How to Support Communities in Need

01/07/24

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Poverty, in and of itself, cannot be addressed by simply offering benefits to the needy. Instead, it requires a holistic understanding of the role of skilling and education, as well as providing them an enabling environment that can serve as a launchpad for their aspirations. Access to healthcare, safety and security, professional skills, and other essentials can enable them to personal economic growth and in turn contribute to their own, their society’s, and India’s growth.

India is home to millions of children who belong to the lesser privileged segment of society. However, no matter who they are or where they are from, they are making journeys towards a better life, guided by a wide range of comprehensive government policies and mechanisms, the role of civil society, and the kindness of people and communities. Here are some ways in which you can contribute your bit towards fighting poverty.

1. Donating to an NGO is a great way of helping communities in need

NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children) are providing children with the right tools and opportunities that they need to succeed in life. Such organisations are helping children by providing them with quality learning opportunities, access to healthcare, protection from abuse and harm and relief and rehabilitation during disasters and emergencies. Through these interventions, once-marginalised children are being shaped into mature, healthy and skilled adults who can earn a decent livelihood. However, NGO work simply cannot happen without the role of donations, which fund NGO programmes.

2. Volunteering with a charity

Interested in making a difference? Apart from donating money, you should also contribute your time and efforts to causes that matter to you, through a variety of ways. For example, you can teach children at an NGO’s learning centre, or take up a pro bono job with a charity. You can manage a community kitchen, or even conduct enrolment drives for slum children. Students or those who have just finished school or college can sign up for a summer internship with an NGO, enabling you to get hands-on training on how social welfare projects are implemented. No matter how you volunteer, what should matter is providing real benefits to the people you work for.

3. Support fundraising efforts

For those with a passion for supporting social impact that goes beyond volunteering on the weekend and donating, there is the opportunity of fundraising. Fundraisers can leverage their social clout to organize different types of fundraising activities, including but not limited to marathons, social events, concerts and more. Through crowdfunding, small amounts of money, raised over a period of time, can come together to serve as a significant corpus of funding.

4. Become a campaigner for a cause

Join a movement which seeks to address key issues, such as lack of shelter, education and healthcare. for poor communities. As a torch-bearer and social voice, you can help drive visibility and action, and mobilise donations and support for causes that matter. The tremendous power of social media can catalyse social action, enabling you to drive campaigns with speed and scale.

5. Imparting Education

You can involve yourself in imparting knowledge to the poor. From helping local children with their homework assignments to volunteering as a teacher, there is no limit to how you can contribute to the gift of education. A good education is the starting point of the journey of breaking free from the cycle of poverty. Over time, educated children become empowered adults, and make better social decisions rooted in a sound understanding of issues. Thus, education has an enduring multiplier effect.

Bal Raksha Bharat, also known as Save the Children, is actively combating poverty in India through a comprehensive approach. This includes enhancing the income of marginalised families via skill development and government programmes, improving youth employability through vocational training and life skills education, and ensuring access to key social protection schemes. They also focus on gender transformative approaches to address the unique needs of girls and women, provide holistic interventions to prevent gender-based violence and promote health and nutrition. Their efforts are deeply rooted in community engagement to ensure a tailored approach to the specific needs, barriers, and opportunities of each community.

Pulkit Arora

Manager-Brand & Communication

“With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. As a Digital Marketing Manager for digital Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), I have honed my expertise in orchestrating impactful campaigns online and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to drive positive change."