Increasingly CINI India is working with adolescent boys and girls to increase awareness of their sexual, reproductive and health rights. Embedded across all programs they identify peer leaders who are then trained to be able to deliver a range of advocacy services and further increase understanding of their rights.
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 works to empower adolescent boys and girls, aged 10 – 19, to be able to make a successful transition to adulthood in urban Kolkata.
UJJAN focusses on an extremely socially-excluded population – the children of sex workers in the red-light area of Kolkata. These children face many hurdles preventing them from accessing mainstream education, health and other services. Because they become accustomed to sex work from an early age, they also become more susceptible to early marriage, sex trafficking and teenage pregnancy.
This innovative project aims to provide vulnerable adolescents with both knowledge and skills in health, education and their own 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 has successfully funded this 3-year program from 2021-2024, a commitment we have been proud to achieve. Despite pushing really hard for donations in the last year we made it.
Regrettably, over the past 12 months, we have not been able to raise sufficient funds to support a second round of UJJAN. We believe it is a fantastic initiative with powerful outcomes, and we remain firmly committed to this unique and essential program. The children supported by UJJAN face an additional layer of discrimination, and both they and their mothers tell us how much hope it brings them. Children in the community look forward to turning 10 so they can take part — and it is heartbreaking to take away this ray of hope.
How You Can Help
Knowledge is power, and awareness is the key to unlocking potential. We simply 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
