Become Someone's Santa!

Are you aware, India has the world’s largest child population. 40% of it’s population is below the age of 18 years. The universal definition of “child” includes all persons under the age of 18. Do you know, the child budget includes provisions for child education, protection, health and development. The Child Budget in India in 2014 was Rs. 72,496 crore, Rs. 69,888 crore in 2015 which further declined to Rs. 57,919 crore. A steep decline is very noticeable. A lot of issues related to our country’s child population need sustained and organized efforts. Take a look:

Less than half of India’s children between the age 6 and 14 go to school.
A little over one-third of all children who enroll in grade one reach grade eight.
At least 35 million children aged 6 – 14 years do not attend school.
53% of girls in the age group of 5 to 9 years are illiterate.
On an average, there are less than three teachers per primary school. They have to manage classes from I to V every day.
Dropout rates increase alarmingly in class III to V, its 50% for boys, 58% for girls.
17 million children in India work as per official estimates.
19% of children employed work as domestic help.
Most of these children work to support their families, and as a result they have no time/resources to attend a school.
Poor families sell their children in a hope they would be employed in big cities. This is not the reality many times. Children end up being abused, both emotionally and physically. There are approximately 2 million child commercial sex workers between the age of 5 and 15 years and about 3.3 million between 15 and 18 years.
Females are victimised far more than males during childhood. Death rate among girls below the age of 4 years is higher than that of boys. Even if she escapes infanticide or foeticide, a girl child is less likely to receive immunisation, nutrition or medical treatment compared to a male child.

These numbers depict a reality which is harsh and sad. Unfortunately, most of the fortunate ones do not want to have any concern how the unfortunate ones live. Children are said to be the future of any nation. If this is the foundation they are given: malnutrition, no vaccination, gender discrimination, mental and physical torture, child labor and lack of education, what better ‘tomorrow’ we can hope for!

ColoringLIFE believes that people are innately good. At the same time, we understand the busy schedules, constraints and responsibilities but each one help one goes a long way. If we just decide to do good for one child around us who needs help, attention and a better environment, we will have done our bit. Christmas, the festival of joy and cheer, might be your much-awaited festival or maybe just holidays to you. It does not matter, which religion and creed you belong to, make it a celebration in itself. It does not matter, if you believe in Santa Claus climbing down the chimney and bringing toys, does not matter if your house has a lighted christmas tree, you can bring cheer and warmth in someone’s life. It’s not about donating money, it’s about giving joy. Cheer up a street kid, keep a little money aside for someone’s meals for a month, help them find a place to receive education, support their education, ask you mom and family not to employ a child labor. There are many examples, you just have to chose what you can do without procrastination, laziness and pondering. This Christmas be someone’s Santa.

ColoringLIFE is proud of it’s volunteers who have helped kids in need. Gurudas Chauhan, a youngster from Pune, helped slum kids in their school work as well as emphasized the importance of education to their parents. He was often mocked at because he himself was studying and taunted what change he will bring! He never gave up, today he has his own NGO striving to make a difference. Tarun Soni, another youngster, did his bit. His heart went out to kids staring at eating joints with heavy eyes. He once took a group of such kids to McDonalds. He still remembers the echo of their laughter and smiles on their faces.

You might have ideas of your own to help someone. Alternatively, come and join ColoringLIFE family. Discover ColoringLIFE’s volunteering opportunities based on your interest, causes you want to support, your location (various cities, online) and your skills. It’s good to do good!

Merry Christmas!

Posted in ColoringLIFE and Tagged ColoringLife , Kids , Merry Christmas , NGO , Santa , underprivileged kids , Volunteer , Volunteer to teach .