Child welfare volunteers ensure migrant workers' kids have bright future

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 21:11:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-09-26 16:43:55

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Despite migrating to distant cities for work, these parents likely worry immensely about their children back home. Luckily, a group of youth in Jalna, India, is ensuring that these children get an education and a bright future through a unique mentorship program.

The Balmitras, meaning "children's friends," are a group of about 450 youth aged 17 to 28 who volunteer to mentor students aged 6 to 16 and help them with academic support, personal development, and career counseling. They also organize extra-curricular activities like art classes, sports tournaments, and trips to museums or parks, ensuring that these children, whose parents are away for work, do not feel sidelined or neglected.

"For many of these children, their Balmitras are the role models they look up to. They are energetic, passionate, and dedicated to ensuring that these children have a positive outlook, ensuring their success in the future," local leader Ravindra Shelke told The Times of India.

The program has reportedly been in operation for about 35 years but continues to adapt to the changing needs of the children in the community, which is especially important today, as many students struggle with the emotional and academic implications of the pandemic.

According to a report in the Herald News, there are many similar initiatives in India, but the Jalna program is unique because it involves the children of migrant workers and serves a diverse community, with volunteers and children from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, castes, and religions.

"We want to expand our efforts further and provide more resources to these children, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic," Ravindra Shelke, the secretary of the Jalna district council, said. "We have our work cut out for us, but we are committed to ensuring that every child, irrespective of their background, has a bright future and a chance at success."

Indeed, ensuring the next generation's success is a team effort, and it takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes. It's heartwarming to see these youth stepping up to the plate.

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