Project AAS

Campaign Story

About the project

In the 10 slums of Indore, the lack of nearby secondary schools and poor infrastructure further compel children to drop out and engage in labor. Moreover, girls face a web of vulnerabilities due to gender discrimination and social norms often leading to early school dropouts and child marriage. Child labor during agricultural seasons, early marriages, and adolescent pregnancies remain persistent issues in the intervention area.

Making a difference

CRY America is working to facilitate quality education and protection for the children of this region. Key interventions include strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs), enrolling and re-enrolling dropout children and first-time learners in school, linking families to job opportunities and welfare programs, and strengthening child protection mechanisms to reduce instances of early marriage and labor. Another important initiative is the formation of Children’s Collectives and Adolescent Collectives to educate children and youth on child rights and the consequences of child marriage and child labor.

The way forward

● Conduct support classes in 5 CACs and computer classes through 2 DLECs on a daily basis.
● Track 2,735 children through a comprehensive database to monitor enrolment, prevent dropouts, and support re-enrolment of out-of-school children.
● Strengthen 15 schools, along with SMCs, to address dropout issues.
● Conduct 2 Back-to-School campaigns to promote enrolment and re-enrolment of dropout and never-enrolled children.
● Implement Phase 5 of the Child-Friendly School initiative in 4 government schools to promote inclusiveness, efficiency, and a safe, protective environment.
● Link 500 vulnerable families to government programmes for financial aid to reduce instances of child labour and early marriage.
● Engage with 9 Ward-Level and Village-Level Child Protection Committees to strengthen child protection mechanisms and reduce instances of child labour and early marriage.
● Conduct 5 social action projects (led by children on community issues) with children and vigilant groups.
● Strengthen 30 children’s and adolescent collectives through life skills training.
● Implement the Parents’ Life Skill Module with at least 200 parents in the intervention areas

Project Impact

847

Children attending Child Activity Centers

506

Children attending Digital Learning & Empowerment Center for basic computer skills

112

Out-of school and dropout children enrolled in schools

3,803

Children attended sessions on cyber safety

187

Children received learning materials

70

Children removed from labor

972

Community members linked to government programs for financial aid

600

Children and adolescents in collectives

2,062

Children trained in Life Skill sessions

1,149

Parents trained in Parent’s Module

1,379

Children participated in sports

2,593

Children educated on menstrual hygiene

Last year’s grant disbursed for Jan 25’ to Dec ‘25: $27,444

This year’s grant approved for Jan ‘26 to Dec ‘26:

Education$33,540

Administration$1,989

Protection$16,900

Total Budget$52,429

From fear to freedom to learn

Two sisters, Neha and Piya* in Grades 8 and 10, were regular at school and at the Digital Learning and Empowerment Centre (DLEC). Over time, however, safety concerns in their neighbourhood began to affect their routine. A group of boys would gather along the route to the centre and tease girls passing by. When the sisters shared their discomfort at home, their parents tried to intervene, but the situation did not improve. With limited options, the family chose to restrict the girls’ movement. Neha’s routine was closely monitored, Piya discontinued school, and both stopped attending the DLEC.

When the CRY America project team noticed their prolonged absence, along with that of other girls, they reached out to understand the situation. After speaking with the family, the team counselled the parents and assured them that steps would be taken to address the safety concerns. They also engaged directly with the boys, and their parents, discussing the importance of creating a safe environment for girls in the community. Beyond this, the team worked with community members to strengthen local child protection mechanisms and raise awareness around safety and respect. Gradually, the situation improved, and the harassment stopped.

With renewed confidence, Neha and Piya resumed attending school and the DLEC. The team supported them in catching up on missed learning through remedial classes and helped rebuild their confidence through Life Skills sessions and group activities, enabling them to continue their education with a greater sense of safety and support.

*Name changed to protect child’s identity

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