From Child Labour to a Chance at School

Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) are safe and structured environments established at construction sites to support the holistic development of children growing up in highly vulnerable conditions. Many of these children face poverty, malnutrition, unsafe surroundings and disrupted access to education. CFS provides a nurturing space where children can learn, play and receive emotional support, along with daily nutritious meals and hygiene awareness. By creating stability and routine within transient communities, the programme strengthens children’s physical, emotional and cognitive foundations.

Outreach

Till date, CFS has benefited 12,269 children across the Ahmedabad and Jaipur centres, with 505 children enrolled into formal schools. As of February 2026, 313 children are currently attending the centres, continuing their journey towards mainstream education with confidence and resilience.

 Story from the Field

• Construction Site: Rajyash Construction Site
• Child’s Name: Aarav (Name Changed)
• Age: 6 years
• Gender: Male
• Father’s Name and Occupation: Rameshbhai Nayak
• (Name changed) – Construction worker
• Mother’s Name and Occupation: Kiranben Nayak
• (Name changed) Construction worker
• Village Address: Sindhal – Choksi Faliya, Taluka – Vagra
• Siblings: Two sisters
• Health Status: Normal

Aarav’s (Name Changed) family originally belongs to Sindhal – Choksi Faliya in Vagra taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. They were once dependent on farming for their livelihood. However, due to severe financial difficulties and the responsibility of arranging his sister’s marriage, Aarav’s father, Rameshbhai Nayak (name changed), was forced to sell the family’s agricultural land. In addition, he had taken a loan which gradually became a heavy financial burden. With no land left to cultivate and mounting debts, continuing farming was no longer possible.

In search of employment and stability, Rameshbhai migrated to Ahmedabad after learning about work opportunities through a friend employed at the Rajyash Construction site. The initial days were difficult. Securing work was uncertain, and arranging accommodation posed another challenge. Eventually, he was hired as a labourer, and the family was provided a small room in the labour colony near the site. Aarav’s mother, Kiranben (name changed), also joined as a labourer to support the family income.

Like many migrant children living at construction sites, Aarav spent his early years in an unsafe and unstimulating environment. Both parents worked long hours, leaving limited options for his care during the day. During an outreach visit, a teacher from the crèche centre met the family in the labour colony. She explained the importance of early childhood education and informed them about the crèche facility operating from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm behind the construction site. Understanding that this would provide a safe space for their son while they worked, Aarav’s parents agreed to enrol him. At that time, he was four years old.

In the beginning, Aarav struggled to adjust. He cried frequently and was hesitant to stay away from his parents. However, with regular care, patience and encouragement from the teachers, he slowly became comfortable. He began participating in activities, interacting with other children and showing interest in learning.

Seeing his gradual progress, he was transferred to Balwadi, where his basic learning and social skills were further strengthened. He started recognising letters, learning numbers and following simple instructions independently. When Aarav turned five, he was enrolled in the Bridge Course programme for one year to build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. During this period, his learning improved significantly. He became more confident, started forming simple words, improved his counting skills and actively participated in classroom activities.

After completing the Bridge Course, Aarav was enrolled in formal schooling and joined the primary school in his native village. He is continuing his studies regularly. The strong foundation built through the programme has helped him adjust smoothly to the school environment and participate with confidence in his learning journey.

• Project Report (PDF)