Sunita’s kinship care journey: Strengthening family bonds in India
Sunita* (13), sadly lost both of her parents at a young age. Her mother died of jaundice, and she lost her father in a car accident. She now lives with her grandmother, Madhuri*, in southern India.
Madhuri works multiple jobs and does her best to care for her granddaughter, but the transition was challenging for both.
Kinship care is when children are cared for by extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or older siblings, when their parents are unable to do so. As part of SOS Children’s Villages’ family strengthening approach, we support safe transitions from alternative care to a child’s family network, helping ensure long-term stability, protection, and belonging.
Through the SOS Children’s Villages’ Family Strengthening Program, they received essential financial and emotional support, easing their struggles.
“Before, I cleaned four houses and suffered a lot. Now, I clean just one,” Madhuri shares. “The support helps with Sunita’s food and education.”
Sunita, a dedicated student, dreams of becoming a doctor. “I love science,” she says. “I feel happier now.”
Madhuri has also benefited from training provided by SOS Children’s Villages, learning how to better support her granddaughter’s emotional and educational needs.
Their bond has deepened, and Sunita and Madhuri now look forward to a hopeful future together. As Sunita works hard toward her dream of becoming a doctor, Madhuri is there, cheering her on every step of the way.
*Name changed to protect privacy