Distressed Children & Infants International

Distressed Children & Infants International, known as DCI, is a nonprofit child rights organization headquartered in Harvard Square. Its work focuses on protecting children’s rights, preventing blindness, and ending child labor and poverty around the world, and it carries out that mission by involving and developing the leadership of young Americans. The organization operates under the motto “Children Helping Children,” linking local volunteers to the needs of children and women both in the community and worldwide.

DCI was founded at Yale University in 2003 by Ehsan Hoque, MBBS, Ph.D., who serves as founder and honorary executive director. The organization regularly recruits volunteers and interns of all ages, and each volunteer’s assignment is designed around his or her own interests and career goals. The program is meant as a learning platform, helping participants develop compassion and leadership skills while building a network that can support their future careers as responsible global citizens.

What to Know

• People interested in volunteering or interning sign up by contacting the founder directly.
• DCI is a U.S.-based organization with an international scope.
• It is listed with the Harvard Square Business Association.