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.
This Christmas, we invite you to make a donation to CINI Australia to support women and children in some of the most disadvantaged regions of India, specifically West Bengal. Your support creates lasting change in the lives of individuals, where even a small donation can make a significant difference.
Donations to CINI have a tremendous impact, and we are proud to share the following success story as an example of the positive change achieved this year.
Income Generation Training – IICCHAA (Indian Initiative Child Centered HIV Aids Approach)
Income Generation Training focuses on equipping individuals with skills that enable them to create income, with the primary objective of bolstering their financial independence. The trainees are individuals living with HIV, who wish to secure their livelihoods.In the South 24 Parganas, tailoring sessions were initiated for 8 young adults and mothers. Additionally, a 3-day Vocational Training Programme was organised in the Murshidabad unit, targeting 3 adolescents and 3 mothers from HIV-affected families.
This training program takes place at CINI Head Office, in collaboration with a local tailor who was previously supported by the program. In anticipation of the Bengali Durga Puja festival, which sees increased demand for various items like sarees, kurtis, churidars, bangles, earrings, and jewellery, the training focused specifically on fabric painting.
This hands-on approach helped to empower individuals with the means to generate income through their newfound skills. Programs like these form the cornerstone of the CINI Method—an internationally recognised and award-winning human rights-based approach.
Your contribution this Christmas can make a significant impact. CINI Australia is a registered charity, so any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
Buy a case of 6 for $75! *This special pricing does not allow us to offer mixed or part cases.
How to Order
– Fill in the editable form below and save the form to your computer. To do this, click on the ‘save’ icon in the top right hand corner of the pane. – Or, click on the ‘Download’ button, fill in the form in a new window and save the form to your computer. – Email your completed order form to fundraising@killerby.com.au or fax to: 9363 1333. – For all enquiries phone Killerby Wines: 08 9363 1300. – All payments are processed by Killerby Wines.
– 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
Tim Mathews, Managing Director of Modus Property, has been a valued supporter of CINI Australia for many years now; donating a portion of every job they do to CINI Australia. Modus Property offer a level of service to trade work usually only expected from “White Collar” professionals. We met with Tim recently to ask him what inspired him to support CINI Australia and thank him for his on-going support.
In the first quarter of 2023, Modus donated a generous $3257. The funds continue to support CINI’s Indian Initiative of Child Centered HIV/ AIDS Approach (IICCHAA), which currently provides support to 171 families and 223 children affected by HIV/AIDS.
In the second quarter of 2023, Modus donated $3257 again! This money directly funds Life Skills training for 12 adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS. Their confidence and capacity grows each month as they move towards their independence.
Q: What motivated you to start supporting CINI Australia? “It took several years to build a company which was capable of making consistent profits. After this was achieved, I wanted to be able to give back; and was on the lookout for a good cause that we could support on a regular basis. We had previously made donations to an orphanage in The Philippines as we had some admin staff there at the time. However, I didn’t feel confident enough that the money was going to the right place and around this time was introduced to Jennie Connaughton (Founder of CINI Australia). Jennie’s authenticity shone through, and I felt very good about what CINI does. I especially like that the money can do good for more people in a country such as India than it could in a first world country.“
Q: How does CINI’s mission align with your company’s values and goals? “Nothing specific. However, I’m a big believer in hand ups not hand outs and I think CINI seems to operate the same way.“
Q: Can you share which specific projects within CINI resonate with you most and why? “Nothing specific but also everything. Each time I hear about an individual’s specific story it’s always touching. And I know that there are so many individuals being positively impacted by the work CINI does. So being able to be a part of that feels good.“
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to achieve through your support of our charity? “Help people far less fortunate lead less difficult and hopefully happier lives.”
Q: How do you communicate your company’s philanthropic efforts to your employees, customers, and the public? “We have a page on our website that I update quarterly and a quarterly Facebook post too.“
Q: Have there been any instances where your company’s involvement with our charity has resulted in unexpected or particularly meaningful outcomes? “Some customers have definitely seen it on our website and sometimes make mention. I can’t say for sure but would imagine that all other things being equal, it may be the impetus for someone to choose to work with us over a competitor from time to time.“
Q: Is there anything else you would like people to know? “Not specifically that I can think of… other than that we are the best renovation company in Perth, and we do what we say we’re going to do; unlike most trade companies unfortunately.”
You can see Modus’ donations in action by visiting the Giving Back section of their website.
We would like to say a big thank you to Tim and his staff at Modus Property for their incredible donations and commitment to CINI Australia.
In April this year, CINI India was awarded a prestigious award for its commitment to the right to health of India’s most vulnerable communities, the NatHealth Healthcare CSR Award 2023. At a ceremony held in New Delhi, CINI’s CEO, Dr. Indrani Bhattacharyya, received the award directly from the hands of the Minister for Institutional Affairs of the Government of India, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh.
The NatHealth Healthcare CSR Award
Every year NatHealth, the Indian federation that brings together different stakeholders from the corporate public and privatehealth sector, awards this award. 63 projects have applied in 2023 to receive this recognition. The jury that was to evaluate them was composed of members of the Indian government’s health institutions, a researcher from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, a member of the corporate world and an expert in health and nutrition from the World Bank.
After careful analysis, the jury chose the “Suswasthya” project by CINI!
The Suswasthya project for the right to health in India
Suswasthya in Bengali means “good health“. The project aims, in fact, to ensure the right to health to the poorest Indian communities, and especially to women and children. The activities take place in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. In two years, the project reached 5,724direct and 50,000 indirect beneficiaries, focusing on high-risk pregnant women, malnourished children and vulnerable adolescents. Through capacity building activities, CINI operators have trained over 4,000 health workers in public services.
The intervention is financed by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of the National Stock Exchange, an Indian government body that regulates the stock market. This partnership between the private social sector and the business world realizes, among others, Goal 17 of the 2030 Agenda.
In the words of CINI founder Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, “this award recognizes CINI as a leader in delivering health and nutrition interventions to support poor communities living in remote, hard-to-reach areas.”
Congratulations to the CINI team for the important recognition received!
You can still contribute to maintaining our three important projects in India with the CINI Australia Mother’s Day Appeal or hold your own gathering and ask family and friends to help reach your goal set up your fundraising page here
Child in Need Institute, India has launched an urgent response to the COVID disaster in India. As the catastrophe engulfs the country and the health system is overwhelmed, preventing COVID transmission is critical.
Families desperately need practical information and assistance to prevent further devastation from COVID. CINI has 47 years’ experience reaching families in the city slums and rural villages. It’s field workers are trusted in areas where resources are scarce and poverty is severe. They are the best people to spread these urgent and lifesaving public health messages.
Our appeal will fund the emergency COVID response and CINI Australia’s ongoing community development programs in rural villages and with families affected by HIV/AIDS. These programs address poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and child marriage which have worsened with the devastating impact COVID on already vulnerable families.
This year we are unable to hold the annual High Tea for CINI Australia. Instead we are asking supporters to make a donation or hold their own fundraiser as they celebrate their Mother’s Day. Invite family, friends or work colleagues. As COVID infections surge in India, the situation is dire. CINI has the experience and expertise to mount an effective response to this crisis. Communities need accurate, understandable health information to protect themselves. CINI COVID Assistance centres throughout the state will disseminate vital public health education, nutritional support & distribute COVID Wellness Kits.(masks, sanitiser etc) This years fundraiser is critical for our ongoing programs and to help families through this pandemic. See how to help at: https://mothers-day-celebration-2021-ciniaustralia.raisely.com
This Newsletter tells you about the work CINI is doing to support families through the six months of the COVID panademic. They are helping families with emergency nutrition and keeping children, who are now out of school, safe.
Donations to CINI Australia are now tax deductible
This year’s Christmas Appeal is more important than ever as India continues to be severely affected by COVID-19
Donate in lieu of a Christmas gift or Secret Santa
When COVID struck, CINI quickly identified the greatest needs in their communities. A huge response was mounted. Food parcels were distributed throughout the state. As the lockdown eases CINI is now responding to worsened poverty, malnutrition, interrupted schooling and diminished safety of children. Our committed field workers are again working in more than 94 villages.
Read the latest news from India and how CINI’s emergency response is bringing relief to families coping with the COVID-19 lockdown and now the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan. Read what CINI Australia is doing to help.
CINI Australia’s COVID Crisis Appeal is remaining open if you would like to give these families a hand to get through the lockdown and recover from Amphan.
Fresh water is in short supply, homes have been severely damaged and belongings lost. CINI is helping with food packages again and funds to help with homes.
Thank you for supporting our Mothers Day event. CINI has been providing emergency food and soap to families who can’t otherwise access enough for their children.This means we can keep our important community development and HIV programs running as much as possible through the lockdown. The teams will be ready to start again as the lock down eases.
Please contribute to this appeal that will fund CINI’s emergency response to the lockdown in India. Families are being provided with packages of essential basic food supplies to help them survive this difficult time as well as soap, sanitizer and education about ho to keep safe.
Tomorrow, Sunday 10th May, our annual CINI Australia Mother’s Day Celebration 2020 goes online. Join the Facebook Event or donate to the Covid Crisis Fundraiser
We celebrate mothers in India who are working hard in this very difficult time, to look after their children the best they can .
From 2: 30 pm, via our Facebook event you can hear about CINI’s response to the COVID crisis in India and support their courageous work with those in dire need. CINI initiated a rapid response to Covid, providing essential food to families in the slums, the brick kilns and tea gardens throughout West Bengal. They are also supplying soap and Nutrimix, CINI’s highly nutritious food mix, where they are most needed. Volunteers receive hygiene kits with masks and sanitizer to keep them safe as they deliver food and health information to communities. Your support will help them continue this vital work.
Social distancing and waiting for food packages
When you donate to this Appeal you will automatically go in the raffle draw for one of the fantastic prizes, kindly donated by local Perth businesses.
Mother’s Day is the major fundraiser for CINI Australia’s programs in India. We aim to raise over $25,000 on Sunday to support the Covid response and to ensure the continuation of our other essential programs. The Child Friendly Communities program reaches over 90 villages in Uttar Dinajpur and IICCHAA supports more than 200 children and their families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Thank you for your generosity.
Food parcel delivery to the villagesMany need food assistance as earning an income has become very difficultNutrimix Distribution
CINI responded quickly to the strict pandemic lockdown imposed in mid March in India. Infection numbers still continue to rise and the lockdown is being eased. Life has been extremely difficult for daily wage earners who rely on finding work each day to feed their families. A a result of no income and closed markets, access to food has been limited. CINI and quickly Nutrimix production and made packages of essential dry food rations. They have delivered these to 10s of thousands of families throughout the state.
Book your seats now and come along to this great High Tea Fundraiser at John XXIII College, Mt Claremont
We are fundraising to help these young women to build a healthy future for their children. They are working to make sure their children are well nourished, succeed in school and have a safe childhood free from poverty.
In 2018 CINI Australia’s impact in India has continued enhancing the live of families socially and economically through health, nutrition and education programs.
With your support, CINI Australia can continue to fund these empowering programs that are enabling entire communities to create positive, sustainable inter-generational change.
Just in the last 6 months the CINI Australia-funded IICCHAA program has reached over 200 families effected by HIV/AIDs. This program included home visits, nutrition, health and hygiene support, community awareness, linkages with financial security support offered by local government schemes, education scholarships, housing assistance – the list goes on.
Hundreds more families have been affected by CINI Australia’s Child Friendly Communities program. This powerful method of development is delivered to all parts of the community: local government, services and families. It includes improving nutrition, health and hygiene for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and malnourished children; self help groups, supported by health workers track vulnerable households and adolescents learn about their rights to education and safety. Building empowerment and representation in local government gives women a say in what matters most to them and a voice in determining the future of their communities.
The 2018 Christmas Appeal is the first of many vital steps towards reaching our 2019 program budget by March.
We would be very grateful if you could please share this and consider re-directing gift-givers to our cause in lieu of gifts this Christmas.
