UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visits UNICEF-supported programme in Maharashtra protecting children affected by seasonal migration through family- and community-based care

Celebrated Actor and UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visited Jalna in Maharashtra and interacted with children and communities as part of a UNICEFsupported programme helping protect children affected by seasonal migration through family and communitybased careKhurrana was accompanied by a UNICEF India team including the Deputy Representative Programmes Jesper Moller The mission was supported by government and NGO partnersFor many marginalized families distressdriven seasonal migration is a recurring reality For children this can escalate the risk of child labour child marriage disrupted education neglect and violence While children who remain with grandparents or extended family may continue attending school and accessing health services many face emotional distress limited care and supervision and increased household responsibilitiesUNICEF works with the Government of India to strengthen child protection systems that address these issues and help prevent violence abuse exploitation and neglect In Jalna the Kinship and Community Care programme implemented with the District Administration and NGO partners demonstrates how communities and government working together can keep children safe in school and connect them to services such as education healthcare nutrition and psychosocial support while helping reduce the risk of child labour and child marriageldquoSeasonal distress driven migration is not a choice It is the stark reality for many familiesrdquo said Ayushmann Khurrana after meeting children and community members ldquoNo child should have to lose their childhood because of circumstances beyond their control In Jalna I saw communities coming together to protect children affected by migration and keep them connected to family care and support Kinship care does more than provide a safe home It preserves relationships restores confidence and gives children hope for a better futurerdquoKhurrana met young community leaders including Shankar Asaram whose work as a youth volunteer earned him community trust and led to his election as village Sarpanch He also met Pratiksha a Class 12 student and a Balmitra who has seen how migration affects adolescent girlsldquoThe Balmitras are trusted and powerful role models for children and their communities By supporting childrenrsquos rights safety and wellbeing they help children stay in school and prevent child labour and child marriage so that every child has the support and opportunity to grow learn and thrive India has strong laws to protect children including the Juvenile Justice Act which completes 10 years this year What matters now is to make sure that these protective measures are felt by every child and family including those living with the challenges of seasonal migrationrdquo said Ayushmann KhurranaBy bringing together Gram Panchayats and frontline service providers the programme creates a safety net that connects children to education healthcare nutrition and psychosocial support Khurrana met adolescent girls children and families to understand how the programme supports children at village levelReflecting on his interaction with adolescent girls Khurrana said ldquoI met 18yearold Shilpa who once migrated with her family Today she completed school and joined a vocational course that hopefully can help her break the intergenerational cycle of seasonal migration Girlsrsquo dreams can be fulfilled when children grow up educated healthy and saferdquoKhurrana also met a family providing kinship care to two young grandchildren while their father migrates for seasonal work With support from Balmitras and the community the children remain in school and continue receiving nutrition and immunization servicesReflecting on his visit Khurrana said ldquoEvery child deserves to grow up in a safe loving and nurturing family environment While the government provides legislations and schemes to protect children I am proud to see UNICEF the Government of Maharashtra the district administration and village communities coming together so every child is safe and cared forrdquoldquoUNICEF is proud to support the Jalna District Administration in providing a safe and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable childrenrdquo said Jesper Moller UNICEF India Representative ai ldquoViolence against children is preventable As the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 marks 10 years we must strengthen lastmile systems to identify risks early and connect families to essential services and social protection UNICEF greatly appreciates Ayushmann Khurrana for lending his voice and influence to this important cause and championing every childrsquos right to safety and carerdquo

UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visits UNICEF-supported programme in Maharashtra protecting children affected by seasonal migration through family- and community-based care

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Home / Buzz / Article / UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visits UNICEF-supported programme in Maharashtra protecting children affected by seasonal migration through family- and community-based care

UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visits UNICEF-supported programme in Maharashtra protecting children affected by seasonal migration through family- and community-based care

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast