Children driving local community change, Caritas report shows

Children Drive Positive Change in Local Communities, Caritas Report Shows

NEW DELHI, India Children in Chhattisgarh are helping transform their communities by identifying local problems, raising their concerns with authorities and working towards practical solutions, according to a report by Caritas India.

The June 2026 compendium, Young Power: Children as Agents of Change, highlights the achievements of children participating in the Khushaal Bachpan (Happy Childhood) programme. Through children’s councils, known as Bal Panchayats, young people are learning about their rights and taking part in village assemblies and local decision-making.

Father Jesudass R., Executive Director of Caritas India, said the initiatives demonstrate children’s leadership and their ability to contribute meaningfully to social transformation. He emphasized that children are not merely beneficiaries of development but active participants in shaping their communities.

Children Speak Up for Safer Schools

In Remhla village in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, children raised concerns about a deteriorating middle school building with cracked walls, a leaking roof and falling plaster.

Led by their Bal Panchayat, the children documented the damage and presented their concerns at a village assembly. When a temporary arrangement proved inadequate, they proposed relocating the school to an unused village council hall. The proposal was approved, and the building was prepared for use as a school.

“When we sat in the new classroom for the first time, it felt like a new life,” said Ansh Kumar, a Bal Panchayat member, describing the children’s relief at having a safer learning environment.

Collective Action Improves Community Life

In Sihardand village in Jashpur district, children highlighted a poorly maintained road that affected access to schools, healthcare, markets and government services. After they raised the issue at a village assembly, construction of an all-weather concrete road began within a month. The road opened to villagers in April 2026.

In Kataipali village in Raigarh district, children and mothers sought greater safety along a forest road frequently used by elephants. Following their appeal, the Forest Department constructed a shelter and deployed two guards to help villagers cross the forest stretch safely.

Children also campaigned for a girls’ toilet at a school in Chhadia village. Their efforts led to the repair and reopening of an unused facility. In Sihardand, another children’s council successfully sought repairs to a broken school hand pump, which was restored within five days of submitting a memorandum to the village head.

These examples demonstrate how young people can help address essential community needs through cooperation and constructive engagement with local authorities.

Children Participate in Local Governance

On April 14, children’s groups supported by the Khushaal Bachpan programme submitted 63 memoranda across 25 village councils, presenting priorities and demands affecting their communities.

The programme encourages children to understand their rights, organise collectively and participate in village assemblies. Their concerns cover education, drinking water, sanitation, road safety, health services and other issues affecting daily life.

Caritas India implements the programme in five districts of Chhattisgarh with support from Caritas Australia. It aims to build children’s confidence, awareness and leadership skills while encouraging local institutions to listen to their perspectives.

The report also highlights Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognises children’s right to express their views on matters affecting them and have those views given appropriate consideration.

Empowering Children Builds Stronger Communities

The experiences documented in the report show that children can make meaningful contributions when they receive encouragement, guidance and opportunities to participate in community decisions.

Their efforts reflect the importance of listening to young voices and creating safer, more inclusive communities where everyone can contribute to positive change.

The report offers an inspiring reminder that children, when empowered to speak up and work together, can become valuable partners in building stronger communities and a better future.