Child Participation and Empowerment in India
At TARA, children are encouraged to actively participate in their daily life, education and personal development. Our approach promotes child participation and empowerment in India, helping each child grow with confidence, responsibility and independence.
This page is based on a workshop conducted with a social worker and children living in TARA Homes in Delhi. It reflects TARA’s commitment to rights-based child protection and the principles set out in India’s child rights framework.
Children at the Heart of Decisions
In TARA’s residential care homes, children are involved in defining the rules that guide their daily life. They contribute to decisions related to their environment, routines and activities.
This approach allows children to better understand their rights and responsibilities, while strengthening their sense of belonging and self-confidence. The same principle applies at TARA’s community Outreach Centres, where children also elect representatives and participate in shaping the life of the centre.
What Does Child Empowerment Mean at TARA?
At TARA, empowerment means giving children the space to express their thoughts, preferences and ideas in a safe and respectful environment. Children are encouraged to communicate openly and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Over time, this helps them build self-confidence and develop their ability to make informed, independent choices.
“Expressing what we need and want without fear.”
Meena, 13, TARA Girls (name changed)
“If we don’t like an activity, we can share our opinion and it will be considered.”
Arjun, 15, TARA Boys (name changed)
Learning to Make Decisions
Children in residential care at TARA actively participate in shaping the rules of their home. They regularly review these rules and contribute to improving them based on their own experience.
By taking part in decision-making, children develop autonomy, responsibility and critical thinking skills, capabilities that serve them far beyond their time at TARA.
“Deciding for ourselves.”
Kavya, 12, TARA Outreach Centre (name changed)
How We Encourage Child Participation in India
TARA has implemented several practical measures to promote child participation and empowerment in daily life:
🗳️ Elected representatives
Children elect representatives who participate in discussions with staff on behalf of their peers, both in TARA’s residential homes and at the Outreach Centres.
💬 Feedback systems
Regular feedback channels allow children to express suggestions and concerns at any time.
🎨 Activities & outings
Sports, arts and group outings build confidence, social skills and a sense of individual identity.
📋 Shared rules
Children contribute to defining the rules and responsibilities that govern their daily life in the home.
“The feelings and opinions of children are essential. At TARA, each child is supported as an individual and encouraged to develop their personality and potential.”
Building Confidence and Well-being
Emotional support plays an important role in empowerment. Children are encouraged to express their feelings and seek guidance when needed through daily interactions with a team they trust.
TARA also works in collaboration with Children First, a specialised child mental health organisation in Delhi. This partnership supports children in expressing themselves, building confidence and strengthening their emotional well-being.
Through a combination of daily interactions, structured activities and professional support, children gradually build confidence and develop their full potential.
At TARA, participation and empowerment help children grow into confident, independent and responsible young adults, ready to shape their own future.