TORONTO: The Canada Indian Foundation’s India Chapter has adopted 75 children orphaned by Covid-19.
The CIF, an organization working in the bilateral space between Canada and India, said these children, currently from the state of Gujarat, would be supported with the necessities of life and education till they attain the age of 17.
“We at CIF consider this a privilege to be able to join in India’s Anniversary celebrations, in a meaningful way that would make a huge difference to these children,” noted Satish Thakkar, Chair, CIF.
The outreach is in recognition of the current efforts being launched by both government and non-governmental agencies to mark and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence, called Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
It was on August 15, 2021,that the India Chapter of Canada India Foundation announced the adoption of children who had lost both their parents to the Covid-19 pandemic and faced a dire future in the absence of support systems.
The children to be adopted are all belong to families whose incomes are below the national poverty line.
According to the norms established by the CIF, one child from each deserving family will receive financial aid to continue their education in a school situated in the village or at a residential school if required. Dedicated teams will investigate, identify and liaise with families and monitor the progress of the children and recommend changes as the program gets into full gear. Each child will receive an amount of one hundred thousand Indian rupees (C$1600 approximately) towards their education, food, clothing and health.
The amount will be divided into the following categories – 35% for their education, 35% for food, 20% for health and 10% other. CIF India Chapter has confirmed that the program will run in compliance with all local laws governing protection of children and foreign financial contributions.
CIF is seeking more participation from concerned individuals in India and Canada to participate in whatever capacity, either financial or by donating their time and talent, to allow the program to take root and grow in scope.
Ritesh Malik, National Convener, CIF, added, “Children are the future of a nation. For an emerging country like India, development of underprivileged children holds the key to the progress of the nation itself, and their education is the cornerstone of this progress.”
Saumil Purohit, Chair of CIF India Chapter, “We are very excited with our tie up with the Canada India Foundation and compliment all those in Canada who made this great initiative possible. Now our real work of making a positive impact on these children can begin with the support of well-wishers in India and Canada.”
Guru Prakash Iyer, National Convener CIF India Chapter, added: “Our children will lay the foundation for our country’s future, but this might be too heavy a responsibility for their weak shoulders. We must come together to nurture, nourish, educate and empower our children, to help build a healthy, progressive nation.”