IndiaChildWelfareAdvocacy2018

https://www.facebook.com/India-Child-Welfare-Advocacy-485321671985699/


I travelled to India in 2016 on a journey organised by Western Sydney University in conjunction with my degree in Social Welfare.
I was fortunate to meet students, teachers, members of NGOs and local charities. Young children in an orphanage for the Dalit community, considered among the most disadvantaged and most marginalised people on the Indian subcontinent, opened their hearts to me.

I am left with a burning desire to help to alleviate the plight of children in India who are the survivors of trauma and to support young children who face systemic challenges, including violence and poverty.

I want to see what I can do to enhance Indian children’s health and wellbeing so that they grow and develop into happy and prosperous members of their broader community.

Recent research in India by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, shows the prevalence of trauma related to coercive sexual practices against children, to be as high as 70% across all demographics.

I want to explore the connections I have established with grass roots communities as well as with people in positions of authority. I want to advocate for practical changes within the culture, to promote a wider understanding of the public health approach, to tap into and take advantage of the immense opportunities to foster happy family life and to support parenting that enhances children’s best potential.

I want to deepen my collaboration with universities in Chandigarh and New Delhi; with Professor Anwar Alam, Senior Fellow within the New Delhi Policy Perspectives Foundation; with the Gujurat Lakshya Trust; with NGOs; with the police; with the judiciary as well as with government bodies.

Funds raised will go to my airfare and expenses in India.

In Australia, Zia Ahmed the editor of the Australian Muslim Times newspaper, is keen to publicise my planned trip to India and also afterwards to report on its outcomes.

I am 53 years of age and am employed at the Holdsworth Community Centre, Woollahra, Sydney, as a Support Worker both for children living with disabilities as well as for seniors living with memory loss and their families.

In addition, for the past 5 years I have also been working in a regular capacity as a social worker supporting the wonderful Aboriginal Housing Company in Redfern, Sydney.

Prior to securing a Social Welfare degree, I had a former career in business development, sales management and logistics in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch directly should you have any questions or need any further information.

Thank you in anticipation of your kind support.

Benjamin



Please approach me directly should you have any questions or clarifications, or wish to meet in Sydney prior to contributing.

GoFundMe:       India Child Welfare Advocacy Trip

Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/India-Child-Welfare-Advocacy-485321671985699/

Email:                    [email redacted]