At Miracle Foundation India, as we strive towards enabling children to stay with their families and reach their full potential, we honor the incredible social workforce that makes it all possible! This month, we celebrate the efforts and achievements of Kaviya Priya from Tamil Nadu.
Beginning her journey as a social worker, Kaviya used to spend quite a bit of time with children, listening to their joys and concerns; this helped her build a strong perspective on children’s issues and needs. Four years back, Kaviya – with a strong understanding of children’s welfare – transitioned to becoming a program officer with Marialaya CCI in Coimbatore. In that role, her close engagement with Miracle Foundation India’s team through training and discussion helped her understand the vital role played by family in a child’s life. Engaging with government functionaries and community-based organizations further deepened her perspective on child protection.
In her role, Kaviya remains extremely approachable to parents and caregivers. Along with the Marialaya team, she conducts regular training sessions for parents on various topics, such as dealing with teen emotions, strengthening family relationships, and positive parenting. Her deep connection with children became strongly evident when a child confided in her about the struggles she faced at home, including domestic abuse by her mother, which hindered her education. Together with the CCI team, Kaviya intervened by speaking to the mother and eventually seeking help from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). Their persistent efforts ensured the mother understood the child’s feelings and the importance of education.
Together with her team, Kaviya has trained over 40 families and has counselled more than 20 for feasible reunification, successfully reuniting over 60 children in the past four years. They continue to closely work with the DCPU and are regularly invited to train other CCIs in the district on how to prepare an effective Individual Care Plan (ICP). They also build community-level awareness on social protection schemes and entitlements. Over 250 children and more than 85 women from self-help groups have been trained by Kaviya and the team on children’s rights.
Kaviya Priya’s journey reflects her dedication and the positive impact of her work on children and their families. Her commitment and compassion inspire others to create meaningful change and ensure a better future for children.
