Overview

Transform each Child Welfare Committee (CWC) premises into Child-Friendly spaces (CFS) thereby assuring the well-being and safety of our nation’s youngest members. Children who are at risk or in need of care are produced before the Child Welfare Committee of the district (for example: children from disturbed or violent families; lost, abandoned, exploited, abused or vulnerable children)

To learn more about Child Welfare Committees Click Here

A mere visual inspection of most CWC premises in the country reveals the fact that there is a lot that can be done to make CWC premises child- friendly. In fact, many of them lack basic infrastructure for children.

A Child-Friendly Space is a safe place where children's unique needs can be met and they can freely express themselves without feeling intimidated. These spaces help children return to a normal routine by offering activities, games and informal education. Child-Friendly Spaces assure the safety of a community's youngest members by offering indoor and outdoor activity areas, waste disposal, latrines, washing facilities and potable water.

Objectives

To upgrade infrastructure in every Child Welfare Committee (CWC) premises across India and transform them into Child-friendly spaces by

• Making them physically, culturally, and developmentally appropriate, providing adequate resources for small groups to conduct different activities simultaneously
• providing fun activities, such as games, play, recreation facilities and group activities, appropriate equipment, including materials for play, first aid items, cleaning materials, etc
• making interiors bright, engaging environments that display colours, toys, art work, and other appealing items
• providing water filter, fans, proper lighting, air cooler and furniture
• creating book corner with age-appropriate books in Hindi, English and local language
• making washrooms child friendly
• providing informal learning opportunities in reading, basic hygiene and life lessons
• enabling children to express their feelings through creative play, stories and group interactions
• distributing stationery, water bottles, books and drawing equipment etc
• coordinating with the government and other agencies to provide psychosocial, education, and other relevant support to children

Highlights

• Government mandates that every district in India should have a CWC. But not every district has a CWC. It is anticipated that there must be at least 700 CWC premises across India
• Working with corporate partners to strengthen ecosystems for children at risk by improving access to technology and comprehensive awareness and training initiatives