The SVSS aims to create a favourable environment in the rural settings of Rajgarh block, Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, to promote child rights and improve living conditions. This aligns with UNICEF India’s Child Protection Programme, which aims to safeguard children from abuse, violence, and exploitation by enhancing access and quality of services.

Drawing on our extensive experience in children’s issues and successful implementation of projects like child rights and protection in Rajgarh Block, Mirzapur district, our organization intends to achieve the following outcomes:

This Project was funded by UNICEF India. SVSS has been actively involved in advocating for child rights, promoting child education, and protecting the rights of children. Despite India’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), child rights violations continue to prevail in the country. Instances of children being engaged in various industries, forced into early marriages, trafficked, subjected to corporal punishment, and other forms of abuse are still prevalent.

SVSS is actively engaged in organizing children clubs and conducting sensitization programs. These children clubs serve as safe spaces where children can come together, interact, and learn about their rights. SVSS conducts educational sessions and workshops to raise awareness among children about their rights and how to protect themselves from exploitation and abuse. By empowering children and equipping them with knowledge, SVSS aims to build a generation that is aware of their rights and capable of advocating for themselves.

SVSS also conducts various campaigns to sensitize the general public about child rights. These campaigns aim to create awareness and change societal attitudes towards child protection and welfare. SVSS focuses on promoting the right to education and health for all children, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities and access to quality education and healthcare services.

The overarching goal of SVSS’s interventions is to create a favourable and enabling environment for the realization of child rights. By striving for a society where every child is granted equal rights and opportunities for development, SVSS envisions a future where child rights violations are eradicated, and all children can thrive and reach their full potential. Total 40,000 beneficiaries were covered under this project.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme was revamped in 2006 to provide assistance to voluntary organizations in running crèches for children up to six years of age. The scheme aimed to support working women, particularly those from marginalized sections of society, by offering a safe and nurturing environment for their children while they were at work. This project was implemented by SVSS in Mirzapur with 1200 children.

Under this scheme, voluntary organizations received assistance to operate crèches for a total of 25 children. The crèches were required to operate for eight hours, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, providing comprehensive services to the children in their care. These services included sleeping facilities, healthcare, supplementary nutrition, and vaccination.

Sleeping facilities ensured that the children had a comfortable space for rest and nap times during their stay at the crèche. This was particularly beneficial for younger children who required regular naps throughout the day.

Healthcare services were provided to ensure the well-being of the children. This included basic medical care, regular check-ups, and addressing any health issues that may arise during their time at the crèche. The aim was to promote the overall health and development of the children.

Supplementary nutrition was a crucial component of the scheme. The crèche provided nutritious meals and snacks to the children to supplement their diet and meet their nutritional requirements. This was important for their growth and development during their formative years.

Vaccination services were also offered as part of the scheme. Children received necessary vaccinations according to the recommended immunization schedule to protect them from various diseases and ensure their good health.

The objective of the project was to create a supportive and enriching environment for children in their early years. By providing comprehensive services, the scheme aimed to enhance the overall well-being and development of the children, enabling working women to pursue employment opportunities with peace of mind knowing that their children were being cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.

The promotion and protection of the rights of children in the mining sector have been a key focus of SVSS. Recognizing the vulnerability of children in this industry, SVSS has undertaken various initiatives to address child rights violations, ensure access to education, and combat child labour and physical harassment.

SVSS has dedicated efforts to reach out to villages, rural areas, and remote regions where mining activities are prevalent. These areas often lack basic infrastructure and resources, making children more susceptible to exploitation and denying them their fundamental rights. SVSS has actively engaged with primary schools in these areas to identify and support children who have dropped out of school due to various reasons related to the mining sector.

Through collaborative efforts with government authorities and formal schools, SVSS has successfully reintegrated approximately 2,000 dropout children into mainstream education. These children have been provided with the opportunity to resume their formal schooling, enabling them to access quality education and pursue their dreams. SVSS has worked closely with local communities, parents, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for the importance of education and the rights of children.

In addition to facilitating access to education, SVSS has also taken proactive measures to combat child labour in the mining sector. The organization has raised awareness about the detrimental impact of child labour on children’s physical and mental well-being, and has collaborated with mining companies, government bodies, and civil society organizations to enforce child labour laws and regulations. SVSS has conducted training programs and workshops to sensitize stakeholders about the rights of children and the need to create safe and child-friendly working environments.

SVSS has also prioritized the protection of children from physical harassment in the mining sector. The organization has implemented child protection mechanisms, including awareness campaigns, training sessions, and the establishment of reporting mechanisms, to address and prevent incidents of physical abuse. SVSS works closely with law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that children are safeguarded from harm.

Through its comprehensive approach, SVSS strives to create an environment in the mining sector where children’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. By promoting access to education, combating child labour, and addressing physical harassment, SVSS aims to empower children and provide them with the necessary tools and support to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their circumstances in the mining sector. This project was funded by Terre des hommes, Germany with 3000 beneficiaries.