There are 472 million children in India, they make up 39% of the population. The pandemic has had a serious impact on India’s children and this recent second wave threatens their physical and mental health like never before. The education of nearly 290 million children has been affected and 6 million children are out of school. With 144 million children distant learning, which in most cases is inadequate, many struggles with social isolation and basic lack of care due to devastating economic and physical decline of parents and caregivers. 65% of India’s population is either rural or poor, and the pandemic is spreading through this vast countryside and affecting the most vulnerable.

Mental health is often the most neglected aspect of a crisis like this one but not an aspect that should be ignored. Children need psychological support if they are to survive this pandemic and its potential long-lasting effects. Research shows us that the best predictor of a successful satisfied adult is their emotional health in childhood. If we don’t start helping the children today – the long-term effects in India will be felt for generations.

we are trying to bring happiness to these children through our project Box of Joy for the most vulnerable children to help them with mental health during this crisis. This is an initiative to “intrigue child’s minds and boost their creativity through activities like music and art”.

Box of Joy

Box of Joy

These boxes will include a musical instrument, an urban garden kit, one game, and one comic to “catalyze creativity, bring smiles, and improve mental health”. Getting these boxes to India’s urban poor youth is not only a goal but a necessary action to help children fight through this pandemic and come out the other side with strength and resolve. Encouraging creativity in times of crisis can improve mental health and help these children get through tragic and devastating circumstances beyond their control.