THE CHILDREN HELPING EACH OTHER IN INDIA’S SLUM COMMUNITIES

In India, Railway Children is reaching some of the most vulnerable young people — children who are out of school, at risk of exploitation or living in challenging slum environments — through a powerful and proven approach: peer leadership.

For 15–year–old Aarti*, becoming a peer leader meant recognising danger and taking action. When she saw a young girl walking to school alone through unsafe streets, she stepped in. Aarti visited the child’s family, explained the risks, and helped them find a safer solution. Today, that little girl is accompanied to school by her older brother — a simple change that can prevent harm and protect her future. 

Aarti is one of many young people transforming their communities through Railway Children’s peer leadership programme, part of our wider work across India’s slum settlements to empower children and strengthen community support networks. 

Providing a lifeline through peer leadership

Small actions like Aarti’s — repeated again and again by trained young leaders — are creating a powerful ripple effect. Young people listen to each other, relate to each other, and notice things adults may not. That’s why our peer leadership model is so effective. 

Alongside our Child Activity Centres and community outreach work, we equip and encourage peer leaders to support other children, identify risks early, and inspire their peers towards education, wellbeing and brighter futures. 

But the reality is challenging.

When families struggle to meet basic needs, schooling can feel out of reach. Uniforms and books cost money, and the pressure for children to earn — even a small amount — can be overwhelming. That’s why our Child Activity Centres offer spaces where children can learn, play and stay safe, and why we help families access government schemes that reduce financial barriers.

How peer leadership works

Through regular sessions at Child Activity Centres, our teams identify young people — aged 12 to 16 — with the empathy, confidence and commitment to lead. These future peer leaders receive training and ongoing guidance to run their own sessions focused on participation, creativity, games, communication and life skills. 

“I was nervous at first, thinking ‘How will I manage this responsibility?’ but now I’m really enjoying everything about this role.”
— Disha, peer leader 

Try it yourself: a peer-led activity that inspires dreams

One our favourite activities during peer-led sessions is Know Your Dreams. 

Children draw themselves and, in a cloud above, write their dream or future goal. Then they sketch a ladder reaching up toward that cloud. Every rung represents an action — a small, achievable step toward fulfilling that dream. 

This simple activity encourages creativity and imagination, while supporting critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, it gives children permission to envision a brighter future — and a path to get there. 

Give a gift today and empower more children to transform their communities

£50 could run a Child Activity Centre in a slum community in India for a month – helping reach vulnerable children and train peer leaders.  

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