Butterflies

Butterflies is a registered voluntary organisation working with the most vulnerable groups of children, especially street and working children since 1989. With a rights based, non-institutional approach the organisation endeavours to educate and impart life skills to vulnerable children so that they become self reliant. Over the years Butterflies has initiated a number of innovative interventions in the field and partnered with various government and non-government agencies to garner support for children. The main programmes are Education, Children's Development Khazana (life skills programme teaching financial management), Child Health Cooperative (CHC), Children's Media (radio, video, newspaper and theatre), Resilience Centre & Childline (1098, 24 hour helpline for children in crisis), vocational training (includes Butterflies School of Culinary & Catering and computer education), Right to Play and Child Social Protection Committee Programme. Butterflies also has a research, advocacy and training wing that works to support mobilization of civil society and influences policies at all levels. It is an active participant in national and international networks for advocating and promoting policies, programmes and actions to protect rights of children.

Butterflies reaches out to almost 3,300 children every year through various interventions in all project areas and has touched the lives of more than 71,000 children since inception. Children's participation is the core belief of all the programs implemented by Butterflies.

OUR VISION

A world where every child is loved and respected regardless of race, religion, class or caste. Is fed and clothed and housed within a caring family environment. Has free access to quality education and training in line with her or his abilities and interest. Has free access to quality health care. Has free access to right to play and leisure. Has a voice and can speak out without fear of the consequences. Is free from exploitation and abuse and from direct or indirect effects of armed conflict or communal violence. A world where every child is free to be a child and live in dignity and has a hope for future. Butterflies addresses the challenge of making the Constitution of India and UNCRC a reality, particularly for those children who are most vulnerable, neglected, abused and exploited. Butterflies is committed within its mandate to work towards solidarity among voluntary organizations, Government and all Civil Society Organisations for addressing the concerns of all children.