CHANGEMAKERS

Edition - February, 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
Introducing our new CHI Ambassador - a leader spearheading change
Moments That Mattered - events / project visits

Transforming Lives

Quantifying impact

Education

Ensuring access to quality education to build potential

Total beneficiaries = 9,032

Formal beneficiaries = 4,884
Non-formal beneficiaries = 3,724
Higher Edu. Scholarships = 181
Educate A Child Program = 243
Percentage of girls = 53
Percentage of boys = 47

Health & Nutrition

Strengthening children’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial health

Total health beneficiaries = 13,471

Medical beneficiaries = 5,741
Vision beneficiaries = 7,730
Psychological counseling hours = 315
100% of schools are providing recreational activities for all students

Learn More

From Silence to the Courage to Speak Up

Restoring Agency, Rebuilding Trust

Akriti walked into the Child Smart Center, Shishur Sevay, in 2023 carrying a silence far heavier than her years. Withdrawn and hesitant, her quietness spoke of a home shaped by fear and uncertainty.

Through patient counselling, and support for her parents, that silence slowly began to lift.

Today, Akriti speaks with confidence, connects freely with her teachers and peers, and shares a renewed, affectionate bond with her father. On her final day at the center, her mother’s tearful gratitude captured the true impact of this journey— her child had finally found her voice, and agency, again.

Get Inspired!

Spotlight

Highlights from the projects

She Shine(s) at CHAHAK Vikaspuri and Bindapur, Delhi

After a successful first phase at CHI-Anand Parbat, the She Shine initiative was launched at CHAHAK centers in Vikaspuri and Bindapur, Delhi, bringing together 25–30 participants (per center) for its very first session on the importance of education, especially for girl children.

Led by Ms. Singh and Mr. Khan from Educate Girls at Vikaspuri, and Ms. Sarah Berry from Children’s Hope India at Bindapur, the sessions created a reflective and safe space to discuss dreams, challenges and solutions. Access to government schemes that can support girls’ education were also highlighted. Diaries and pens were distributed as meaningful symbols of new beginnings, and participants took a collective pledge to prioritize their education.

Strengthening Educators, Shaping Young Lives

Firki, Teach For India’s online teacher education platform, piloted professional development with six teachers at CHI–Palghar, offering courses, webinars, and learning circles. The program fostered reflective practice, stronger student relationships and improved parent engagement, while boosting teacher motivation and confidence. Overall, the initiative strengthened teaching quality, exemplifying CHI’s vision of empowering educators as agents of change.

In another initiative, CHAHAK–Vikaspuri welcomed 15–20 Year 1 TFI Fellows for a Mid-Year Retreat immersion. Classroom visits and candid conversations offered practical insight and inspiration, underscoring education’s power to create lasting change.

Stronger Classrooms Begin with Mental Well-Being

Mpower (Aditya Birla Education Trust) conducted a Mental Health Literacy Program (MHLP) for 25 teachers at CHI-Palghar, equipping educators to better understand, identify, and respond to children’s mental health needs.

In addition, a Mental Health Awareness session was organized for students with the objective of raising awareness, reducing stigma, busting myths, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors.

Together, these sessions strengthened a culture of care, where mental health is understood, spoken about, and supported, ensuring no child feels alone in their journey.

Because Every Dream Matters

At CHI Ekalavya School, Hyderabad, dreams are finding new direction. Through a meaningful collaboration between Extramarks and Children’s Hope India, 25 young learners participated in psychometric assessments and a career guidance session designed to help them better understand their strengths, interests, and possibilities. This initiative goes beyond testing—it is about clarity, confidence, and choice.

Meet our CHI Ambassador

Aditi Gugnani Malhotra

Aditi has been involved with CHI for nearly 20 years, following in the footsteps of her mother, Kavita Gugnani, who served as a CHI board member. She later became Lead Parent for the CH3 Manhattan team when her children participated in the program, and has remained deeply engaged ever since.

Her commitment goes well beyond advocacy. She visits project sites annually, brings needed resources and encouragement, and most recently donated books by Katha, and a bookshelf to CHI–Ekalavya School to help nurture a love of reading among students.

We are grateful to formally welcome Aditi as a CHI Ambassador, recognizing her steadfast commitment and enduring belief in our work.

Moments That Mattered

Honoring Our Elders Through Presence and Care

The CH3 team visited a retirement home, Lakeland Healthcare Center, where they spent meaningful time with app. 40 elderly residents.

Keeping residents’ preferences in mind, the team brought primarily vegetarian savoury and sweet treats, along with handmade cards and Valentine’s Day–themed elements, to create a warm and joyful celebration.

This visit reflects CH3’s continued commitment to connection, care, and companionship, ensuring that every moment shared brings comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

Where Commitment Meets Community: CHI Team in Maharashtra

Bearing witness to the realities and resilience on the ground, Dr. Vijay Dhar, CHI Advisory Council member; Aarti Doshi, Project Coordinator and Accounts Manager, Children’s Hope India (CHI); and Diksha Mehta, Program Manager – Early Childhood Education, CHI, visited multiple CHI projects across Maharashtra, including Govandi, Falkland Road, Cuffe Parade, Sewri, and Palghar. The visits were not only about observation, but also connection—listening to stories, understanding challenges, and reaffirming CHI’s commitment to every child, in every community, no matter how underserved.

In Gratitude

We 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. Thank you for standing with us, trusting our work, and becoming true partners in progress.

Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.