The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of millions across the globe. The effects of the crisis have been felt deeply, especially by vulnerable groups living on the fringes. Caught amidst the socio-economic fallout of the disease and the all-pervasive sense of uncertainty and anxiety, children face heightened threats to their safety and well-being.
All through the COVID-19 crisis and the lockdown in India, CHILDLINE 1098, the emergency helpline for children in need of care and protection, has continued to receive calls 24x7 without any disruption to take up interventions to prevent abuse, assist children in distress and provide emotional support.
Since March 20th 2020, CHILDLINE has answered over 53.09 lakh calls and assisted/rescued over 3.95 lakh children.
For CHILDLINE, the past year has also been a year of growth. The network which covered 569 districts and 129 railway stations in March 2020, has expanded. CHILDLINE services are now operational in over 81% of the country - across 598 districts, through a network of 1,070 intervention units, Child Help Desks at 141 railway stations and 5 bus terminals, and nearly 11,000 child protection personnel.
CHILDLINE has also been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response, and has been working closely with district administrations, child protection bodies, health departments, law enforcement, and civil society networks to disseminate information about COVID-19, distribute hygiene kits, food and medical supplies, and extend emergency relief and rescue for children and families affected by the crisis. Read about how CHILDLINE has been responding on the ground here. You can also refer to our COVID-19 Resources page for relevant information on the COVID-19 crisis - links to government advisories, care and prevention measures, tips on communicating with children and keeping them engaged, accessing mental support and more
CHILDLINE needs your support to keep the 1098 emergency helpline operational and ensure that teams have the resources to reach every child in distress. Funds that we raise will go towards meeting the following expenses.
- Program expenses for keeping the CHILDLINE Contact Centres operational 24x7
- Creating awareness on issues of child protection
- Capacity building of CHILDLINE personnel
- Providing emergency relief and support to migrants and other vulnerable groups
We appeal to you to donate generously. Any amount, small or large, will go a long way towards ensuring that CHILDLINE is capacitated to aid children and other vulnerable groups in distress during the COVID-19 crisis.
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