Seedling Foundation

Seedling Foundation was founded in November 2023, and is a start-up NGO. The focus of Seedling Foundation is to bring about holistic and lasting change within the Dongri Observation Home, positively impacting the lives of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL), the staff who work with them, and the institutional system as a whole. On one end, most of these children have had extremely traumatic and difficult childhoods and hence there is a sense of sympathy for them; while on the other end, they have committed an offence which ranges from petty robbery to heinous murders. Because of the latter, they are frequently viewed through a lens of fear or judgment by society, and understandably so. However, it is important to recognize that these children will eventually return to society after completing their term at the Observation Home. This makes it essential to engage with them meaningfully during their time in the institution. Our goal is to prepare them for reintegration by addressing their emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs through a holistic approach. As we work towards this ambitious goal, we are constantly aware of the duality between the trauma they’ve experienced and the offenses they’ve committed. Our interventions aim to bridge this gap with compassion and clarity. Over time, our experience has revealed not only the potential for transformation, but also the incredible talent and promise these children possess to contribute to society.