 daughters at the edge of the padi field. Curious neighbours gathered around, a stark contrast to earlier days when the family was ostracised because of fear of infection. Naimah clearly feels very supported by Anaewara, Nazia and Succhandra, the IICCHAA team. Lots has changed since they joined this program.
Naimah and her daughter, Sabira, are now both healthier, on regular ART medication and no longer afraid. They are again a part of their community. Sabira, who had never been to school, is in grade five and has mastered the alphabet in 2 languages. She is the first generation able to sign her name, a huge step towards independence and security. IICCHAA’s tutoring assistance is helping her catch up to her age-appropriate grade.
Income generation skills enables Naimah to support her family through sari making, piece work that earns her about $5 per day. Sabira showed us the vine spinach, tomatoes, eggplant and a young mango tree that they have growing in the kitchen garden, a strip of land between their home and the padi. A great help to their finances and nutrition.
Child Club: A Safe Place for All Children
In the next village we joined the IICCHAA Child club, a room bursting with noisey, excited girls. The community provides the space where infected and non-infected children come together to play and learn about their health, their rights and how to advocate for themselves to the authorities.
The children, under direction of one of the fathers presented a beautiful drama illustrating how they educate their community about HIV, are supported by the IICCHAA team and act to prevent child marriage.
Rashma, who we met 4 years ago when she was unwell and so low that she was barely able to talk with others, now speaks with confidence about her illness, replacing myths with facts and giving other positive children hope for their future. Dr Rumeli described the intensive support she required. Through CINI’s income generation training she is establishing her financial security. As she is now well and thriving, she has been phased out of the program. She returns to help with children’s meetings and awareness events. She is an inspiring role model for other children in the same situation.
Memory Work: Bringing the Present and Past Together
Simply put, this is a process to sync the child’s family history and memories with his/her present and is a powerful way to build close communication between child and parent, ready for more challenging conversations about HIV.
We heard countless stories of change in the health, social inclusion and emotional wellbeing of families. Income generation development has had an enormous impact. Access to sewing machines, tailoring training (by one of the fathers) and computer training is building much needed financial stability. The team identifies each child’s strengths, be it academic, dance or artistic and encourages them to develop these interests to their further education. The children were excited and proud to share their paintings, creations and dance.
The strongest message came from two mothers who took the floor. Zia said, “Slowly I am learning to sew, I do not want to stop, I want to learn more advanced sewing”. Rahima explained “with what we have learned, we know how to protect the rest of our family, we don’t feel ashamed, we can interact with anyone positively”.
The Facts and Figures
The 2024-25 budget for our IICHHAA program’s is approximately $76,000.
Remarkably, this amount employs 9 staff who, between them have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience.
They reach about 223 children from 185 families across 3 districts. Each child receives a monthly essential nutrition bundle, a total of 2,676 food bundles in the year.
Thousands more learn about HIV through IICCHAA’s advocacy and community awareness campaigns. To maintain this effective and deserving program we have a fundraising challenge ahead.
Contacts us with any questions: If you would like to discuss how to support a village or family or district or to partner CINI Australia in this wonderful program let us know. Please email: admin@ciniaustralia.org
Please forward and share this letter to help continue this much needed programme.Thank you for being an important part of the team.
On Thursday 1st February 2024 the Child in Need Institute (CINI) India turns 50.
For five decades, CINI has empowered women and children on an individual and community level, to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and disadvantage in India.
We have been associated with CINI in India since they began in 1974, and have built a respectful, honest and authentic partnership with them. This year, CINI Australia Board Members and other CINI Australia friends, will self-fund their travel to Kolkata to share this remarkable milestone together.
History of CINI
Founded in 1974 by Dr Samir Chaudhuri, a Bengali paediatrician with a special interest in child malnutrition, CINI started its journey from villages around Kolkata as a clinic for malnourished under-5 children.
1974 – Registered under the Societies Registration Act.
1985 – CINI Urban Unit set-up for street and working Children in Kolkata.
1995 – Adolecent Program initiated within the life-cycle approach.
2007 – Recognised as State nodal agency for initiating the ASHA selection and training in West Bengal.
2010 – Awarded World Bank- supported Development Marketplace project for income generation of women’s groups by marketing low-cost nutritious supplement “Nutrimix”.
2011 – Established shelter home for homeless women and girls in Kolkata with support from Government of West Bengal.
2011 – Child In Need India (CINI) Australia founded by Dr Jennifer Connaughton in Perth, Western Australia.
2018 – Initiated its community-based intervention in Assam with support from USAID.
2020 – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Havard University) selected CINI’s work on harm prevention for the research project “Understanding Prevention: An Analysis of three Community-Based Harm Prevention”.
2022 – Joined core group of India Alternative Care Network (IACN) facilitated by UNICEF country office.
2023 – NAT-Health Healthcare CSR Award ‘Community Based Health Solutions’
Lives Impacted
Over the last 50 years, CINI India has impacted the lives of over 50 million babies, children, adolescents, women and mothers.
1.4 million pregnant and lactating women by ensuring access to services.
76,000 children addressing their nutritional need.
92,000 children in accessing educational services.
0.1 million children being protected from any forms of harm.
5.1 million Adolescents being engaged in empowerment process.
49,637 Poor vulnerable families received dry-ration during COVID pandemic.
Awards & Recognition
CINI stands out amongst other NGOs for its tireless dedication and commitment to change. We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the ground-breaking work accomplished by CINI India.
2023
Joyee Award from CII and IWN, Recognition of excellence to caregivers for CINI’s exceptional contribution towards society during and post-pandemic situation.
2023
NATHEALTH Healthcare CSR award for best community health solutions in India.
2019
Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, e Parivartan Inspire Award, Britt World Wide (BWW) in the category of Women and Child Welfare.
1994
Achiever of the Year 2019 (vertical Hub: Child Care), Tata Institute of Social Science: School of Vocational Education.
2017
Best NGO, Health category, HCL Foundation.
2015
Mobile for Good Awards, Vodafone Foundation for our initiative GPower.
2015
Nari Suraksha Sanman Award, B Sirkar Johuree Nari Sanman.
2013
ABP Ananda Sera Bangali Award, category Public Life, to Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, SPJIMR Harvard US – India Initiative (HUII) NGOs Excellence Award.
2013-2018
Certificate of accreditation for adherence to the desirable norms prescribed for the good governance of voluntary organizations by Credibility Alliance.
2011
ICICI Lombard and CNBC TV18 ‘India Health Care’ Award.
2011
WHO Award for Excellence in Primary Health Care in India.
2008
Annual Rotary India Award, most significant contribution in reducing child mortality, Rotary Club.
2008
Ellis Island Medal of Honour, USA to CINI’s Director and founder, Dr. Samir Chaudhuri.
2007
Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, World of Children Award.
2005
Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, Premio Parlamentare per l’Infanzia (Children’s Award by the Italian Parliament / Parliamentary Commission for Children).
1985 & 2004
National Award in the field of Child Welfare.
Story of Change
The story of Abhijit Baski: In the Green Zone of Health
Abhijit Baski, aged 4.9 years old, is a healthy and happy ‘CINI Nutrimix baby’ having been fed CINI Nutrimix regularly along with other food. Abhijit was detected as severely underweight, and in the “Red Zone” of malnutrition, at a screening camp for children 0-5 years at the ICDS centre, in Kurulia village when he was 2.5 years old.
“We learned about making dry Nutrimix, khichdi,and laddoos; proper cooking practices, health and hygiene, and care of new-borns and young children. All the mothers listened because there are many children who are in the Yellow Zone. My son is now in Green but I try share what I learned and show them how to make Nutrimix.”
The future is bright for women and children in India. Over the last 5 decades, CINI’s approach and award winning ‘CINI Method’ has stood the test of time, creating fundamental changes to the foundations of society in some of the most disadvantages and marginalised groups in West Bengal. There is still a lot of work to be done and we look forward to the next 5 decades and beyond, helping to give women and children a voice in India.
Thank You
CINI’s success wouldn’t be possible without global supporters like you. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of CINI. Your support creates lasting change in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of individuals.
Recurring donations are the most valuable gift you can give. They secure funding for our programs, so that we can continue to provide support throughout the year. Even $2 goes a long way in India, where even the smallest donation can create the biggest change.
We invite you to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to receive live updates and news from India during this momentous occasion. Thank you for following and sharing the work being achieved by CINI.
The more people we reach, the more stories from India we can share, and the greater impact we can make.
Buy a case of 6 for $75! *This special pricing does not allow us to offer mixed or part cases.
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– Final Orders must be placed by Tuesday 28th November. – Orders can be collected from: Suite B, Main Level, Southbank Central, 38 Meadowvale Ave, South Perth on Saturday 2nd December between 9am – 1pm. – Or, you can opt to have your order delivered via Australia Post for an additional charge of $10/6pack
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