Who we are
CAID Foundation is a Section 8 not-for-profit company, registered in Godda, Jharkhand. Since our founding we've worked directly with communities across Godda and Pakur districts through Project TAARAA, our founding initiative in Amrapara Block, Pakur, on education, health, nutrition, child protection, livelihoods and community development.
We started in 2020 because the problems in the communities around us were visible and urgent. Children were not learning to read. Mothers were not getting the nutrition support they needed. And many families had no one to help them navigate the system. We wanted to change that — starting with the people around us.
We are founder-led, currently small, and growing carefully. We believe that lasting change comes from trust — and trust takes time to build. So we are building it slowly, honestly, and with full commitment to the communities we work with.
Founders or core team in a field setting — meeting with community members or conducting a Project TAARAA activity in Amrapara, Pakur
The problem we are trying to solve
Low foundational learning
A large share of children in the rural villages of Amrapara Block cannot read a simple sentence or do basic addition by Grade 3 — despite being in school. This is the learning crisis no one talks about enough.
Hidden malnutrition
Pakur district faces significant rates of child stunting and anaemia. Many families are unaware of the problem or lack access to the right information and services. [PLACEHOLDER — cite a verified district-level statistic here, e.g. NFHS-5, rather than an unsourced claim]
Gaps in service access
Government schemes exist — ICDS, Mid-Day Meal, Jal Jeevan Mission — but many communities, especially vulnerable households, do not know about them or cannot access them easily.
Community awareness during the pandemic
In the months after CAID Foundation's founding, our earliest community work was COVID-19 awareness. Starting in January 2021, we ran community awareness sessions in Godda district covering COVID-19 prevention, health, and nutrition, held in panchayat halls and community spaces with local residents, mask-wearing observed throughout.
By September 2022, this had grown into a dedicated adolescent-focused campaign, encouraging vaccination and continued precaution among young people and their families. [PLACEHOLDER — confirm any additional session count, village names, or approximate attendance before publishing, if you have that on record]
To contribute towards communities where children, adolescents, women and vulnerable communities have opportunities to improve their education, health, nutrition, livelihoods and overall well-being with dignity, participation and equal opportunities.
To work with communities, local institutions and development partners to strengthen access to education, health, nutrition, livelihoods and other development opportunities through community participation, local leadership, collaboration and practical community-based initiatives.
Our Core Values
Community Participation
Communities actively participate in identifying needs, planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing development initiatives.
Respect and Inclusion
We respect the dignity of every individual and promote equal opportunities for participation without discrimination.
Integrity and Accountability
We conduct our work with honesty, transparency, responsible stewardship of resources, and accountability to communities, partners and stakeholders.
Collaboration
We work alongside communities, volunteers, local institutions and public systems to strengthen collective action and shared responsibility.
Volunteerism
We value the spirit of voluntary service and recognise the contribution of volunteers in strengthening community participation, local leadership and collective action.
Learning and Adaptation
We value continuous learning, evidence-informed decision-making and adaptation to improve the quality and relevance of our work.
An honest start
"The financial year 2023–24 marked another year of learning for CAID Foundation. During the year, the Foundation continued its efforts to work with children and families through community-based activities in Amrapara Block of Pakur district. Project TAARAA was implemented through the voluntary efforts of community volunteers, with active support from the founders, parents and local community members, without financial assistance from any donor or external agency."
"The work began with household surveys to understand the educational needs of children and the circumstances of their families. Based on the information collected, community learning centres were organised where children could attend regular learning sessions close to their homes. Although the Foundation's resources were limited, the year demonstrated that consistent community engagement and voluntary effort can support children's learning and strengthen relationships with families."
"We look forward to building on the experience gained during the year and continuing our work with the same commitment in the years ahead."
Sawan Kumar
Director, CAID Foundation (Quoted from the FY 2023–24 Director's Message)