Transform the Lives of Children in Gujarat, India

Hello, 

The past few months were very exciting and eventful for Balsena. Here are some glimpses. 

Leadership Camp:

Shaishav organized a three day Leadership Camp from 3rd to 5th November 2025 with the theme Constitution. The camp aimed to help children understand the meaning of the Indian Constitution and connect its values to their everyday lives, while building leadership, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility.

During the camp, children learned about key constitutional values such as sovereignty, secularism, socialism, liberty, equality, and fraternity through games, stories, group discussions, posters, and theatre. Creative activities like short plays and group sharing helped children express their understanding with confidence and teamwork.

The learning experience was enriched through a film screening and visits to Bhavnagar heritage sites and Nilambag Palace, which gave children a broader historical and cultural perspective.

The camp concluded with children collectively creating a Constitution for the Balsena Sangathan. This activity helped them practice democratic decision making and strengthened their sense of ownership and participation.

Overall, the Leadership Camp helped children clearly understand constitutional values, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and feel more empowered to practice equality, justice, and fraternity in their daily lives and within their groups.

Child Rights Week.

Child Rights Week was observed from 14 to 20 November 2025 through activities in schools, communities, and public places. The main aim was to help children understand their rights and to involve teachers, parents, and community members in spreading awareness.

The Balsena team visited 12 schools and reached 3,057 students and 51 teachers. Sessions included simple discussions on the importance of Children’s Day and Child Rights Week, along with child friendly games, songs on child rights, rallies, and a signature campaign with support from teachers and parents.

Balsena members played a key role by leading activities in 16 areas, with 556 children participating in rallies. Their leadership helped build confidence among other children and strengthened the overall message of child rights.

Community level activities were organized at public places like Pill Garden and Sardar Nagar Circle, where 188 children and 122 adults participated through poster displays, games, and awareness interactions. Parents also supported the signature campaign, contributing 111 signatures.

Children’s feedback from new schools showed that many were learning about child rights for the first time, highlighting the importance of continued outreach.

Overall, Child Rights Week successfully increased awareness among children, teachers, parents, and the wider community, reinforcing the message that every child has the right to learn, feel safe, grow, and be heard.

Balsena Annual Day 

The 2025 Balsena Annual Program was as colourful and diverse as our Indian culture, with performances representing 16 states of India. The song "Aa Amaro Desh Che" (this is our nation) floated across the venue. The program's major themes were unity, equality, and respect for diversity, combining learning, play, discussion, and cultural expression to help children connect these values with their everyday lives. Age-appropriate activities focused on friendship, shared identity, and communal harmony through discussions, games, songs, and experiential learning. For instance, a simple Rock, Paper, and Scissors game was tweaked to help children understand fairness and equality. After lunch, children from each community presented their assigned states through role plays, dance, poem recitals, and traditional costumes—all arranged by the children themselves with minimal adult assistance.  

The first draft of the Balsena Constitution was presented by the Balsena Council to other children after working on it since the Leadership Camp. The current draft covers values, identity, roles, responsibilities, and the election process. The Council will continue refining the document through regular meetings to detail values and other important components. Children who represented Balsena at national and state levels were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Nitin, a renowned cultural and arts preservationist based in Bhavnagar and working at the state and national level for promoting culture and heritage.  

Kishori Samelan

In the month of December, Kishori Sammelan was celebrated grand with 120 girls from Balsena and other girls from schools. The theme for this year’s Sammelan was “Me and My Identity” exploring oneself and reflecting about one’s own identity. This was also a topic that Balsena children demanded during the Council meeting. The activities were mostly finding one’s inner beauty, making one’s dream tree ad also exploring one’s own beliefs and values. One activity prompted children to find their role model in the recent Indian Blind Women’s and Women’s Cricket team who won world cups. The girls were able to find connection with their childhood with some of the players. This gave them the hope that the girls can also be leaders despite of the challenges. The key is consistent efforts with self-confidence.  

Special Day Celebrations:

Objective:
To celebrate important national and cultural events that build children’s sense of identity, togetherness, and respect for traditions while encouraging active participation and teamwork.

Summary:

On 26 July 2025, World Tiger Day was celebrated across 14 areas with 408 children (179 boys and 229 girls) participating.

In August 2025, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated across four areas with 140 children (60 boys and 80 girls), creating a space for children to learn about bonding, care, and cultural traditions. This was followed by Independence Day on 15 August 2025, celebrated in 16 areas with 428 children (195 boys and 233 girls), marked by patriotic activities and programs.

Teacher’s Day was observed on 20 September 2025 in one area with 32 children (13 boys and 19 girls), where they expressed respect and gratitude towards their teachers. On 27 September 2025, a special Navratri program was held in the Gaushala zone, attended by 70 children (32 boys and 38 girls), with additional participation from the Azadnagar point, making the celebration more inclusive.

Impact:

Children developed cultural awareness, patriotism, and respect for shared values. These celebrations helped strengthen community bonding, participation, and confidence among both boys and girls.

One-Day Trainings:

Objective:
To engage children in hands-on environmental learning through practical sessions and discussions that promote responsibility towards nature.

Summary:

During 2025–26, several one-day trainings were organized across different zones to engage children in environmental learning and practical activities. On 13 April 2025, Kumbarwada zone hosted a session using environmental kits and pill garden exercises, attended by 52 children (31 boys and 21 girls). City Zone conducted sessions on 25 May and 29 June with 40 children (18 boys and 22 girls), covering similar environmental activities.

Other one-day trainings included Gaushala zone on 25 May with 29 children (9 boys and 20 girls), Fulser zone on 29 June with 54 children (28 boys and 26 girls), Kumbarwada on 20 July with 58 children (21 boys and 37 girls), and Gaushala on 21 September with 49 children (21 boys and 28 girls).
These trainings combined hands-on exercises such as waste classification, seed ball making, and gardening with discussions on personal responsibility, giving children practical experience and encouraging environmental awareness.

Impact:
Children learned about waste management, gardening, and conservation through direct experience. They became more aware of environmental issues and their personal role in keeping their surroundings clean and green.

Balmelas:

Objective:
To provide children a fun, participatory platform to learn through creative activities focused on environmental education and community involvement.

Summary:

On 15 June 2025, the Balmela in Fulser focused on environmental themes. Activities included poster making on “Dream Earth,” demonstrations on water purification using alum and boiling, display of environment kit posters, waste classification exercises, and discussions on kitchen gardening. A total of 57 children (21 boys and 36 girls) participated, including children beyond the Balsena group, reflecting wider community involvement.

Another Balmela was held on 31 August 2025 in Gaushala with similar environmental activities and 44 children (16 boys and 28 girls) participating. However, members from the Gaushala point did not attend this session.
These Balmelas successfully combined learning, hands-on activities, and community engagement, fostering awareness on health and environmental issues while encouraging children from different groups to participate actively.

 Impact:

Balmelas encouraged creativity and teamwork while spreading awareness on environmental and health topics. They also drew participation from children beyond Balsena, showing wider community interest and inclusiveness.

Kishori TOT:

Objective:
To empower adolescent girls with knowledge and confidence on issues like menstrual health, legal rights, and government schemes through expert-led discussions.

Summary:

The Kishori TOT sessions during 2025-26 were designed to engage adolescent girls in learning and discussions on important life skills and social issues.
In August, a session on menstrual health was organized with 50 girls. Heli-ben from the ICDS department joined as a resource person and shared valuable guidance based on her experience.
In September, 34 girls participated in a session on government schemes for daughters and legal rights. Guest speakers Ajaybhai from the Women and Child Welfare Department and Sudhaben from the Sakhi One Stop Center helped the girls understand available support systems and laws for their protection and empowerment.
These sessions built knowledge, awareness, and confidence while creating a supportive environment for adolescent girls to share and learn from each other.

Impact:
Girls gained practical knowledge, built confidence, and became more aware of their rights and available support systems. The sessions also created a safe and open space for girls to share experiences and support one another.

Kishori Mandal:

Objective:
To provide continuous learning and awareness opportunities for adolescent girls through monthly sessions on health, rights, and government schemes.

 During 2025-26, the Kishori Mandal conducted monthly sessions across different points, engaging adolescent girls in learning and awareness activities. A total of 31 sessions were held with 343 girls participating.

In August 2025, awareness sessions were conducted at new points on the monthly menstrual cycle at Fulsar, Kharo, Milni Chali, and Amar Society, along with a special workshop, reaching 115 girls across 11 sessions.

In September 2025, the focus shifted to government schemes and legal information for adolescent girls, with 98 girls participating in seven sessions.
These sessions helped girls gain knowledge about their bodies, reproductive health, legal rights, and available government schemes, while also building confidence and awareness within their communities.

 Impact:

Regular sessions helped girls understand their bodies, reproductive health, and entitlements. Participation improved confidence and encouraged them to become advocates for health and gender equality in their communities.

Balsena Election:

Objective:
To promote democratic participation among children by involving them in transparent elections and leadership selection based on merit and discussion.

Summary:

On 5 September 2025, Balsena held its presidential election at Shaishav Hall with 68 council members and active children participating. Six candidates, five girls and one boy, contested for the posts of President and Vice President.

Before voting, children discussed governance systems, leadership roles, and election criteria. Candidates introduced themselves and answered questions from their peers. Children were divided into six groups and evaluated each candidate on eight criteria: experience, reading and writing skills in Hindi and English, time commitment, ability to guide a team, representation skills, decision-making, responsibility, and understanding of child rights. Each criterion carried 20 marks, totaling 100.

After group discussions and scoring, votes were counted and results announced in the presence of guest journalist Jigneshbhai Thakkar. Dixita was elected President with 209 marks, and Anuj was elected Vice President with 190 marks.
The program included the Balsena song, experience sharing by former president Bhumi, and planning by the newly elected council.

Impact:
Children learned about governance, fairness, and decision-making. The process built leadership qualities, confidence, and respect for democratic values while encouraging equal participation of girls.

Child Rights Committee Area Meeting:

Objective:
To involve children, youth, parents, and community leaders in understanding and promoting child rights through structured meetings.

Summary:

In July, the Child Rights Committee (CRC) conducted field visits across four zones: Kumbharvada, Gaushala, Fulsar, and City. Total participation was 138 members, including children, youth, parents, leaders, and committee workers. The main agenda was to create the CRC member list and introduce the concept of the Child Rights Committee.
In August, activities continued across the same zones with the same total participation of 138 members. The focus was on informing participants about the School Management Committee (SMC) and sharing information with both children and adults.
In September, participation increased to 147 members. Activities included regular CRC discussions and engagement with children, youth, parents, and leaders, ensuring continued awareness and active participation in child rights initiatives.

Impact:
Participants gained awareness about child protection systems and school committees. The meetings built stronger community engagement and responsibility toward children’s rights.

Wenlido Basic Training:

Objective:
To equip girls with self-defense skills and confidence to protect themselves and assert their rights.

Summary:Shaishav organized a series of Wenlido Basic Trainings across different community areas to empower young girls with self-defense skills and confidence. A total of 78 girls aged 8 to 12 participated.
The trainings were conducted in Ramdevnagar (Lal Karkhana), Mill ni Chali–Ramdevnagar–Gujarat Housing Board, Kharo–Fulser, and Indira-1, Indira-2, and ST Workshop areas. Each session focused on personal safety, teaching practical self-defense techniques, and encouraging girls to trust their strength.
Through Wenlido, the girls not only learned to protect themselves but also developed courage, self-belief, and leadership qualities, which are essential for their empowerment.

Impact:
Girls learned practical techniques and developed courage, self-belief, and leadership. The training strengthened their physical and emotional confidence.

Play Manifesto:

Objective:
To raise awareness about the importance of play as a right and to gather children’s views on creating safe, inclusive, and accessible play spaces.

Summary:

On 3 August 2025, Shaishav organized a special Play Manifesto event in Bhavnagar with 53 Balsena children (28 boys and 25 girls). A follow-up survey was conducted from 5 to 9 August in 16 areas, reaching 247 children (123 boys and 124 girls). The theme was “Our Wishlist – What We Need for Better Play.”
The event created a space for children to imagine their dream playgrounds through posters and group discussions. Their ideas included clean grounds with trees, swings, slides, cricket and basketball areas, separate zones for younger and older children, compound walls, lighting, toilets, drinking water, storerooms, and safety measures. They also wanted coaches, security, and playgrounds near homes, away from factories and waterlogging.
Children’s voices were heartfelt. They shared how neighbors often poured water to stop their games, how girls faced restrictions from elders, and how unsafe spaces excluded younger children. Many spoke about tuition pressures and mobile addiction limiting playtime. Yet they strongly affirmed: Play is our right. We want safe, open spaces where every child can play freely without fear or restrictions.
Through skits, discussions, games, and posters, children highlighted the importance of play for health, joy, and learning. The survey showed that 24% of children do not play daily, 37% lack nearby play spaces, and 43% feel unsafe where they play. Emotional barriers like teasing, restrictions, and study pressure were common, with girls facing more challenges.
The Play Manifesto process in Bhavnagar showed that while children value play deeply, many barriers prevent them from enjoying this right. Their suggestions—safe and inclusive playgrounds, equal freedom for girls, more school playtime, and parental support—point the way forward to make play a protected and essential part of every child’s life.

Impact:
Children shared powerful insights about barriers to play and their wish for better facilities. The activity amplified their voices and helped adults understand play as essential for children’s growth and happiness.

Italy Student Visit:
On 17 September 2025, Shaishav hosted a delegation from the University of Milan Bicocca, Italy, as part of their international Summer School program “Learning from the Local,” organized in collaboration with Soste.org. The group included 18 students and 3 faculty members, led by Prof. Stefano Caldirola.
The visit aimed to provide firsthand exposure to grassroots development work in India. It included a screening of Shaishav’s documentary, an interactive session with Balsena members, and a visit to Daulat Anant Valia School to observe child-led activities. Participants explored Shaishav’s teaching materials and discussed leadership, child participation, and cultural perspectives.
The visit concluded with a presentation on Shaishav’s impact, followed by an interactive Q&A. It offered valuable learning for both visitors and Shaishav, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of community-led development.

Case Study:

Objective:
To highlight real stories showing how participation in Balsena activities supports children’s personal growth and emotional well-being.

Name: Parth Garhadra
Age: 16
Subject: Addiction (Tobacco / Pan Masala)

Parth, a 16-year-old , developed an addiction to pan masala. His family, including his parents, also consume it, making it harder for him to stop. Since joining Balsena, whenever Parth comes after consuming pan masala, other children remind him that addiction is not allowed. He then removes it and cleans his mouth before joining activities.
Gradually, this habit has helped him reduce consumption, though he hasn’t quit fully. Parth now believes he can overcome his addiction completely and hopes to motivate his parents to do the same. His awareness and confidence have grown since joining Balsena. He actively participates in activities and takes leadership roles among older children.

Name: Pooja Shiyal Mahendrabhai Kiranben

Pooja, the eldest among her siblings, is academically bright but struggled with loneliness and a lack of affection at home. She often wrote in her diary that she wanted to die, felt unloved, and faced discrimination. Her behavior became difficult, and she started seeking attention in unsafe ways.
Recognizing her distress, Shaishav contacted Childline, which referred her to Abhiyan 181 for counseling. The counselor spoke with Pooja and her mother, helping both understand her emotional needs. Pooja’s father lives separately, and the lack of parental love had affected her deeply.
Now, Pooja is showing positive behavioral changes and emotional improvement.

Impact:
Parth’s and Pooja’s stories show positive behavioral change, emotional healing, and growing confidence. They reflect how consistent guidance and peer support can transform lives.

Impact Summary:
Between July and September 2025, Balsena children actively participated in diverse activities combining learning, leadership, and play. They gained practical knowledge about their environment through exposure visits and one-day trainings, while exploring their rights and responsibilities.
Special day celebrations and cultural programs promoted creativity, teamwork, and inclusion. Children-led programs and meetings strengthened confidence, decision-making, and leadership. Through the above experiences, children developed life skills, strengthened their voices, and contributed meaningfully to their communities.