5 Innovative Programmes by NGOs

India offers a developmental opportunity like no other. On one hand, the country has immense developmental potential; today, tens of millions of citizens are receiving better access to health, nutrition, and other necessities. On the other hand, there is immense interest among people, communities, organisations, and companies, who are looking for new ways how to help poor people. Non-Governmental Organisations at the spearhead of this India’s developmental transformation. They are consolidating the charitable inputs, to help poor people, in many ways. These include ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare providing access to education and protecting vulnerable children, they are not just addressing immediate needs but also paving the way for lasting positive change.

Let us look at the programmes that are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

1. Nutrition programmes

Access to nutritious food is the most basic of necessities. Without food, no other intervention can have lasting relevance. On the other hand, access to nutritious food can ensure that children enjoy healthy bodily growth, greater health and immunity, and a better learning experience at school.  One can argue that we cannot help poor people without providing adequate nutrition. Underlining the importance of nutrition, NGOs have rolled out innovative nutrition programmes, wherein they provide free, healthy meals to children in schools and communities. Through these efforts, NGOs have been able to contribute to bringing down rates of childhood malnutrition and stunting. In the societies where these initiatives have been carried out, children are healthier, energetic, and better school performers.

2. Health Initiatives

NGOs, in partnership with the government, are implementing innovative health initiatives, including setting up mobile health clinics in remote villages to bring medical teams and medicine right to people’s doorsteps. They are investing in a variety of preventive care programmes, such as vaccinations, health education, and promoting good hygiene, as well as training local women as health workers. As a result, people are now receiving regular check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses. Intervention areas are witnessing a fall in maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as the incidence of preventable diseases.

3. Education Programmes

Education is a crucial enabler of empowerment for individuals, especially girls and women. Underscoring its deep relevance to development and the significance of helping poor children, NGOs are implementing innovative education programmes, including building schools in remote areas and providing free textbooks, and uniforms. NGO teams also raise greater awareness about how important education can be, as a catalyst of change, in the communities they serve. Many NGOs also offer skilling programmes to help youth find jobs and even begin their micro-entrepreneurial ventures. These initiatives are playing a visible role in the government’s commitment to education and job creation. They have helped boost school enrolment, classroom participation, and community support for education.

4. Child Protection Initiatives

Helping poor children is one of the most important priorities that must be considered in times of natural disasters. This is where the role of child NGOs comes to the fore. These NGOs can launch and scale innovative child protection initiatives, such as setting up helplines and shelters for children in distress, providing counselling and legal support, and raising awareness about child rights and the prevention of abuse. These organisations also collaborate with law enforcement agencies and local communities to identify, rescue and help poor children, who otherwise become vulnerable to trafficking and child labour. 

5. Women’s Empowerment Programmes

NGOs have played a critical role in realizing the vision of gender equality in India. Women’s empowerment programmes, which cut across education, skill development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, are designed to empower women with knowledge, resources, and support. Due to these programmes, which are designed to complement the government’s efforts to promote naari shakti (women’s empowerment), more women are achieving greater independence and are acquiring greater agency and purpose in crafting a life path that works for them. Therefore, any inquiry on the topic of ‘how to help poor people’, must incorporate women’s empowerment as one of its pillars of change.

Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India) is actively engaged in enhancing child welfare through diverse programs. They tackle child malnutrition with robust nutrition initiatives and address healthcare needs through targeted health campaigns. Their education programs are designed to ensure accessible and quality learning for all children, particularly focusing on girls and marginalized groups. Child protection efforts by the organization aim to shield children from various forms of abuse and exploitation. Additionally, by empowering women, they lay a foundation for stronger, more resilient communities, ultimately striving to help poor children achieve a better future.

Geeta Lama

Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations

“ I Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations at Bal Raksha Bharat. Based in New Delhi, I oversee Media Relations, Communication and foster relationships with government entities to promote the welfare of children. I have a strong background in public affairs and have successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and corporate partners."