Our work in India
CFCA working with families as co-creators of change
India is home to more than 1 billion people with rich cultural and religious traditions. But India is also home to millions living in poverty. These families struggle heroically to provide a better life for their children.
As CFCA's third largest outreach with more than 36,000 sponsored members, the Hope for a Family sponsorship program in India works alongside families to develop long-term personal and economic growth.
CFCA works with families from all faiths to provide not only basic services, but also real hope.
Through educational support, community building and resources geared toward developing new livelihoods, the Hope for a Family program is making a real difference in the lives it touches.
Mothers choose what's best for their families
Many CFCA communities worldwide have started mothers or parents groups to increase parental participation in the sponsorship program. Believing that parents know best what their families need to create a path out of poverty, local projects seek to engage parents in the sponsorship program decision making.
Women in India have been involved in mothers groups for 11 years. During this time, local staffs have witnessed their strength and ability. The groups' self-directed nature provides opportunities for mothers to generate ideas and act on them.
Mothers define their families' greatest needs, such as educational support, medical assistance, or seed money for a small business, and meet those needs with support from local CFCA staffs.
As a result, the stature of women in these communities has been elevated. One example is Lourdu Mary, a mother in the St. Anthony mothers group in Hyderabad, India. One of her children has a serious disability.
Group members encouraged Lourdu Mary to use her sewing and embroidery talents in a sari business. They loaned her 32,000 rupees ($705) over three years. Her business exceeded everyone's expectations. Lourdu Mary said the group gave her confidence and recognized her talents.
"I feel so happy that I am able to take care of my son with a disability and also provide for most other needs of my family, without having to depend entirely on my husband," she said.
Watch a 4-part video series to learn more about how mothers groups work and their impact.
Helping families avoid child labor
Although India officially prohibits child labor, the practice persists in part because of the economic reality of many residents. For some parents, the income their children earn helps sustain the family.
Durga Prasad was working full time at age 11 to help his family. Shahanaz Begam, a CFCA social worker in Hyderabad, India, met the family and encouraged Durga Prasad's mother to send him back to school.
Today Durga Prasad is sponsored through CFCA and has been promoted to seventh grade because of his diligent studies.
He works just on school holidays now, so he can focus on his homework after school.
"My husband and I have been working since our childhood and earning money, yet our lives did not improve. It just has been living from hand to mouth," said Padma, Durga Prasad's mother.
"We do not own a house, do not have steady income, and are unable to give proper education to our kids.
"Because of CFCA, now my son has the opportunity to get a formal education. He is our only hope for our better future."
