Empowered Parents, Safer Childhoods: Ground Stories of Parent Groups in Communities

Across six communities in Delhi, Railway Children India (RCI) is nurturing a quiet but powerful movement—parents coming together to support one another and build safer, more informed environments for their children. These fortnightly parent meetings, led by Training Officer Ms. Aisha Shameen and the support of community mobilisers, began with discussions on fundamental topics such as child rights and life skills. Now, however, the agenda of the meetings has evolved to a new phase: strengthening parents’ own capacity to take charge of their children’s well-being.

Formed with 15 like-minded parents from each community, these groups are developing a shared voice around community-specific issues, such as the issue of child marriage in Darbhanga, or domestic violence linked to alcohol abuse. Currently, RCI’s community mobilizers assist parents with countless issues, from enrolling their children in schools to opening a bank account. With consistent guidance and support, however, our goal is to empower parents such that they lead the way for their children and are capable of facilitating everyday tasks that ensure their children’s well-being.

These photos capture the spirit of collective learning, courage, and change taking shape—one meeting at a time.

1. Parents’ Group formed at JJ Camp

This session marks the beginning of a continued partnership with families in JJ Camp, with regular follow-ups planned to monitor progress and deepen parent engagement. At the introductory session, parents and mobilizers, in the presence of Training Officer, held an open discussion where parents shared their concerns. One mother spoke about her daughter’s struggle to gain school admission due to a weak academic background.

In response, the mobilizer assured parents of RCI’s support. The child would begin attending the Activity Center from the next day, where she would receive focused lessons in reading and writing. RCI also committed to assisting with her school admission process.

2. Darbhanga Community’s Parents Group Introduced to Child Rights

The Child Rights and Parenting session held at Darbhanga aimed to raise awareness among community members—both parents and children—about the rights every child is entitled to, and how they can recognise and protect these rights in their daily lives.

Community members expressed appreciation for the session, describing it as eye-opening and helpful. Many also took the opportunity to share the challenges they face while raising children in the area. The session concluded with a sense of mutual learning and gratitude.

3. Adolescent Girls and Mothers of Valmiki Basti Learn about Child Protection in the Digital Age

The session began with a conversation on the influence of social media—an entry point that organically led to a broader dialogue about child protection. Similarly, discussions with mothers started around parenting practices and gradually shifted toward children’s rights and their everyday relevance.

All participants shared that the session was informative and meaningful. They appreciated the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and better understand the issues affecting their children.

4. Parenting and Communication Skills Session at Kishanganj Community

Attended by both parents and adolescents, this engaging and informative session at the Kishanganj Community Centre focused on Parenting Skills and Communication. Covering the basics of verbal and non-verbal communication, and highlighting the importance of active listening, the session also emphasized how healthy relationships play a central role in fostering effective communication—both within families and beyond.

The session fostered awareness and reflection on parenting approaches and the communication gaps that can be bridged through simple, mindful practices.

5. Legal Implications of Child Rights Discussed at JJ Camp

A comprehensive training session was held at the JJ Camp Activity Centre, focusing on child safety, child rights, legal implications of child rights violations, and parenting skills. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, we helped participants understand the legal and emotional dimensions of child protection and the role of positive parenting. The workshop aimed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to create safer, more nurturing environments for their children.