Breaking the Chains of Child Labour in North India

At 13, *Chaya was pulled out of school and pushed into work.

In her village, life revolved around daily-wage labour and leaf stitching. For Chaya and her family, survival came before school. After completing primary school, she dropped out for a year collecting firewood and helping in the fields to support her household.

But she never stopped wanting to study.

During a community visit, a CRY team came across her story. They spoke to her parents, helped her re-enrol in a school and offered consistent academic support. With encouragement from a teacher named Chaya didn’t just return to class, she found her ambition again.

She later joined a CRY project as a volunteer, building skills and confidence along the way.

And then came the turning point, Chaya secured her first real job.

This is not just Chaya’s journey. It’s every child who chose learning over labour and changed their life.

*Name changed.

In a small village in North India, 14-year-old Radha’s reality was one defined by hardship.

With no electricity, no nearby school, and no financial stability, she spent her days working alongside her mother in the fields, just to help the family make ends meet.

In her village, education wasn’t easily accessible, and poverty made it even harder to stay in school. Dropping out didn’t feel like a decision; it felt like survival.

But everything changed when her name came up at a CRY-supported children’s group meeting.

The CRY team reached out, spoke to her parents, and helped re-enrol Radha in school. With regular academic support, she began to rebuild her confidence and catch up on her studies.

Education gave her something work never could- a sense of possibility.

With determination and encouragement, Radha cleared her board exams, completed Class 12, and set her sights on a dream few in her village dared to imagine: joining the Police.

And she made it.

Today, Radha proudly serves as a police constable- a symbol of courage and inspiration for other children, especially girls, in her community. Her journey stands as proof that when given the right opportunities, every child can achieve their full potential.

This transformation was made possible because of you- our supporters and donors. Your belief in every child’s right to education has changed Radha’s life forever.

But there are still many more children across North India waiting for their chance to learn, grow, and dream.

Your continued support can help make that happen. Together, we can ensure that every child like Radha, has the opportunity to break free from poverty and build a brighter future.

Thank you for standing with us, and with them.