In the heart of Delhi, Tara Child Protection & Empowerment India stands as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, guided by the compassionate leadership of Basanti Caroline Roublin, the Executive Director. In an engaging conversation, she opens up about Tara’s journey, day-to-day operations, impactful initiatives, and the vision for the future.
Roublin’s journey with Tara began in 2010 when she embarked on an internship at the organization. At just 21, she found herself deeply involved in the nascent stages of Tara’s evolution. Reflecting on those days, she shares, “It was an intense experience. Despite the challenges, I felt the positive impact of the individual attention given to each child and the professionalism that defined our work.”
After completing her studies in France, Roublin returned to Tara in 2014, assuming various roles that eventually led her to become the Executive Director in 2020. Her journey mirrors the growth and transformation that Tara itself has undergone over the years.
Delving into the day-to-day functioning of Tara, Roublin describes it as structured and dynamic at the same time. With five centers, including children homes licenced by the Department of Women and Child Development, and daycare centers, Tara functions like a large family. The focus is on ensuring the well-being of the children, encompassing everything from waking up to homework and engaging in sports activities.
She emphasizes, “Our approach is not conventional. We keep a limited number of children with a strong ratio between caretakers and children. Everyone is trained, ensuring that we have qualified caretakers. Education and empowerment are at the forefront, providing opportunities for the children to break the cycles of poverty and violence.”
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Tara embarked on a unique project – ‘The Undefeated’ series. Comprising 15 animated short films, this initiative aims to protect the privacy of the children while shedding light on their stories. Collaborating with the School of Animation in Paris, the series not only addresses sensitive issues but also involves the children in the process.
“These animated videos give a testimony about the individual stories of the children at Tara, addressing sensitive issues while respecting their privacy. The stories are fictional but are based on real events, capturing the essence of the transformations we witness daily,” explains Roublin.
The organization was founded in 2008 by the French social worker Pascal Fautrat with the help of Indian child protection enthusiasts such as Dr. Bharti Sharma. Tara naturally has ties with the French Embassy and the French community. While the French Embassy has been supportive in raising awareness, they haven’t been providing any direct financial aid. Roublin highlighted the role of French expats and the support of Indian experts and well-wishers, saying, “French expats as well as diverse professionals from various backgrounds & communities try to help in whatever capacity they can, contributing financially or through volunteering.”
Looking ahead, Tara aims to address gaps in the child protection sector. Based on the directions provided by Mission Vatsalya issued by the MWCD in 2022, the focus is on expanding aftercare programs, enhancing staff training, and creating outreach centers to bridge existing gaps. Roublin emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach, stating, “The system is too binary; we need to address the gaps. We are working on creating a mobile team of social workers and counselors to reach families and children who need support but aren’t placed in childcare institutions.”
She further clarifies, “Closing childcare institutions is not the solution. The solution lies in improving the existing structures and developing alternatives. We need to improve and expand the existing system to make a significant impact.”
As Tara sets its sights on the future, Roublin envisions a holistic approach that not only cares for the immediate needs of children but also empowers them to break free from the cycles of poverty and violence. The commitment to individual stories, innovative initiatives like ‘The Undefeated’ series, and collaborations with the French as well as the Indian community showcase Tara’s dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of the children they serve.
In the bustling city of Delhi, where challenges abound, Tara Child Protection & Empowerment India stands tall as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance at a brighter future.