India, May 13 -- Prerna (name changed) from Rajasthan was doing well in school, a confident child who believed the world was open before her. She could grow up to become an athlete, a scientist, perhaps the president of the country. Then one decision threatened to destroy that future. Her parents decided it to get her married. She wasn't alone. Three more girls in her school had their names printed on wedding cards.

Fortunately, a teacher grew suspicious and, on probing, discovered that these girls, between eight and 14, were being married to boys who were also children. She alerted a Just Rights for Children partner, who informed the local administration. Together, they reached the families and made them understand that child marriage i...