NGOs In India Giving Orphaned Children Hope In This Time Of Crisis
Losing a parent at any point in time is heartbreaking. Knowing that there won’t be an assuring hand that will make us feel secure is a gut-wrenching feeling.
And now imagine the trauma and the pain of a child who has lost both their parents in this pandemic within a gap of just 30 days. Nearly 600 children in India have lost both parents to Covid-19, said Smriti Irani, the government minister for women and child development, in a tweet last month.
The second wave has ravaged the country. India’s healthcare system had come to a staggering halt and so many lost their lives and loved ones. Nothing better explains the condition of a country’s losses like the number of children orphaned in the surge. These are children who are still unaware of the fact that a dangerous virus has orphaned them.
“They keep asking me when their parents will be back. I don’t have an answer. I just keep telling them that they’re in the hospital. But for how long?” — maternal uncle of little Pooja* and her brother.
There is also a lack of awareness and fear that makes their family members and neighbours hesitant when helping these children. These are difficult times and the children of India don’t know what lies ahead of them. They are in need of support and kindness.
Here’s a list of NGOs who have come forward in these times of crisis to help these little children.
SAMPARC: Started in 1990, SAMPARC — Social Action for Manpower Creation is home to hundreds of orphaned and needy children in India. With homes in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Rajasthan, SAMPARC’s aim is to take care of the nutritional, educational and overall developmental needs of these children.
Voice of Slum: It is an NGO based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It’s mission is to assimilate street children into mainstream society by providing them with quality education, exposure and access to opportunities. The NGO is run by those born in slums, who have been through it all. They now want to help other slum kids have a better life. They have helped thousands in the last year, during the pandemic. They wish to do the same this time with your help.
Choti Choti Khushiyan: Started by Dr. Varun Khullar in 2016, Choti Choti Khushiyan is a Delhi-based NGO with the mission to help as many orphaned children and underprivileged people in India as possible. They are committed to supporting them by providing them with essentials, focusing on their overall development, and giving them the opportunity to have a well-rounded education.
Right now, the future may seem replete with uncertainties for these kids but they deserve a chance at better lives. You can make a difference and donate to similar causes here.
*name has been changed to maintain confidentiality
