Increasingly CINI India is working with adolescent boys and girls, giving them the skills to voice their needs and increase awareness of their sexual reproductive health and their rights. Embedded across all programs is the process of selecting peer leaders who are trained to advocate for adolescent responsive services and further disseminate their new knowledge to their peers.
By knowing their rights, children are better equipped to navigate adolescence and adulthood and become leaders within their own communities.
UJJAN Project
Launched in 2021, CINI piloted a specialised program called UJJAN which empowers adolescent boys and girls, aged 10 – 19, to make a successful transition to adulthood in urban Kolkata.
UJJAN focuses on an extremely socially-excluded population – the children of the red-light area of Kolkata. These children face many hurdles, including discrimination and stigma, preventing them from accessing mainstream education, health and other services. Growing up in this environment, where sex-work is a major source of income, they also become susceptible to early marriage, sex trafficking and teenage pregnancy.
This innovative project aims to provide vulnerable adolescents with knowledge and skills in health, education and their rights. Education is also provided to parents, teachers, local government agencies and community leaders to help address the underlying issues.
By knowing their rights, children are better equipped to navigate adolescence and adulthood and become leaders within their own communities.
** PROGRAM UPDATE **
CINI Australia successfully funded this 3-year program from 2021-2024, a commitment we are proud to have achieved thanks to your support and generous grants from Meridian Global Foundation and the Universal Charitable Fund.
Regrettably, over the past 12 months, we have not raised sufficient funds to support a second round of UJJAN. The children and their mothers tell us how much knowledge they have gained and the hope it brings them. Children look forward to turning 10 so they can take part. UJJAN is a fantastic initiative with powerful outcomes and we remain firmly committed to this unique and essential program. We want to respond to the community’s request that it continue.
How You Can Help
Knowledge is power, and awareness is the key to unlocking potential. We ask that you spread the story of these women and children, giving them a voice. The more people we reach, the more who may wish to connect, share and support. We believe small change can make big change, and even a trickle can cause a flood. Please lend your voice to theirs.
Here at CINI Australia, we are always on the lookout for corporate support. If you believe UJJAN aligns with your organisation’s ethos or brand, we would love to hear from you. Please email: admin@ciniaustralia.org.
UJJAN: The Brighter Lanes
