CHANGEMAKERS

Edition - October, 2026

A Newsletter By Children's Hope India (CHI)

For Those Who Make a Difference

This Edition at a Glance

What's inside

Transforming Lives - The Reach of Our Impact
Spotlight - Project Highlights
Person in Focus - Deborah Landey, CHI's UN Advisor
Moments That Mattered - Events & Project Visits
Diwali Greetings - Wishing You Light, Joy and Prosperity

Transforming Lives

Quantifying impact

Education

Ensuring access to quality education to build potential

Total beneficiaries = 9,032

Formal beneficiaries = 6,000
Beneficiaries in education centers = 3,932
Higher Education Scholarships = 181
Educate A Child Program = 268
Girls = 50%
Boys = 50%

Health & Nutrition

Strengthening children’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial health

Total health beneficiaries = 13,471

Medical beneficiaries = 4,892
Vision beneficiaries = 4,240
Psychological counseling hours = 206
100% schools are providing recreational activities for all students

Learn More

From Dreamer to Engineer

“I have been selected as an Executive Engineer with Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited, under the Ministry of Railways, a milestone that reflects the transformative power of education, opportunity and perseverance. I joined CHI-Ekalavya School in 2008 and, with the support of my family and CHI, excelled academically. I became the first CHI-Ekalavya School alumnus to clear the Indian Institute of Technology - Joint Entrance Exam (Advanced), and went on to earn a Bachelors of Technology in Computer Science.” — Vinod Nenavath

Get Inspired!

Spotlight

Project Highlights

Nurturing Minds, Supporting Well-Being

CHI partnered with Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, to conduct mental health awareness sessions across its centers in India. The first teacher training workshop was held at CHI Girls School, Bhopal. The training covered adolescent mental health, early identification of stress, anxiety and behavioral changes, bullying, cyberbullying, abuse and developmental concerns. The sessions will be conducted at most CHI projects across India during the 2026–27 academic year.

Harmonizing Learning, Creativity and Confidence

CHI-Hope School, Bhuj, established a music lab with support from Melodies of Opportunity, offering vocal and instrumental training in harmonium, keyboard, dholak and Kutchi dhol for children aged 8 and above. In partnership with Manzil Mystics, the 2026–27 program includes curriculum development, teacher training and mentoring to foster creativity, confidence, self-expression and emotional well-being. Manzil Mystics also conducts yearlong workshops integrating music, mental health and life skills at CHI-Vikaspuri, CHI-Falkland Road and CHI-Bindapur.

CHI also partnered with Artreach India, where 15 students, aged 14 and above participated in a two-day mural project for the music lab, exploring music and instruments through drawing, games and creative activities.

When CHI’s Young Voices Meet the Healing Power of Art

Through Gratitude Through Art, an initiative by CHI and Amar Nath Sehgal Pvt. Collection, three paintings became much more than works of art. Working alongside lead artist Megha, children discovered the joy of colour, creativity and self-expression, but perhaps more importantly, they discovered that their ideas mattered and their voices deserved to be seen. When their artwork was displayed at Medanta Hospital, it was a moment of immense pride: Their creativity had travelled beyond the classroom and into the world.

Nourishment for Learning and Growth

CHI-Hope School, Bhuj, launched a Nutritious Meal Program in August 2026, providing healthy, balanced meals to approximately 230 children and staff, six days a week (Monday–Saturday). A kitchen garden will supplement meals with fresh vegetables while offering hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture, healthy eating and local food production. Two experienced cooks, both parents of a child who attends the school and former canteen managers at a reputed private school in Bhuj, oversee meal preparation and service, ensuring nutritional quality, food safety, and hygiene.

She Shine Leaders Visit UNICEF

On October 9th, She Shine Leaders visited UNICEF India and met with Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative; Sheema Sen Gupta, Global Director, Child Protection and Migration; and other officials. The Leaders shared their journey, highlighted the impact of the She Shine initiative, and presented their future plans, including opportunities for long-term collaboration with UNICEF.

PPerson in Focus
Meet CHI's UN Advisor

Deborah Landey

Deborah served for 35 years with the United Nations, including as: Assistant Secretary-General, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); Deputy Assistant Administrator and Director Human Resources, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau of Management, and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Botswana and the Philippines,

She now serves on the Boards of a number of organizations, including the Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS/NY), the Ethiopia School Readiness Initiative (ESRI) and the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI).

As UN Advisor for Children’s Hope India, she supports CHI’s engagement with the United Nations system. Deborah holds a MA in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Canada.

Moments That Mattered

CHI 2026 Gala

Celebrating Changemakers. Transforming Futures.

Children’s Hope India hosted its 2026 Annual Gala on September 30 at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, New York City, bringing together distinguished leaders, supporters, and changemakers to advance opportunities for underserved children.

The evening honored Dr. Makarand Jawadekar, Pharmaceutical Leader and Strategic Advisor, with the Lotus Award; Dr. Manish Parikh, Chief of Cardiology and Associate Professor of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell, with the Making a Difference Award; Vikas Khanna, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Bungalow Restaurant, and Mysha Rizvi, Guest Relations Manager, with the Special Impact Award; and Roshni Sawhny, Co-Founder of Storypie, with the Rising Star Award.

Interactive displays featuring CHI’s innovative programs in STEM, health and art highlighted its commitment to preparing children for the future by fostering the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive.

CHI Networking Event

Children’s Hope India hosted an evening of connection and conversation at SAAQI at Musaafer in New York City, bringing together professionals and changemakers from diverse fields and organizations. Guests included representatives from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI NYC Metro), South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) and South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY), alongside members of CHI’s Executive, Advisory, Associate and CHI 2 Young Professional Boards.

The gathering offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and explore possibilities for future collaboration, reminding us that meaningful partnerships often begin with a simple conversation.

CHI 3 Car Wash

The CHI 3, Children’s Hope India’s student-run organization hosted its annual Car Wash fundraiser in Hicksville, New York, on August 1, bringing the community together to support underserved children.

For $10 per car, participants supported CHI3’s fundraising efforts for local initiatives, including summer camps, backpack giveaways, food distribution and toy drives.

In Gratitude

We thank all, who have contributed towards our Nepal flood relief campaign. The funds raised have made it possible to provide necessary relief, inclusing basic amenities, in the moment of crisis. Thank you very much!

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters and donors, whose generosity and belief in our mission have made all the difference. Your support has not only enabled us to reach more children and communities but has also helped us dream bigger and achieve more impactful outcomes. Every contribution you make becomes a stepping stone toward change, empowerment, and opportunity for those who need it most.

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