An Internship That Inspires

Blame the competitive professional environment, but very few students get to intern at a place that truly hones their skills. Fewer get to work for a cause and learn in the process. And an even smaller faction of people gets both. By a wild stroke of chance though, such opportunities do materialize.
The 5 weeks of internship at CRY were worth a lifetime of memories and experience. When you work with children, it is nearly impossible to not be plagued by the zeal that surrounds you. Their laughter and optimism is infectious.


No less can be expected from a magnanimous organization like CRY which puts the rights and empowerment of children front, center and forward.

As an intern, I got multiple opportunities to be a part of CRY events and interact with the volunteers, donors and the children they work with. They all had varying perceptions on every subject matter. But, it was one unifying cause that brings these people hailing from different backgrounds, professions, genders and age together.

En-route one such event, the small group of children enthusiastically began sharing their aspirations.
“I’ll be a pilot when I grow up” said the 11 year old boy. “Or a driver” his friend giggled.
“Why can’t he be both?” chimed another. While the other kids burst into fits of laughter, it sure gets one pondering over the depth of the issue. What is it that makes some children belittle their ambitions while some others are conscious enough to consider multiple back-up professions and plan out their lives systematically?

The naivety and simplicity of this question is what makes the work done by CRY all more relevant. It is through their intervention that these kids can now dream and dare to receive better education and pursue the professions of their choice. For a child who is conditioned to believe is only fit for menial jobs, a career in aviation was a distant dream.

Yet now, these kids are braving all adversities and availing the benefits of schemes designed for them. For all we know, the future generations would be brighter and more driven by pragmatic conquests than ever before.

The lack of awareness surrounding child rights as well as disparities in opportunities owing to financial conditions of their families draws a wedge between the kids and their dreams. However, working alongside different NGOs for these causes, CRY ensures to bridge this gap.

There were many instances that made me realize this internship was like none other. Be it the enthusiasm of the volunteers who underwent training to creatively engage with the children, or the willingness of the donors to be part of the cause at a fund raising event- it was heart warming to see the multitude eager to step up for the betterment of the society at large.

There were no dull moments; given that working under and learning from different departments within the organization opens up the mid to fresh avenues. Every task challenges, every event channelizes and every day ensnares the interns to perform well and be the best versions of themselves.

A drastic shift in terms of rights and empowerment of children and women is looming across the horizon. And I can proudly proclaim to have been a part of Child Rights and You that is the catalyst for this change.

Shruti Bhatnagar, CRY Intern, Mumbai, (Student, Amity University, Pursuing Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)

Tutoring the Teacher - CRY

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
― William Arthur Ward

Teaching is the noblest profession of all. It is thus, unfortunate, that monetary covetousness has begun to tinge it.

However, there still are few people who teach out of passion, and out of sheer dedication. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts and empathy towards the kids. They are a rarity though- and CRY volunteers step up to take up this mantle of the good Samaritans.
These volunteers, who are devoted to the cause, ensure that nothing interferes with the children’s education.


And so, on a balmy Sunday morning when most people were just beginning to stir in their slumber, a group of volunteers was stepping up to make a difference.
In the volunteer training session organized by CRY on the subject of creative engagement with children, over 25 volunteers zealously learned, shared and expressed their sentiments on working with children.

For volunteers, old and new alike, the training turned out to be an extensive learning experience.
For me, as an intern, the session came as an eye opener. It offered a refreshing take on the world view of a child; and through the training the volunteers were coached on how to be a part of it. We engaged, participated and were enthralled to learn what could be captivating to a child.

The volunteers were asked to share their experiences and address any doubts regarding teaching methodologies. And share; they did. They fondly recounted the enthusiasm they were greeted with, and the smiling faces they taught.

It could be a challenge to keep a class of roughly 40 energetic kids engaged in factual and textual information. Hence, the activities that energize them are the ones that need to be incorporated into their routine.

Commencing with acts as simple as pacing around the room and a series of ice breakers, the training delved deeper into more interactive activities like storytelling and art. They were amusing, led to introspection and provided an insight into child cognition and comprehension.


“I feel 10! Young and alive” proclaimed one volunteer, clearly enthused by the hands-on approach the training adapted. Engaging the children with their peers as well as with the volunteers was the key to hold their attention, it was deduced.

In a time where we speak with conviction of defending our liberty and freedom, it is ironic to note that the rights of children are often neglected. The volunteers were not just at length told of the alternative ways this can be dealt with, but also coached on finer aspects of the problems these kids might face.

The volunteers were also taught how to work with large groups of children and keep them engaged and interested throughout the session with games and breezy activities. Children have a vivid imagination and channelizing their energies into honing them goes a long way into developing their mental dexterity.

They possess boundless potential within them. The need to explore it is dire; as are the means we adapt to discover them.

It was uplifting to observe the zeal interactive activities incite in adults and children alike.
It could be something as simple as mirroring their friends or making up a story, a sentence a time and it would teach the kids how to relate and connect with people in a better manner.

The day-long training inspired and enlightened. It boiled down to the fact that in order to inculcate the values and concepts in the minds of the children it is more important to be able to imbibe them into one’s own persona first.

Shruti Bhatnagar, CRY Intern, Mumbai (Amity University)

Menstruation – A Taboo No More. Period.

A schoolgirl once stained her uniform whilst on her period. The boys in her class looked on and laughed. She laughed too, at how very naive they were…

Menstrual blood is typically the only source of blood that isn’t induced traumatically. Why then is it such a sensitive issue in a society like ours where child abuse is talked about freely but god forbid someone brings up menstruation during conversation! We live in a country deeply rooted in ignorance and superstition. Young girls across India lack the support they need when they reach this crucial stage in their lives. In most homes, mothers are unable to address menstruation related queries and in schools, the teachers shy away from doing so. This led CRY, an organization that provides child relief and support, to take up the initiative to spread awareness at the grass root level last year.

It all started with a workshop conducted in Mumbai last year, for the volunteers who were to conduct awareness sessions across Mumbai and Pune to break the menstruation taboo. They were taught how to tackle sensitive issues like these with young adolescents who are found to have the most impressionable minds. Sessions were then conducted by the volunteers for about 350 girls between the ages 10 – 14 at several locations including Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Pune. Initially, the girls were hesitant and taken aback with the volunteers’ outright frankness but during the course of the sessions, they shed their inhibitions and started communicating their opinions and doubts quite freely.

In addition to menstruation, the sessions combed through a variety of subjects including puberty and bodily growth, how to use sanitary napkins, sexual intercourse, STI’s and nutrition. Another important issue discussed in detail with the girls was – safe and unsafe touch. One in every two children in India is a victim of child sexual abuse and thus children have to be taught how to handle such grave situations. The questions that arose were concrete and it provided a platform for the girls to express themselves. “Why don’t boys get pregnant?” “What are condoms?” “Are we really not supposed to touch a pickle jar when we’re menstruating?”-some asked. Needless to say, several myths were busted and the girls ran up to the volunteers, thanking them profusely for addressing their queries, which are otherwise left unnoticed and unanswered in their schools and homes.

All the effort put in during the course of 3 months, translated into success for the children and more so for the volunteers who were thrilled to have made a difference in the lives of so many children. One of the girls, a 5th grader, expressed her gratitude and said, “Before this we had no idea about this subject. This was a helpful session. They explained to us the changes that take place in our body and how we should take care of our personal hygiene. This was a beneficial session and we are thankful to the team.” – Asmita, student , 6th standard, Kalyan municipal school

“The experience was great, we could easily share our concerns with the volunteers from CRY as we look up to them as our elder sisters and feel comfortable talking about such things more than we do with our parents.” – student of 7th std, Thane municipal school

Menstruation session was conducted which targeted girls from 5th to 7th grade. The session began with brief up on puberty and the physical changes that they will undergo. They were also updated about the difference in physical changes that a boy and a girl experience. This brought the discussion to one major difference of girls experiencing thier periods in this stage. The girls were told that periods are not reason to panic and is a sign of healthy body and it’s preparedness for motherhood in future. We then explained the menstruation cycle, the frequency and duration of periods. They were also shown video of uterus illustrating the cycle. We explained the kids about symptoms on which they should consult a doctor like excessive bleeding for more than 5 days, unduly delay in their next cycle. The discussion then moved to sanitary pads, personal hygiene and disposal of used pads. We encouraged the girls to carry their usual activities even in periods while ensuring that they maintain personal hygiene and eat nutritious food. During the entire training session pictures and videos were used. A video on puberty, reproductive system and an animated video on menstruation talk was used.

“Towards end of the session safe and unsafe touch was covered. The girls were encouraged to speak up if they face any situation of misbehaviour or unsafe touch either by stranger or known person. It was emphasized that they should not be afraid, ashamed or blame themselves for such incidents,” Janani, CRY Volunteer, Mumbai

Compiled by Kimberley Pinto, Intern (Mumbai)

My Experience of Volunteering at CRY, Pune

“In today’s world, saying that people know less about child rights, than rocket science is an understatement. The first step towards betterment would be awareness and creating awareness among the youth should be our priority.”Talking about child rights perception, our Pune PAG volunteer Chinmayee Mundhe puts forth her journey with CRY.

“A zest to contribute towards the society was one of my reasons to join CRY, but after two and a half years of volunteering, the innocent and hopeful smiles of the
kids, still happens to be the most prominent reason. The satisfaction of working at CRY can’t be put into words. It gives me a sense of contentment and merriment!”

The 21 year old MITCOE engineering student who teaches 5th and 6th grade children reveals an unforgettable experience - The Annual Function dance
choreography. “After the month long practice sessions, on the final day the execution was just perfect! I’ll never overcome the joy of dancing with those tiny-tots.” “The ever-welcoming, reluctant to give up and ever enthusiastic children are all my favourites and I just can’t be partial towards one of them. Yet two names cross my mind; Vaishnavi and Sonali. These two argue like sisters and are notoriously intelligent. That’s a rare trait and that’s why I adore them.”

“Working with CRY has been extremely rewarding. I have not just gained confidence to present my views, but also earned the respect which I see in those
adoring eyes; and trust me nothing can put a price on that. You learn more than you think you can and the kids are just a breath of fresh air. I would strongly
recommend new volunteers to join CRY for two reasons: Partly because it is the right thing to do. Mainly because somewhere there is a kid in all of us and CRY nurtures that in the most amazing way. My vision for the children is: Make the horizon reachable. Let education not be a luxury for them.”

“So, join CRY and don’t take my word for it... you will know all by yourself!”

- Chinmayee Mundhe

An Initiative: Personality Development Program For Slum Children

The Personality Development program designed and implemented by CRY-Child Rights volunteers in a suburban slum has successfully helped in reducing the number of school dropouts. 

Every Saturday, students from Jaibai Vidyamandir, a semi-English and Marathi municipal school nestled in the Shaninagar area of Kalyan, a suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai eagerly wait for their ‘lessons’ to begin.

The students are mainly children of rag pickers and construction workers. Due to financial pressures on the family, these children often end up rag picking or selling scrap during their summer holidays. Encouraged by earning small amounts of money, they eventually end up dropping out of school and working as child labourers full time.

CRY volunteer Roshan Sarukte who heads the Kalyan CRY Public Action Group developed a unique program to motivate children to stay in school. Soon to be a graduate, Roshan says he designed the program to bring the children back to the classrooms, get them interested in studying and eventually in their own lives.

“Due to family pressures and extreme poverty, many children end up working full time and dropping out of school. Our main aim was to get them hooked on to studying and convince them to be regulars at school. For this we had to build their self confidence first,” he says 

“There is a common perception that children from poorer backgrounds and specially those who attend government schools are not smart enough to students of private or convent schools. We wanted to change this perception and hence took it on the challenge of preparing these children to be more confident. Empowering these children was our objective,” says Roshan who along with his team of 12 has been volunteering every weekend at the school for last two years.

Both Roshan and Divya Mistry, another CRY volunteer looked back at all the information they had gathered over the two years and identified key areas which could be addressed with the children.
Soon the duo designed a module targeted at children studying between Std 5 to Std 7. The module covered four areas namely – Personality Development, Discipline, Leadership and Money Management.

The first session took place in the first week of June last year with 20 students. Though most of the students were able to read basic English, they were less confident of speaking the language. They also lacked the ability to present themselves well.

Photo Credit: www.photonaut.in

Roshan with his team of volunteers began the session with reading and writing skills for the classes as a whole and also personally catered to the ones who did not know to read or write at all.  He also helped the students with working on their postures while standing and reading in front of the whole class. Their pronunciations and grammar skills too were corrected from time to time.

Both Roshan and Divya Mistry, another CRY volunteer looked back at all the information they had gathered over the two years and identified key areas which could be addressed with the children. Soon the duo designed a module targeted at children studying between Std 5 to Std 7. The module covered four areas namely – Personality Development, Discipline, Leadership and Money Management. The first session took place in the first week of June last year with 20 students.

Though most of the students were able to read basic English, they were less confident of speaking the language. They also lacked the ability to present themselves well. Roshan with his team of volunteers began the session with reading and writing skills for the classes as a whole and also personally catered to the ones who did not know to read or write at all. He also helped the students with working on their postures while standing and reading in front of the whole class. Their pronunciations and grammar skills too were corrected from time to time.


Once the children were comfortable with these sessions, they were taught how to use hand gestures to narrate a story or to explain a text.
The volunteers also kept a check on the dressing habits of the students and emphasised on cleanliness by asking them regularly to wear their uniform, cut their nails, trim their hair etc. They were also taught the importance of good manners and speaking politely.
In few sessions, the team taught the students the importance of saving habits and how one should manage one’s money.
The outcome of this was that few children did save up their money and bought themselves either a ball or a new school bag from their savings.
Divya says the change these sessions have brought into the lives of these children have been eye-opening for them as well.

“We began it as a one-time experiment but it has made a difference in the lives of these children.   Jaibai Vidyamandir is a semi-English and Marathi municipal school with a capacity of 90 students. It is located in an area where families of ragpickers and daily wage construction workers reside in large numbers. It is hence extremely challenging to work with children in such situations.”
Divya recalls that how to further increase student participation, CRY PAG volunteers conducted health camps and art and craft competitions.

On Independence Day last year, 10 students from Std 7 for the first time ever, gave speeches in front of an audience of chief guests and the entire student body. Another 28 students gave speeches and presentations on their favourite leaders which included the likes of Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi and many more. The children began to notice changes in themselves.

“In Std 6, I was the boy who always sat quietly in the corner of the classroom. But after taking part in such activities I now give whole speeches in front of many students without any fear,” says Shivam from Std 7 who says that when he gave his speech for the first time in front of a crowd, he wasn’t afraid at all.

Once the children were comfortable with these sessions, they were taught how to use hand gestures to narrate a story or to explain a text. The volunteers also kept a check on the dressing habits of the students and emphasised on cleanliness by asking them regularly to wear their uniform, cut their nails, trim their hair etc. 

They were also taught the importance of good manners and speaking politely. In few sessions, the team taught the students the importance of saving habits and how one should manage one’s money. The outcome of this was that few children did save up their money and bought themselves either a ball or a new school bag from their savings. Divya says the change these sessions have brought into the lives of these children have been eye-opening for them as well. 

“We began it as a one-time experiment but it has made a difference in the lives of these children. Jaibai Vidyamandir is a semi-English and Marathi municipal school with a capacity of 90 students. It is located in an area where families of ragpickers and daily wage construction workers reside in large numbers. It is hence extremely challenging to work with children in such situations.” Divya recalls that how to further increase student participation, CRY PAG volunteers conducted health camps and art and craft competitions. 

On Independence Day last year, 10 students from Std 7 for the first time ever, gave speeches in front of an audience of chief guests and the entire student body. Another 28 students gave speeches and presentations on their favourite leaders which included the likes of Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi and many more. 

The children began to notice changes in themselves. “In Std 6, I was the boy who always sat quietly in the corner of the classroom. But after taking part in such activities I now give whole speeches in front of many students without any fear,” says Shivam from Std 7 who says that when he gave his speech for the first time in front of a crowd, he wasn’t afraid at all.

Mayur, another student from Std 7 says that he loves the classes on weekends. “We study the whole week, but when Saturday comes, we look forward to it as we enjoy the entire day with interesting activities. This makes our weekends happy and perfect. ” These changes in children have greatly influenced the lives of the volunteers as well. Divya, a Mass Media student confesses she loves volunteering and finds joy in the growth of the little ones. 

“These sessions helped us in understanding the children better and improving our approach towards them. We find that the children are now more attentive, polite and mainly interested in studying. They are regularly attending school and taking part in school activities as well.”

Children at our Kalyan Public Action Group

Photo Credit: www.photonaut.in

The teaching staff of Jaibai Vidyamandir also claim to have witnessed a miraculous change in their students post the personality development sessions. 

Teacher Rekha Gore says that during her lecture she noticed that students were very attentive and their participation in the classes too has increased. “The weak students are getting better.” 

Principal Jayashree Kher agrees with Rekha and says the efforts made by CRY volunteers have been very helpful. “They are doing a fantastic job. I saw many positive changes in our students during the school event. We too want to incorporate such activities in school but unfortunately due to restrictions on syllabus and other government work involved we are unable to do so. I would like to thank CRY volunteers for helping us out and I hope these modules will be implemented in other government schools as well.” 

“Apart from education, the overall development of a student is an important aspect of a child’s life. Empowering children to develop his/ her skills and abilities, to have a voice, combined with a sound formal education is absolutely essential,” says Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY-West.

Say NO to Child Labour

It is well said that “Small hands can handle a pen better.”

It is very imp for the people to understand the depth of these words which people fail to do so.

Child labour is the burning topic of today’s world. It is a work that harms children or keeps them away from attending school.

The International Labour Organization estimates that 215 million children between the age of 5 and 17 currently work under conditions that are considered illegal, hazardous, or extremely exploitative. Under age children work at all sorts of jobs around the world usually because they and their families are extremely poor.

India Is Sadly home to the largest number of child labourers in the world .

Large number of children work in commercial agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining, and domestic services. Some children work in illicit activities like the drug trade and  prostitution which forms the worst part of it.

We know that poverty often pushes children to work, yet it is seen that when children leave school early to enter the labour force they are more likely to end up in occupations that limit their chances of breaking out of poverty.

Therefore, importance of education needs to be understood over here. It is really important to understand that children at such a tender age should fill up their minds instead of filling up their pockets.

It is very important to find a solution to this burning topic of today’s world.

Child labour has also been a subject of public interest litigations in Indian courts.

There are many steps that we as citizens can take to fight against child labour.

Firstly, people need to abstain from employing the child as a domestic help. As per United Nations development report, 40% of domestic help in Mumbai are under-15 girls. I believe all citizens must be vigilant and if they notice any child labourer, one must quickly report to the police. This will ensure the child being exploited get’s timely help and is rescued.

Secondly, stringent rules must be set and exercised efficiently by government, against firms employing child labourers. The government must also ensure that poor children are supported and given free education and meals.

Thirdly, people should not encourage child labour by buying stuff from them in trains, on traffic signals etc.

Nikita Rathi, 2nd Year, BA LLB,

ILS Law College, Pune

Fourthly, we need to counsel the poor who have to employ children to ensure two square meal for the entire family. In our neighbourhood or locality we do come across poor people like our maid, milkman etc who have got their children working instead of being in school. We need to convince them that their vicious cycle of poverty will be broken only when their children are educated and gain a meaningful employment after growing up. We need to counsel the children as well who are engaged in labour.

And last but not the least, Non governmental organisations also play a key role in eradicating such problems by working endlessly for the welfare of children. Donating to prominent  and credible non governmental oraganisations like Child Rights And You, Bachpan Bachao Andolan etc. will  ensure that these children take up education instead of work. Additionally, we can also donate and sponsor a child’s education. This will ensure that poor children don’t face financial crunch and complete basic minimum education.

India continues to suffer from massive poverty and this poverty in turn gives rise to child labour because poor tend to increase the number of hands which can feed them. However, we cannot sacrifice the entire generation of children to poverty while we wait for it to end. It’s time we take oath and devote some time towards such social issues.

Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children and I believe that investing in our children’s development from the earliest age is the single most important contribution we can make. It is important for the people to understand that education is the most powerful weapon which people can use to change the world and make it a better and a beautiful place to live in.

   NIKITA RATHI