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Philanthropy

Children at the Heart of Change: Two Models Strengthening Safety and Emotional Well-Being

10th Feb 2026
by Sreepriya N S

In this edition of our Philanthropy section, we highlight two organizations that place children at the centre of social change.  

Enfold Proactive Health Trust and Apni Shala Foundation work in different but complementary ways to create safer, more resilient, and emotionally aware environments for young people. One focuses on protection, rights, and restorative justice, while the other strengthens social and emotional learning and mental well-being.

Enfold Proactive Health Trust : Creating Safe Spaces for Children

Enfold was founded in 2001 by Dr Shaibya Saldanha and Dr Sangeeta Saksena in response to the silence around gender-based violence and child sexual abuse in India. Their vision is for all children to live in safe environments with dignity and enjoy their rights.  

Enfold works across prevention, research, rehabilitation, and restorative processes, providing life skills-based education on personal safety and sexuality, developing the Enfold Suvidha Kit for children with disabilities, and offering medico-legal and psycho-social support under the POCSO Act, 2012. They adopt a multidisciplinary approach to strengthen systems addressing gender-based and sexual violence, advocate for restorative practices in schools and communities, and collaborate with state systems to reinforce child protection mechanisms.  

Guided by principles of inclusion, non-discrimination, integrity, and zero tolerance to violence, Enfold has reached hundreds of thousands of children, educators, parents, social workers, and government officials across India, while building capacity through research, training, and scientifically designed curriculum.  

Website: https://enfoldindia.org/

Apni Shala Foundation: Nurturing Emotional Resilience and Social Intelligence 

Apni Shala is an 11-year-old organization focused on Social and Emotional Learning, helping children, educators, and communities develop empathy, communication, resilience, and emotional awareness.  

Their mission from 2024 to 2029 is to transform K to 10 schools into SEL-aligned learning spaces where emotional and social development is integrated with academics. They work through whole-school SEL integration, advocacy, community wellbeing programmes, and initiatives such as Kaagaz, Kalam, Aur Khwaab and Dikhta Nahi, Hota Hai.  

Through their Khoj Community Lab School in Limbuni Baug, they serve 180 students from marginalized communities, blending SEL with English, mathematics, art, music, and physical development. In partner schools, they run 30-week SEL modules, train educators, and engage parents through regular workshops. Their impact is measured through baseline and endline assessments, educator feedback, and qualitative student reflections. By creating safe spaces for expression and early emotional support, Apni Shala strengthens mental well-being and builds long-term resilience among young people.  

Website: https://www.apnishala.org/ 

Enfold and Apni Shala together represent two thoughtful, systemic approaches to child well-being. Enfold safeguards children and strengthens protective systems, while Apni Shala nurtures their emotional growth and resilience. Both offer meaningful pathways for those looking to support lasting social impact centred on children. 

Entrust Family Office would be happy to connect you with the founders/team behind these initiatives and support you in your philanthropic endeavours.


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