Transform the Lives of Children in Gujarat, India

Child Rights Week (November 14-28, 2024)

As the mid-November breeze carried the whispers of winter, a powerful movement was unfolding in Balsena. The streets of Bhavnagar resonated with the voices of 602 children, each raising awareness about their fundamental rights and safety. This was no ordinary event; it was the culmination of a detailed Child Safety Audit conducted by the children themselves.

In response to a growing concern over protection issues, Balsena’s children embarked on a Participatory Action Research titled “Child Safety Audit” across 15 communities where the organization operates. Sixty-eight trained child leaders, well-versed in child rights and safety, led this effort. They collected data from over 600 children, including boys, girls, and child laborers, to identify protection concerns in their homes, schools, communities, and Bhavnagar city. Shaishav facilitators supported them in analysing the data and compiling a comprehensive report.

Through surveys and mapping exercises, these young researchers uncovered alarming truths: 57.48% of children feared abuse from parents, 38.54% dreaded harsh punishment at school, and 39.74% were terrified of harassment and bullying in public spaces. Girls faced unique challenges, including gender-based restrictions, forced chores, and fear of harassment from intoxicated individuals (20.1%).

The audit also highlighted structural dangers—open sewage systems, poorly lit streets, unsafe staircases, and broken infrastructure. Emotional fears further compounded their vulnerability, making children feel unsafe in places meant to nurture them.

But the story didn’t end there. Balsena’s children took matters into their own hands. During Child Rights Week, storytelling sessions, poster-making, and impactful skits depicted real-life case studies of child labour, safety issues, and educational disparities. The energy of the week culminated in a formal presentation of their findings during a council meeting on December 22, 2024.

During this meeting, the children outlined their commitment to creating safer communities. They pledged to eradicate child labour, eliminate harassment, promote gender equality, and advocate for child-friendly governance. Their voices were not just heard but acted upon, proving that when children are given the power to lead, real change begins.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The findings were presented to the Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the District Child Protection Officer during the Balsena Annual Program. Inspired by their courage and determination, the officials acknowledged the need for urgent action.

In the coming months, the children plan to continue their advocacy, presenting their findings to local leaders and officials. They are working on community-specific action plans, addressing issues independently or with the support of facilitators and parents. The momentum of Child Rights Week continues to inspire change, driving initiatives aimed at making Bhavnagar a safer, more inclusive place for every child. 

Wenlido Self-Défense Training (November 2024 & February 2025)

The world can be an uncertain place, but knowledge is power—and self-defence is a shield. In November and again in February, 243 adolescent girls gathered to learn the art of self-protection through the Wenlido Self-defence Training. Real-life scenarios were simulated, teaching them how to respond to unsafe situations. The girls didn’t just learn defensive techniques; they learned to trust their instincts, set boundaries, and recognize their strength. February's sessions, attended by 96 girls, focused on practice and resilience, reinforcing that empowerment isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about application. By the end of these sessions, they stood taller, more confident, ready to face the world on their own terms.

Council Meetings (November 2024 – February 2025)

Balsena has always been about children leading their own change. Across four months, council meetings became the heartbeat of decision-making, with dedicated members participating each time. These young leaders didn’t just attend meetings—they shaped them. November's agenda revolved around the Child Rights Week, while December saw them planning the Annual Day celebrations. In January, discussions focused on Republic Day initiatives, and by February, they were strategizing new outreach programs. Each meeting-built confidence, nurtured leadership, and reinforced the importance of young voices in shaping their communities.

Kishori Training of Trainers (TOT) (November 2024 & February 2025)

In a small, determined group, 22 girls in November and 20 more in February embarked on a journey to become peer educators. Through the Kishori TOT program, they gained knowledge on bullying, power dynamics, menstrual health, and leadership. Their training wasn’t just theoretical—it was action-oriented. By the end of their sessions, they were ready to conduct awareness programs in their own communities, proving that the best way to sustain change is by passing the torch forward.

Kishori Sammelan Gathering of Adolescent Girls(December 29, 2024)

On a crisp December morning, Nand Kunvar Baa School became a hub of empowerment as 250 adolescent girls-170 from schools and 80 from the community-gathered for the much-awaited Kishori Sammelan. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and drama performances, they explored crucial topics like healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and gender discrimination. A particularly eye-opening session focused on recognizing and preventing exploitation. The anonymous Q&A session was a revelation. Girls who had never voiced their concerns before finally found a safe space to ask, learn, and grow. By the end of the day, these girls didn’t just walk away with knowledge—they carried home confidence and the power to advocate for themselves.

Held on 29th December 2024, the Kishori Sammelan brought more than just information " it brought inspiration. The topics discussed during the event, such as Love, Attraction and Romantic Relationships, Understanding Rape, Saying No, and Setting Boundaries, were chosen based on requests from girls trained in Kishori TOTs. These essential themes were conveyed through engaging activities, making the learning process both impactful and memorable. Songs celebrating the rights of women and girls filled the air, creating an atmosphere of unity and empowerment. Adding to the energy of the day, Shaishav facilitators performed a play titled “Chokri Avi Re” (Girl is born...), based on a famous Marathi play, highlighting the strength and resilience of girls. The event was graced by the presence of the District Assistant Collector and the Principal of Sahajanand College, who inspired the girls with their words of encouragement.

The girls left the Kishori Sammelan not only enriched with knowledge but also empowered with the confidence to assert their rights and advocate for themselves. The event was more than just a gathering. It was a transformative experience that ignited a sense of courage and purpose among the young girls, setting them on a path toward becoming confident, informed, and empowered young women.

Annual Day Celebration (December 25, 2024)

What better way to close the year than with a grand celebration? On Christmas Day, 405 children from 14 areas gathered at Dolat Anant Valia School for a day filled with joy, learning, and reflection. The event began with a rally—children marching with banners advocating for child safety and education. A flag-hoisting ceremony set the tone for a day that blended culture with awareness. Magic tricks to dispel superstitions, creative paper bag-making sessions promoting sustainability, and discussions on safety concerns filled the day. Two remarkable Balsena members were honoured—one for being selected into the Indian Army, and another for securing admission into an MBBS program. As the sun set on this energetic gathering, children left not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

Balsena Annual Day was celebrated on 25th December 2024 to mark 22 years of Balsena. Each year, it is celebrated with a different theme, and this year’s theme was Safety, connecting to the various fears shared by children during the Child Safety Audit. The day commenced with a rally and the flag hoisting of Balsena and Tarun Sena (youth collective). Sessions were facilitated on topics like Right to Protection, appropriate, inappropriate, and secret touch, good person-bad person, six alerts, and the bundle of fear with younger children. For older children, discussions focused on the Right to Protection, bundle of fear, and healthy friendships. Children also learned to make paper bags from newspapers, and through Parichay Sankad, they shared their interests with one another.

In the assembly, activists from the Gujarat Rationalist Association, Mr. Piyush and Mr. Lankesh, along with their team, performed and demystified some of the blind faith tricks that children feared. By explaining the science behind these tricks, they helped children overcome those fears.

The Hon. Chairperson of the Gujarat State Commission of Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) graced the occasion as the chief guest. During the event, children presented their findings from the Child Safety Audit to her and the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) of Bhavnagar, highlighting their concerns, their proposed actions, and their expectations from the government. The Chairperson was highly impressed with the process and assured the children of the government’s cooperation in addressing their issues. She also encouraged them to continue their important work.

The success of the event was made possible through the collective efforts of former Balsena members, Shaishav staff, and student volunteers, demonstrating the power of unity and dedication toward a safer, more inclusive future for every child.

Republic Day & World Education Day (January 2025)

The tricolour fluttered high as children from across Balsena gathered to celebrate Republic Day. Through Deshbhakti Geet (patriotic songs), dance performances, yoga, storytelling (Varta), Ukhana Balgeet (traditional rhymes), and drawing competitions cantered around Deshbhakti (patriotism), they deepened their understanding of India's constitution and cultural heritage.

World Education Day activities further reinforced the power of learning, reminding children that knowledge is the most powerful tool for empowerment. Celebrations included activities tailored for different age groups— “Shiksha ka Ped” for younger children, where they drew a stem and then pasted what they had learned along with the importance of that learning. For older children, the “Dream Classroom” activity allowed them to draw what they envisioned as an ideal classroom, expressing their thoughts on education and its importance. This creative approach enabled children to share their dreams and ideas about learning. With 312 children participating, these celebrations went beyond rituals—they became powerful reminders of the responsibilities and rights every child holds in shaping the nation’s future.

Exposure Visits (November 2024 & February 2025)

For 473 children, December and February were months of discovery as they stepped beyond their usual environments through exposure visits aimed at broadening their understanding of different social, cultural, and educational settings. These visits were not mere sightseeing trips; they were lessons in real-world learning that sparked curiosity and motivation. In December, children visited various places, including a kirana shop (Grocery shop), an ice-cream factory, a library, fields, a product manufacturing factory, a farm, the Child Dream Foundation library, and the marketing yard. Their February visits continued with the exploration of an ice-cream factory, a big savni shop (a Broom shop), a pani puri cart, the marketing yard, and the Rammantra Mandir. Each visit provided them with fresh perspectives and inspired them to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

Vigyan Divas (February 2025)

Science is all around us, and 442 children proved just that during Vigyan Divas. They didn’t just learn science—they created it. Hands-on experiments, model-making, and interactive demonstrations brought theoretical concepts to life.

The event focused on subjects like Solar Energy, Ocean Energy, Telescope, and Air Pollution Models. Six areas actively participated in model-making, where six models were created through teamwork involving council members and active Balsena members. These collaborative projects were later showcased during the council meeting, where children discussed their models, shared their learnings, and exchanged ideas for improvement.

Discussions went beyond just presenting models. Children also delved into important topics like pollution, especially air pollution, the ozone layer, and its depletion. They shared their thoughts on how pollution impacts the environment and brainstormed ideas to reduce pollution and protect the ozone layer.

The event culminated in an exhibition where children proudly displayed their projects, reinforcing that curiosity and innovation are the cornerstones of learning. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the participants highlighted their passion for science and their eagerness to contribute to a better, cleaner future.

Sports Day (February 2025)
The fields of Balsena burst with energy and excitement as 342 children gathered to run, jump, cheer, and celebrate the much-awaited Sports Day. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about having fun, building friendships, and learning valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and discipline. The air was filled with laughter, encouragement, and the spirit of friendly competition.

For the younger children, joy came in the form of playful games like Jal Pari (Mermaid Race), where they moved gracefully like mermaids; Cloth Pin Matha Ma Lagavi (Balancing Cloth Pin on the Head), which tested their steady focus; Bowl Ma Lakhoti (Marble in the Bowl), a tricky test of precision; and the creative Twitter Poster game, where their artistic expressions came to life.

The older children faced thrilling challenges with roaring enthusiasm. They competed fiercely yet joyfully in games like Andhda Doud (Blindfold Race), where trust and guidance were key; Banghud Divas Ni Vagh (Tug of War), a powerful test of strength and unity; Kothada Doud (Sack Race), which had everyone laughing as they hopped forward; Tripagi Doud (Three-Legged Race), where coordination and teamwork shone brightly; and Topi Bachav (Save the Cap Game), a fun battle of speed and strategy.

Every race, every cheer, and every playful moment helped build stronger friendships, boost self-confidence, and inspire a love for sports. It was a day to remember—where learning and laughter ran hand in hand.

Faliya Meetings

Between November and February, 1071 parents participated in Faliya Meetings across various areas to actively involve them in their children's growth and ensure child safety. The primary focus was on sharing the findings of the Child Safety Audit conducted in November, with results received in December. Parents were shown maps prepared by their children, highlighting areas within their communities where children feel unsafe. Discussions addressed fears related to people, places, and situations affecting children’s safety at home, school, and in the neighbourhood.

Key topics included enhancing children’s participation in Balsena Point activities, promoting regular attendance, awareness campaigns against tobacco consumption, and preparing children for upcoming exams. Parents were also updated on previous months’ reports, Balsena’s leadership elections, children's achievements, and plans for events like Sports Day, Annual Day, and Kishori Sammelan.

To reinforce awareness and address ongoing issues, Shaishav has scheduled a Mahila Sammelan on March 23rd. This event will educate mothers about legal measures, the POCSO Act, and their active role in ensuring child safety and creating a secure environment for their children.

Conclusion

From the powerful advocacy of Child Rights Week to the vibrant celebrations of Annual Day, from the hands-on learning in Vigyan Divas to the empowering self-defence training of Wenlido, and the community-driven discussions during Faliya Meetings, each initiative in these four months was more than just an activity—it was a step towards a brighter, more aware, and more confident future for the children of Balsena.

Through the Faliya Meetings, parents were actively involved in understanding their children’s safety concerns, community challenges, and the importance of creating a secure environment. This collaboration between children, parents, and the community reflects Shaishav and Balsena’s unwavering commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive society.

Shaishav and Balsena continue to stand as pillars of change, proving that when children are given the space to lead, learn, and express themselves, and when parents are engaged as allies in this journey, they don’t just grow—they transform the world around them.