Tune in to the Diwali Radiothon with Radio Y and support the “Mothers Earn, Daughters Learn“ Project that aims to break the cycle of poverty for families by creating sustainable dairy enterprises for mothers and securing futures for daughters.
[MARKHAM, ONTARIO] – November 10, 2026 — Children Believe, a Canadian charity that aims to improve the quality of life for children, families and communities in developing countries, has announced the launch of its 2026 Diwali fundraising campaign. The campaign helps fund the “Mothers Earn, Daughters Learn” Project, an initiative designed to address the interconnected challenges facing women and girls in Thiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Poverty rarely impacts individuals in isolation. In rural India, women perform much of the intensive daily work caring for cattle and producing milk, yet often lack ownership of livestock, access to fair markets, and control over household income. This leads to mothers struggling to earn enough to support their families. Their daughters also face higher risks of poor health, like anemia, and are more likely to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities to pursue a career
Real Impact: Nisha and Thenmozhi
The urgency of the campaign is reflected in stories like that of 17-year-old Nisha and her mother, Thenmozhi. After losing her husband ten years ago, Thenmozhi has struggled to support Nisha and her brother through livestock care alone. While Nisha dreams of working in heart care one day, Thenmozhi worries Nisha may leave school and marry young – like many girls in her community – if their economic situation doesn’t improve. “My father passed away ten years ago. Going to school has been difficult for me. My dream is to become a nurse, if I get this opportunity I believe it will help my family, my education and my future,” says Nisha.
The “Mothers Earn, Daughters Learn” Project
“Poverty is complex, but helping doesn’t have to be,” says Dr. Belinda Bennet , Children Believe’s Chief International Programs Officer. “When women earn more and have greater control over income, entire families benefit. This is the idea behind the “Mothers Earn, Daughters Learn” Project. By strengthening a mother’s ability to earn a fair, stable income, we equip her daughter with the health, education, and confidence to break the cycle of poverty.”
Implemented in partnership with the local partner Integrated Rural Community Development Society, the “Mothers Earn, Daughters Learn” Project addresses these systemic challenges across 45 villages. If fully funded by December 31, 2026, the 24-month initiative beginning in early 2027 will:
- Empower 250 Women: Support mothers in establishing sustainable dairy enterprises through women-led cooperatives, improving their access to markets, financing opportunities and productive assets.
- Support 2,500 Girls: Help adolescent girls access health education, life skills, leadership development and career guidance, creating safe spaces where girls can learn, grow and prepare for their future.
- Strengthen Local Networks: Engage families, educators, health workers, and local leaders to foster sustainable community progress long after the initial project phase.
Diwali Radiothon with Radio Y
Diwali is a celebration of light, hope, and new beginnings. Tune in to the Diwali Radiothon with Radio Y or watch on Channel Y Canada on November 12th, 8 am – 10 pm to hear inspiring stories and learn how your generous donation can help light the path out of poverty for mothers and daughters in India. You can also visit ChildrenBelieve.ca/Diwali or call 1-800-263-5437 to donate.
About Children Believe
Children Believe is a Canadian charity that has worked alongside communities for over 65 years to remove the obstacles that get in the way of children going to, staying in, and finishing school. Working through 32 local partners in over 1,025 communities across 8 countries, Children Believe is a proud member of the ChildFund Alliance, a global network of 11 child-focused organizations supporting more than 36 million children and families worldwide. Learn more at childrenbelieve.ca.
