Inspired by the true story of Saroo Brierley, who at the age of 5 became separated from his family, taken into an orphanage after surviving for weeks on the streets, and ultimately adopted by a family in Australia as captured in the film Lion - PROJECT LION developed by UNICEF USA is designed to help support children without family care who are living in residential institutions in India. UNICEF believes that strong families are fundamental for the growth, well-being and protection of children - and institutionalization should always be seen as a measure of last resort. Thanks to a generous seed grant from Purvi and Harsh Padia, UNICEF is implementing a program that responds to the protection needs of an estimated 200,000 children living in residential institutions in India to protect them from violence, exploitation and neglect.
