Khushaal Bachpan transforms child well-being, driving impact in education and protection

Across five districts of Chhattisgarh, more than a thousand children have returned to classrooms, hundreds gained access to healthcare, and families have found new livelihoods, showing clear signs of change driven by the Khushaal Bachpan program supported by Caritas Australia. At its recent four-day review in Raipur, the team set an ambitious goal to ensure every child grows up educated, healthy, and free from exploitation.

Building on that momentum, the four-day planning and review meeting at Xavier Institute of Social Action (XISA), Raipur, from October 28 to 31, 2025, brought together the program team to reflect, realign, and reinforce the mission of Khushaal Bachpan, creating every child’s right to a happy and secure childhood.

Program lead Dr. Saju M. K. opened the deliberations by calling for sharper accountability and clarity in roles. He urged the team to focus on measurable, result-oriented planning rather than activity-driven outputs. His message was clear: every team member’s work must translate into visible, trackable change in the lives of children and their families.

District-level presentations revealed strong momentum. Bastar reported the re-enrolment of 44 out-of-school children, seven new livelihoods, and 87 families connected to government welfare schemes. Raigarh saw 240 re-enrolments and an impressive 93 to 95 percent board exam pass rate. Surguja showcased 1,167 people benefiting from health camps, 35 families supported through income-generating activities, and the opening of the Muskan Library to foster child-friendly learning. In Raipur, 430 people accessed health services while children’s Bal Panchayats took charge of running community learning centres. Jashpur strengthened inclusivity with 20 disability certificates issued and over 500 children engaged in creative learning corners.

The review team praised the depth of community participation, noting that local ownership was driving sustainable impact. The program’s inverted pyramid structure, where community-level leadership forms the foundation, was hailed as a major factor behind these outcomes.

However, participants also confronted critical gaps. Delays in fund flow, staff transitions, and uneven understanding of frameworks were acknowledged as constraints. The team agreed to counter these with district-level measurable targets, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and geo-tagged documentation for transparency.

A session on monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability produced a robust MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework integrating education, nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience. The framework includes monthly progress reviews, mid-term evaluations, and digital data management systems to ensure evidence-backed reporting.

Inclusivity and dignity remained central themes. The discussion on disability inclusion reinforced accessible communication and equitable participation. A special session on menstrual hygiene management promoted awareness and use of biodegradable products through women’s self-help groups, linking with ASHA workers for last-mile outreach.

Long-term sustainability strategies were anchored in convergence with national programs such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat. The team emphasized working closely with Panchayats to institutionalize child protection, livelihood linkages, and social inclusion at the village level.

As the review drew to a close, teams reaffirmed their shared vision of a future where no child remains out of school, no family goes hungry, and every child grows in safety and dignity. The Khushaal Bachpan program, with its strengthened systems, committed workforce, and community-driven spirit, now stands ready to turn that vision into an everyday reality across Chhattisgarh.