Educate and protect children in Andhra Pradesh

When school stopped, work began. At 13, *Akira was forced to leave school.

With eight siblings, an unwell father, and a brother who controlled decisions at home, her only option was to start working. She began helping her family stitch cooler pads, a small income for survival, but a big cost to her childhood.

Upon learning about Akira’s situation, the CRY team set out to change that.

Through regular home visits, counselling, and family support, the CRY team helped Akira return to school and stay there. She was given the academic support she needed, along with the emotional encouragement to believe she could do more.

And she did.

Akira became the first in her family to graduate, earned her Master’s in Social Work, and today works as a government-appointed child protection officer. She now mentors other girls, helps prevent child marriages, and helps vulnerable children find their voice, just like she found hers.

Education didn’t just rescue her from child labour. It helped her discover her purpose.

Every child deserves that chance.
Every child has the right to learn, not earn.

*Name changed.

Dear supporter,

We wanted to take a moment to share the incredible impact you’ve made  through your generosity and belief in every child’s right to a better future.

Meet Meena*.

Abandoned by her mother at just two years old, Meena was raised by her father and grandparents in a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Her childhood was filled with emotional hardships, with her dreams and needs often overlooked.

When our team met Meena during a vulnerability assessment, she was at high risk of dropping out of school and being married off early. But thanks to your support, we were able to act quickly.

We introduced her to the CRY Adolescent Girl's Collective, where she learned about her right to education. Through Life Skills sessions, she began to believe in herself, her confidence grew, her studies improved, and her voice became stronger.

So strong, in fact, that when a marriage proposal came her way, Meena stood up for herself and reported it. With continued counseling and encouragement from the CRY team, her family, though hesitant at first ,eventually agreed to let her complete her Grade 10 exams.

And not only did she complete them, she excelled.

Today, Meena is proudly pursuing a two-year Medical Laboratory Technology course, supported by a government scholarship.

This transformation from a vulnerable child to a confident young woman chasing her dreams, was made possible because of you.

From all of us at CRY, thank you for believing that every child deserves a chance to shine.

With gratitude,

Team CRY UK