India
While India has made significant progress in the past few decades in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction, 270 million Indians (one in five) remain poor. Rising economic growth has also been accompanied by rising inequality, with the top 10% of the population holding 77% of the total national wealth. For most, access to quality education and safe and secure employment is a luxury.
Our focus areas
Education
Despite an enrolment rate of 96.7% among 6-to 14-year-old children, by the age of 11, less than 50% of children can read to the level expected of an eight-year-old. The learning crisis in India has been magnified due to inadequate teaching staff, lack of infrastructure, no accountability and remedial support across public schools.
Livelihoods
India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with 27% of its population falling into the 15-24 year age group. Less than one-quarter (20.3%) of women aged 15 and older, participate in the labour force. High youth unemployment and the decline of women's participation in the workforce, are barriers to opportunities for economic growth in the country.
Child protection
There are thousands of children in India who are out of school and at risk of exploitation. We support Government initiatives to address these challenges by helping children stay in school and maximise their potential, and are working with local partners on a range of programmes throughout the country.
Conservation
India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, here people live alongside the largest populations of wild elephants, tigers, and leopards in the highest densities on the planet. However, with ongoing ecological degradation and habitat for wild animals shrinking at an alarming rate, conflict between people and nature affects 90% of the country.
What we are doing
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Child protection
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Livelihoods
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Conservation
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COVID-19 relief work
