Yes, there is lot of floating population in the silicon city. Professionals from IT, Management, Science, Arts, Communications, Electricians, Plumbers, Potters, Artists, Masons name any and you find them. The elite class though come in bulk they are capable to manage themselves with their very fair income. The problems arises when the people who migrate in search of their livelihood who earn on a daily wage basis. I'm talking about the people behind the beautiful buildings - The Masons. They work harder to get some extra money than their daily wage. The fact is harder, they end up staying with lower facilities than the basic one's. They come all along with their family to a new place, new city, new environment and work with new people. Yet they experience hard life struggling to get two proper meals a day. Just observe when we plan for a tour to a new place which we never visited before we explore the culture, people, food, art, craft and the famous things of that place. But Masons, come with only one intention of earning money but at the end they do not as much as they could have. As their earning roughly would be Rs.4800/- pm which is Rs.160 per day. The expenses that they have to manage in this highly inflated city is difficult.
All the difficulties apart. The major chunk of the problem lies with the children who migrate along with their parents. These innocents have to pay by leaving their education behind in order to compensate the survival and living of the family and it's members. There are organisations coming up with certain support to this community. And I feel happy to be a part of such process. The reason being you see the happiness in the eyes of these kids for having given them a note book and a pencil and a teacher to teach. They welcome and accept everyone with the same warmth and love. I could see lot of willingness in them to make an attempt to study and come up in life. I could see the hope they had on the people supporting and help them study. I could see the interest to study. The talent was very much visible. When I learnt that there are people and organisations who care about this community I was overwhelmed.
Today, I happened to learn about the organisation called Sampark, an NGO which is involved in building women SHG's basically at Koppal.
Sampark works with 8000 families in Koppal district where it works with women and children in field of education, health, micro enterprise and micro finance.
In Bangalore Sampark works with migrants workers in construction sector. Sampark runs crèches for children of migrant construction workers. Sampark started its Workers Resource Centre in Kaikondrahalli which is going to going to work with 5000 construction workers in next three years through right based education empower workers to avail their rights.
There are laws which these people are unaware of. It's very obvious, we being educated and having access to all the information lack the knowledge. Sampark is making all it's efforts to bridge this gap. They are getting these Masons get registered to avail all the facilities that they are entitled to. Issues like accidents at the work place, education support for their children, prevent them from the exploitation in working hours, basic medical facilities etc.,
" Laws are existing, they don't walk up to you. You need to recognize what are the benefits available to you and run behind them. Else they just remain on paper"
A wonderful initiative by Sampark in taking these available facilities to the audience eligible and more importantly has every RIGHT to avail the same.
How nice it would have been to enjoy the cool breeze out there in summers throughout the day. How better it would have been to visualize the wonderful landscape around with the flowers blooming at every sight and butterflies adding beauty to this beautiful surrounding. Well, all this is a history. Yes, it's our past. Residents of Bangalore are shocked to witness that a city once called a "Green City" is now called a "Silicon City". My survey with most of them conveys that at the retired life everyone would like to settle down in a village among-st the nature. This was available at free of cost decades ago as a gift by nature to the human kind. Now, when a green city is replaced by a silicon city how can anyone even plan or think to live amidst nature. All this is past.If at all one wants to make it as a present and the future then one should start building a greener city than a silicon city. Be sure that your greener retired life is in your hands. So build it before it becomes impossible and remain as past.
Mother earth - Environment is supporting and protecting us against so many challenges. Why only the organisations should take the initiative to save it? Are they only beneficiaries? As a responsible, sensitive and a beneficiary don't we owe to come in action to save our earth? The fact is there are only few organisations who are involved and most of them are into building the mankind. When are we as a human, begin to care about the other living creatures around us? Are we so selfish that we focus only on our species? Do we not take so much from other species living around? Don't we have a responsibility to give it back? All these are serious questions to be answered than any competitive exams because when human don't exist what is the importance of anything else? We are at a very critical stage of life. We have lost so many species around us which we could witness at our childhood and they have become extinct. If each one of us do not make an attempt to at least care about the existence of the other species around us soon they will vanish completely leaving behind the mankind alone to suffer. They are now silent even after huge exploitation from us but their end will give an end to human life with loads of sufferings.
Today I met Suresh Heblikar sir and his team, a well known filmmaker (director as well as actor) and environmentalist. Discovered that he is from my home town, Dharwad, and soon, we were chattering in our north Karnataka accent. He runs Eco-Watch, 1998 with a key objective of spreading a message of environmental conservation through relevant, focused yet diverse programmes and activities. These outreach activities are aimed at building awareness about various environmental issues and concerns among student communities, organisations, corporate entities and the masses, in a simple yet effective manner. A worthy discussion today.This will hopefully create an eco-conscious culture which will help protect and improve existing ecological and environmental conditions in both urban and rural areas.
Simple yet wonderful activities like tree plantation, river cleaning, watch on emissions, celebrating World earth day, Environment day etc.,
You are just one step away, yes there are so many activities in which one can involve by spending few hours of your life. Trust me the time you spend in such activities is worth spending. This will ensure more life to your existing one's by your own contribution.
For democracy to flourish and deliver on its promises-including political participation, human rights, access to justice, a good education, an improved quality of life, a healthy environment, and personal security-its citizens must be informed, engaged, empowered, and assertive. Similarly, institutions of governance must be inclusive, transparent, accountable, and responsive.
Youth constitute to about 50% of the existing population and considered to be as the most potential resource to bring about a change. As a youth I feel that every young generation of a nation has the willingness to learn, urge to take up tasks and successfully accomplish the task which is taken up. Youth fall in the learning period of a human life cycle and thus are open to learn and impact the people around.
However, youth participation is not solely about developing active citizens or building democracy for the future. It is vital, if participation is to be meaningful for young people, that they can influence and shape decisions and actions when they are young and not only at some later stage in life.
A wonderful initiative by CMCA - Children's Movement For Civic Awareness. An NGO invloved in engaging children in the democratic process & civic issues. They stress on the concept of "Be the change you want to see in the world". Majority of the population falls under the category of "If one person(self) doesn't behave in harmony with people & nature it doesn't make difference, let others take the responsibility". Carrying this attitude each one of us try to pass on the responsibility on others & thus end up no one taking up the responsibility.
To mention a few of their initiatives - Pourakarmika Day, Traffic police Day, World Democracy Day, Water workshop, Environment workshop etc.,
CMCA conducts classes on civic awareness issues for the school children. Till date the private school numbers outraged the government schools. Recently they are collaborating with the government schools & nearby villages to Bengaluru.
To mention a few of their initiatives -
Volunteers are their strengths. Volunteers drive the entire events. They have a fixed set of curriculum on which they will train the volunteers for 3 days. They are very keen on the commitment of the volunteer for at least one full academic year starting from June to February. The volunteer is expected to take the class on civic awareness as per the prescribed modules by CMCA on the weekdays. As these classes fall into the regular time table of the day. Volunteer is expected to take at least 2 - 3 classes per week. Well, it doesn't mean that they are not allowed to take off that space is always given.
As of now they are trying to reach out their programs to the colleges. They would welcome volunteers to take up classes at colleges as well. They will provide a small honorarium & a certificate as well at the end of the program. Conduct various programs that enhance the volunteers skills & knowledge.
Young minds & hearts are easy to mold & shaped in the way required. CMCA focuses on molding these young minds into growing a more responsible & sensible citizens of the nation. Yes, it is very important for each one of us to be equally responsible for whatever happening around us. It's not a big deal to be an active citizen, it just takes the mind to know what's wrong & correct thereby choose to do right with the attitude of taking the responsibility individually.
Had an opportunity to know learn on the women entrepreneurship at AWAKE
AWAKE -Association Of Women Entrepreneurs Of Karnataka. An NGO working in the field of women empowerment since 1996 is situated at Rajajinagar industrial estate.
They are involved in the activities that support & develop the entrepreneurial skills focusing on women. They conduct various training program that support the budding entrepreneurship & also the existing entrepreneurs. Apart from conducting classes they also support the budding entrepreneurs in designing a website for the business, marketing strategies for the promotion of the product, financial support, designing the project proposals, etc. The classes/courses held at AWAKE are at a certain fees. The group comprise of skilled, semi skilled, privileged & less privileged women's who aspire to take up entrepreneurship. The training details are advertised in newspapers, facebook & reach out in person to the slums to attract & motivate the women's to take up entrepreneurship. They work on various projects which their partner NGO's offers them.
They also conduct focused program's like Entrepreneurship Development Program.
As a responsible citizen sensitive to the surroundings around can support & build these women's who are less privileged may be economically but they have all the spirit & courage to take the risk to run a business.
At present they are carrying on a project under HP to promote computer literacy among the budding women entrepreneurs. They need volunteers who can come on Saturday/Sunday & teach the audience the use of computers which can help them to understand the basics & also the application of the same into their ventures. The volunteer has the liberty to take a call on the topics that one is going to cover. On the similar lines they are looking out for support in teaching English, Photoshop & hardware as well.
They have a library & they want to set up into a full fledged one. From arranging of the books on the racks to the data to be entered in the database. Basically want to make ease at the users space. New ideas are welcome. Volunteer has the space to experiment & set up the library.
Case study collection - As they are into the development of the entrepreneurs they are looking out for volunteers to help them collect some case studies which can help them understand the real business conditions.
Events - They have certain one time event wherein they need help from volunteers to co ordinate the entire program. The layout of the program, setting up a stall in the exhibitions etc. Video recording, photography are also welcome.
Talks - They are looking out for volunteers who can talk on life skills, personality development talks, stress management, risk management, time management etc.,
Apart from the above mentioned opportunities they are open to give the volunteers an opportunity to conduct any event which can help the women's to enhance their skills in the field of entrepreneurship.
All sounds so small but yes, all these small activities pave way to build an individual & enables one to handle the odds one faces in the journey.
Feel so good to learn about various opportunities in the filed of women entrepreneurship & active citizenship.
Very recently, I came across children playing along the road side. While I stood there to grab a lemon juice, these kids were running around merrily. They didn't seem to be localities I happened to smile at them and they responded. We struck a conversation and it went on for long. I learnt that their parents work at a construction site nearby. When I asked them if they went to school, I was puzzled with their response, "Didi, gaon mein jaathe the. Jab shehar mein aaye, toh chod diya", meaning, "When we were in the village, we went to school. From the time we came to the city, we stopped". It left me with a big question mark. In a world where people move from villages to towns to cities to metros to foreign destinations for education, here's someone saying that they are losing education for having moved up. I smiled, with a confused mind, and left.
I have always been passionate about the education sector as education has worked wonders in my own life. I feel energized when I see education reach the underprivileged as it is one such tool that enables individuals to participate in the growth story of the nation, contribute even more, access opportunities and work towards a better society. It is this passion that made me quit my banking job and volunteer with Youth for Seva (YFS), an NGO that works for a numerous social causes (For a brief description, read towards the end of this post). I have learnt that value education (not mere literacy) is by far, the greatest and the most commonly spoken of solution to almost every problem that the world faces today. I am running with a goal to ensure that kids are not mere English readers, Orators, Number Cruncher. They should be groomed into responsible adults with sensible definitions of all factors that affect their journey on earth.
Today, even after 6 decades of independence, the challenge for our nation still remains the rural development as the people of the villages remain unconnected to what the other side of the nation has been progressing towards. The rural people have been deprived of education, health care, employment and over all welfare. According to the latest World Bank estimates, nearly 40% of the Indian population falls below the poverty line and every third poor in the world is from India. On the contrast, India has as many as 69 billionaires which is fourth largest in the world. These statistics give a clear picture on social imbalance in India which consequently has affected India's over all development. The gap can be bridged by making education accessible and spreading awareness about the importance of education to a large extent. Further, we also need to work on making basic necessities of life like a clean environment, healthcare facilities, safe drinking water and food, etc. available for everyone in the nation.
The Revelation
After the construction site incident that left me dumbstruck, I narrated the incident to my mentor at YFS. Surprisingly, YFS had already been working on this cause along with NGOs like Surabhi Foundation, Shalaya, etc. (For a brief description, read towards the end of this post) and with the support of organizations like the Government's Education Department itself, ISKCON's Akshaya Patra and several other large-hearted people. It felt great to note this. We discussed further to understand how rapid industrialization, most of it unplanned, helps some people and affects some others. Building replace open spaces in no time in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Namma Bengaluru (our Bangalore). Over the last many years, we have seen huge urbanization as people moved to cities for education, job and a, so called, better life. We also saw a large people moving in to run services for these people - cooks, hoteliers, laundry boys, grocery sellers, vegetable vendors, bakers and construction workers. While there is one category of people who settle in cities, there is another category that hops from place to place in search of work. Construction workers fall under the later. Thus, the children either continue to work along, until somebody in the area is seriously opposed to child labor, or while around till they find something to do. If the parents wish to send them to school, the high costs of education and living in cities as well as regular move from one place to another discourage the children.
For the past two decades Bengaluru has been the fastest growing city of India. Bengaluru’s residential market interests all stakeholders – developers, landowners, double income households and growing migrant population. Many prominent national and international developers have entered Bengaluru's residential market and many more to enter in the coming years. Bengaluru’s residential market is likely to grow annually at 15% for the next 3 years. The economic outlook for the city remains strong in coming years as many large IT/ITeS, Engineering and automobile MNCs have aggressive growth plans for the city which will ensure healthy growth rate.
The aforementioned statistics imply that the construction industry will continue to seek more laborers/ employees. The ambitious metro rail project, road projects towards the international airport, aggressive expansions in Sarjapur, Hennur, Bagalur and in fact, every end of the city calls for many more people to work. These opportunities are definitely going to drive masons from different rural areas to migrate to Bengaluru along with their family in the next few years. The fact that it is not a permanent situation creates the problem for the kids. They lose their connect to school and slowly, the interest in studies dries out. Providing education to these kids at their doorsteps is the need of the hour or else, only after a few years, they will realize/repent on what they missed. We should make efforts to help them learn skills and improve their abilities according to their age so that they continue schooling, irrespective of where they go.
The Initiative
YFS is working on providing non formal schooling at certain locations where such a need is seen. It is an initiative with a mission to educate children by proper resource channelization. It would be very essential to catch these kids young and start training them lest they enter the trap of child labor and thereby, the viscous circle of poverty. Mumbai Mobile Creches is an example of a similar initiative through which, lives of almost 5000 children are touched.
At present, YFS has started non formal schools at three locations in Bengaluru - AGS Layout, Poornapragnya Layout and Raja Rajeswari Nagar. Each of these schools comprise of 30 - 40 kids whose parents are working at the construction site. They migrate very often as their job demands to do so. In this journey their kids get disconnected to the regular schooling. The very motive to come up with non formal schooling is that the kids can have access to education than losing it completely. Each of these schools, though have a single objective of educating the kids, are made up of varied models. School at Poornapragnya layout is run under the sheds of a temple wherein one paid teacher who is associated with Surabhi teaches. Along with this teacher there are two volunteers who are housewives who teach the kids. The main attraction for the kids to come to school is a meal. YFS has tied up with the government school nearby and have made arrangements for the food. The elder sibling has the freedom to get their younger one's to the school along with them. The parents are happy and content and do not stop the elder kid from going to school. The books and other materials are arranged from various sources. The school at RR Nagar is conducted at a room at the construction site which is sponsored by the builder himself. The teacher at that school is again a YFS volunteer. The school at AGS Layout is conducted at YFS volunteers home and she takes the responsibility of teaching the kids.
The Process
The first step towards getting all children into school would be to get to know them informally and persuade them to join a short non-formal education. The purpose is to serve this as a bridge course through which the children and their parents would become interested in the possibility of going to school. The central focus is to socialize children, provide them with some skills, and facilitate their admission to the government school in that locality.
Parents usually tend to send their kids to the school as they do not have time to take care of the kids. However, it is very essential to take their permission and learn about their interests as it creates a bonding and they feel motivated on being involved. Most parents tend to say that they are going to live in the city for 2-3 years and it doesn't make a big difference. However, the impact of these couple of years is huge. These are crucial years and in many cases, these couple of years push the child out of the education path. It is essential to discuss these points with the parents and help them take a decision keeping the long term impact in mind. These discussions are handled very sensitively, especially when the case is pertaining to a girl child, as education is still seen as an unessential burden by most people.
A strong attempt is made to promote the idea with the builder and in most cases, the builders are happy to consider the proposal. In case the builder doesn't agree, a community place like a community hall, temple premises or any place where classes can be conducted is being located. In case, both options fail, a place could be hired on rent. Identifying the location where the construction work is going on and study the profile of the children in the area, categorize them and find who/how many could be helped by the plan, plays a critical role.
On the financial front, each such project could cost up to Rs 1lac per annum (10 months) considering about 40 children in the class. Approximately Rs 30000 is spent to remunerate the teachers (the amount is only paid as a honorarium, Rs 40000 is spent on food, water and related facilities, Rs 10000 is spent on books, Rs 10000 is spent on helpers and another Rs 10000 could be other miscellaneous expenses.
The Workarounds
Kids or even for that matter adults, in general, are motivated by one or the other factor. Motivation, self or external, is one very important aspect of life as it prepares us to face challenges boldly. As the parents are daily wage earners, its difficult for them to take care of every need of the kids. They struggle to even provide a square meal a day. Many studies indicate, and I have observed it myself on interacting with people, that a square meal a day attracts kids to the school more than the opportunity of learning. Food is being arranged in two ways. One, it can be procured in collaboration with ISKCON directly and two, by connecting with a nearby government school, if any, by requesting the school authorities. Books, study materials and stationary are generally sponsored by the corporate and other organizations around. In most cases, the construction sites will be the prospect venue to accommodate such kids to the non formal schools to ensure they live their childhood with all the laughter, joy and happiness. In some cases, the classes are held in temple premises.
Many factors are taken into account while appointing a teacher. The most important point is that the teacher must be in a nearby location so that the access is easier. It would also make punctuality and continuity, easier tasks. The volunteers are given an opportunity to teach in these locations. Teachers can also be appointed in collaboration with NGOs like Surabhi. Further, in some cases, the educated housewives in the adjoining areas show interest in spending a couple of hours with the kids, which could be utilized for teaching. As the kids usually are the age group between 4-12 years (LKG to Class 5), anyone with education up to 12th and a passion to teach is in a position to take up the task.
The kids who are deprived of childhood life, the kids who are taking responsibilities more than their age, the kids who have all the innocence to laugh, play and learn are given a platform to help them mold as a better citizens. These kids are being trained on the basic reading and writing skills. In addition, something called as Samskara Shikshana, i.e, life skills on how to behave with various stakeholders in the society, how to lead their life path, the values to be learnt for leading a happy and content life in each aspect, etc. are being taught to enhance their living. All these activities are taught by making use of vachanas (verses), learning from epics like Bhagvadgeeta, patriotic and devotional songs and many other tools so that the kids can experience the holistic learning.
The Result
Once the kids are trained on the above skills they are in a position to be enrolled in the nearby Government school so that they can continue their schooling like any other kid going to school. In case the kid is going to another place, the NGO certifies their eligibility to a certain class/standard. The non formal school acts as a bridge to tap the kids who are not being sent to school due to various difficulties one is facing at home mainly due to the frequent transfer of their parents due to job. One such step will pave way for all these kids to be literate and have a better understanding of life and living.
India is, undoubtedly, the land of resources, resources of every kind, especially knowledge. If we channelize these resources appropriately, we can definitely work miracles. However, despite best efforts, education still doesn't reach a large number of kids. We should be considerate, in fact passionate, to take education to such kids who are left behind. Providing basic literacy to adults who have not been to schools is another mission that can be accomplished from non formal education system. While a value education process ensures that people are not denied of their fundamental rights, the most important contribution it does it that it makes people understand their fundamental duties and thus, evolve them into useful citizens.
Taking this and similar initiatives forward can definitely bring about changes in the lives of many people by helping them write their future, who would otherwise leave it to something called fate, which is yet to prove its existence.
Little drops of water, Little drains of sand. Make the mighty ocean, And the beauteous land.
And the little moments, Humble though they be. Make the mighty ages, Of eternity.
So our little errors, Lead the soul away. From the paths of virtue, Into sin to stray.
Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love. Make our earth an Eden, Like the heaven above.
Julia A. Carney
The Passionate
Youth For Seva (YFS) began operations in April 2007 to create a platform for volunteerism for the youth who wanted to take an active part in community development. Through this platform, YFS aims to empower youth to become positive change makers who will enable organizations and institutions to work without a vested interest. The goal of YFS is to support schools, NGOs, government hospitals and other organizations in the social sector through volunteers who can help them mitigate some of their shortcomings and challenges. Volunteering is made easy and customized to the individual’s interests and time constraints. Youth for Seva (YFS) is a project under Hindu Seva Pratishthana. (Source: YFS Website)
YFS has engaged more than 6000 volunteers until now. More than 250 volunteers engage themselves actively to teach kids. YFS has around 60 tuition centres, including many of them in slums. YFS volunteers cover more than 80 Government schools where they toil to build the basic blocks of education, communication, computers and other learning.
Surabhi Foundation Trust is an NGO established in August 2005 with an objective of building capacities of the rural population and empower the development of children and women in rural areas. It strives to bring the children to the main stream of education, empower women by creating employment opportunities, create awareness on health issues among rural population through Health Awareness and Rural Health Camps, address environmental issues and promote Self Help Groups constituted by rural women. (Source: Surabhi website)
Surabhi runs a programme called NRBC (Non Residential Bridge Course) under which they aim to provide Food, Shelter, Education and Medical Facilities to under privileged children like, be it single parented kids, orphans, migrated kids, runaway kids, children of masons, rag pickers, beggars or any child who is in need of help.
One of the best ads promoting education in India under the aegis of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Universilisation of Elementary Education) addresses the needs of the children. It completely changed the way people looked at education in those days and perhaps, today, we see a totally different India due to initiatives like this. There is still a long way to go and this video motivates me each day.
This blog post has been written exclusively for iDiya, ISB's National Social Venture Competition that aims to stimulate, enable and develop high-impact, self-sustaining social businesses in India. The competition is being held as a part of IndiBlogger's new initiative of working for social good, IndiChange. You may participate in the competition by writing a blog about any social cause you are passionate about, and its potential solution. If there are any inspiring people or organizations working towards solving it, blog about them as well. For further details, go to http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=75.
When we say industries, we refer to the group of companies who build the products and services which caters to the needs of the industry. These companies usually tend to be organised as they need to ensure output in a timely manner. To manage the process they have core departments specialized in Human Resource, Marketing, Finance, IT, Maintenance, Facility, Security and many more. Each department has its own set of goals apart form the Mission/Vision of the company at the Strategic level. Marketing department caught my attention because this is one branch which drives the entire business as it involves in promoting the products, sell it and thereby earn revenue for the company. It aims in numbers, meaning it aims to increase material wealth. Further if we observe the companies operating in a particular industry try to compete with each other in providing better or an additional service in comparison to its competitors.On the other hand if you observe marketing team in an NGO is trying to build human network than building an asset. Trying to earn wealth not to amass wealth for it's company or employees but for the people around who are in real need. Wondered how the same marketing department have complete two dimension of goal. It was amazing to learn this. Having so many thoughts wandered in my mind let me pen down the reasons for them to wander.
I chose to work for partnering with NGOs, firstly because it's challenging and secondly I want to learn, explore and understand the various activities taking place in this sector. To my surprise, I happened to learn that this is a new team which is going to be formed. A team of 3 to start up with. I was more excited because it sounded more challenging. Looking forward to work on this. Well, getting back to the competition among other industries which focus on amassing more wealth. But at the development sector the focus was on how much can we contribute or give to another institution and not on how and in what way it benefits us. Wonderful just amazing, I fell in love with it. Talk about how much you be of a support to other organisation and not how much you are at benefit. To take it forward, organisations focused on possession of wealth work on the "Stick to Carrot" approach but whereas at YFS and at other organisations in the development sector works on "Attitude of Gratitude" approach. As YFS aims to create a movement of volunteerism in consideration with the volunteers passion that drives them we aim to partner with NGOs to be a support to them by mapping volunteers. Enable other organisations with the services which YFS has gained a level of expertise. Basically trying to build a network of manpower aiming at developing the individuals to be a better citizen. The values which drives the team would be to provide a platform for the volunteers to engage themselves in the domain they are willing to contribute and thereby empower other NGOs with competencies and capacity. Government has come up with a regulation which mentions about nine domain wherein the developmental activities can take place to name a few : Education, health, environment, civic sense, old age, women empowerment and so on. We would begin with listing the NGOs in these domains and a need assessment would be done as to the level of engagement. At the tier 1 trying to enhance the NGOs with certain competencies that YFS has gained a level of expertise namely, to connect the employees of the organisation in various activities which fall under the CSR bucket. At tier 2 to support the NGOs who are well equipped and organised and thereby map the volunteers based on their interest. At tier 3 trying to build a network on a larger scale to share the best practices prevailing in the industry which will make us strong as an industry to fight against any odds. The activities which can held under this banner would be associate and be a part of the government bodies or institutions which support the cause through various support. Provide a table for the organisations supporting a particular cause to come together discuss and work on the possible engagements and solutions.
Another round of discussion to be held for the flagship of the team. Work is in progress at the ground level. Hoping to explore and share more in the coming days.
A day filled with meetings. There takes place so many discussions which seems never ending. I remembered those days working at Corporate where days never end working monotonously on the same work unwillingly. Each day I come across so many new challenges, ideas, ways to work out. There is so much of discussions involved wherein each one has something to contribute leading to a pool of ideas which can be worked upon. So much of people involvement goes in and tend to interact with humans in majority than the machines. Each one in the team irrespective of the position are involved. During discussions we are subconsciously aware that human emotions and feelings are involved than focusing on the getting the results on the objective defined. Human psychology forms the base criteria on the actions we decide to act upon. Always kept in mind that all the stakeholders are taken care ensuring not to disappoint even one at the cost of the other. Trying to work out how best we can match the community needs with the volunteers interests and availability. One best thing we came out with is that soon after the orientation the volunteer need to be taken for a field visit so that one can understand the momentum which exists and can leverage one's potential.
A meeting held to discuss on the annual plans for the year. Later on a meeting to discuss on the various areas to work in slums. Came up with few areas where we can work upon. The school drop outs have been a major concern now a days as they tend to involve themselves in bad habits if not employed or continue with the studies. Counselling can be done to such kids in an informal way wherein the volunteers will try to make them realize the importance of inculcating the good habits and make them self reliable. Tough but can give a try. There's a need for a survey to be done as to what actually the community wants than providing them with what we have as it doesn't make sense to feed a man who is not hungry. There's a need for documentation of the work that is been done. Volunteers can teach at the tuition centers at the slum. Already 203 tuition centers is run along with 3 free clinic and 3 centers wherein vocational training and other skills are taught upon.
Came across some wonderful ways the CSR activities is done in collaboration with NGO's. There are companies like Bosch, KPIT, Infosys and others to name who say that their employees should and must be engaged with volunteering activities. Some wonderful ways how employees are engaged in volunteering activities. School kit drive - There are so many kids who are in need of the school bags in such case the NGO's approaches the companies with the requirements and the companies support in whatever manner they can may be under the concept of matching grant. In this program for each bag an employee contributes the company contributes in par with it. Further sports activities are conducted wherein each employee participating would be contributing certain amount towards some cause. Sponsor a child program - The NGOs collect funds from the individual donor's may be from the corporate associated with and even from outside wherein the employee can sponsor for a child for a month or for a year which will amount to 500-600 per month. Lock in hours concept wherein the NGOs engage employees with various activities say taking the kids on a tour or to a museum, conduct an event for the kids may be drawing, painting, train the kids on different skills, conduct an event of games. In this way the number of hours an employee spends with the NGO an equal value of amount which the company has decided would given. For e.g one hour spent by an employee would be valued to $10. Further one more very interesting way the companies contributing is in the form of school adoption program wherein companies tries to provide the basic infrastructure facilities like computer labs, restrooms, drinking water, sponsored teachers and so on. Usually the IT companies is in compulsion to dispose the systems they are using after 3 years so many companies opt to give the same to the schools than disposing off which is helping so many kids in numerous ways.
Well all this was a part of learning to decide on what project I would like to take forward whether CSR, presentations at college to sensitize students with the ISR or try to partner with other NGO's and connect volunteers to empower the partner NGO's along with keeping the spirit of creating a movement of volunteerism to build a society which will take that small step to care about the person next door and share the happiness around.
Today, I visited two government schools one at Ittamadu and another at Pantara Palya with Rashrothana Prathisthan coordinator Bharathi. Bharathi is teaching Samskara Shikshana (Culture, Value and Education) to the kids at various government schools. She emphasis teaching on the slokas (verses), vachanas, patriotic and devotional songs apart from these she also teaches them how to behave with various stakeholders, learning from Bhagvad Geeta. She trains them on life skills. Now a days survival has become so difficult and thus parents tend to only focus on earning for their livelihood, especially people who are surviving on the daily wages. The life style which they are forced to follow lead to have an impact on the kids as well. Considering this atmosphere, Samskara Shikshana is helping these kids to behave and act responsibly in different circumstances they come up in life. I was surprised because I never thought anyone would take up such initiative to teach the very basic values of life which actually to be taught by parents. I mean why would someone bother about others kids to teach all this when most of us would not even have bothered and ignored saying it's parents responsibility and would have left. I really appreciate the institutions which are making efforts in retaining the culture of India and also taking care of the neighbor ensuring a better life with values which can help mold as a better citizen of the nation. We had delicious lunch too at Mrs. Kamakshi's residence who is a teacher at one of the Seva Kirana. People don't find time for their own family and in such times, it was very delighting to have invited us to their home even though they had not known us. They said we are one family as we are a part of one institute. It was very humble of the lady to have taken her time and arranged the lunch.
Coming to the need assessment part of the day. Ittamadu school has around 10 computers which are given by America India Foundation (AIF) and all are working. At the beginning AIF appointed computer teacher from their end and taught for a year and now that they have completely disconnected. The Principal says that there is requirement of volunteers who can teach Computers and English. They will be delighted if the volunteer would come on weekdays but then weekend also is fine. As of now computers is taught by the teachers who take other subjects and they find it difficult to handle both the classes and also they know very little. Coming to the Spoken English, the Principal says the kids are good at reading and writing but then they do not know to speak at all. They have the need of a volunteer who can teach them English as well. Most of the kids go to their village for holidays and parents not supportive to send kids for the summer camp. The school comprise of class 1 to 8th standard.
At Pantara Palya school, they too have 10 computers given by AIF out of which 8 are working. They are in need of volunteers who can teach Spoken English and computers. The situation is a mirror effect of the situation at Ittamadu school mentioned above in all sense.
I also visited 3 Seva Kirana's with Ganeshji at Chunchungatte. The classes are running on a regular basis. They too conduct summer camp and have regular fun activities conducted at the center.
Today, I had an opportunity to explore the Healthcare domain
with Channa. We met Dr. Kodanda Rao from Drishti Hospital at
Malleswaram. YFS, along with the hospitals, conducts various health camps like healthcare checkups, eye care camps, etc. The
eye screening camp is conducted at one of the Government schools at Malleswaram. Each
day, Dr Rao attend a camp in collaboration with the various hospitals, trusts
and NGOs. It was sad to see that the parents of the kids at Government school cannot afford basic medical facilities for their children. I
could see that the kids wait weeks and months hoping someone would come to
their help. However, their medication keeps postponing and yet, they were with a smile on their face. There is so much to learn from these kids. We
were asked to combine the camp with the Jain Helpline Trust who were conducting
a similar camp in a nearby school. Along with eye screening, the
medicine and spectacles were being provided free of cost. But then, we had to
give a second thought as the kids cannot be taken out of the school campus
without prior notice of the parents. We asked whether parents themselves can
take them to the camp and the teacher replies saying that it’s very difficult
to convince them.
I never even realized that such centers exist in a city. In Bengaluru, we have around 198 wards and each ward has one PHC where
the medical facilities are provided at the minimum cost to the people below poverty line (BPL). PHCs
are the basic first-line units providing primary health care. Theoretically,
there is one PHC for every 30,000 of population. Each PHC has five or six
sub-centers staffed by health workers for outreach services such as
immunization, basic curative care services, and maternal and child health
services. PHCs generally consist of one or more doctors, a pharmacist, a staff
nurse, and other paramedical support staff. In India, PHCs form a basic
part of the health care system. The Medical Officer appointed to run the PHC
must be an MBBS degree
holder. In addition to the provision of diagnostic and curative services, the
Medical Officer acts as the primary administrator for the PHC. The primary
field staff, who provide outreach services, are called "Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) or a village health nurse, depending upon the Indian state where the PHC is
located. The village health nurse provides service at the point of care, often
in the patient's home. If additional diagnostic testing or clinical
intervention is required, the patient is transported to the PHC to be evaluated
by the Medical Officer. Under the National Rural Health Mission, PHCs are
rapidly being upgraded.
YFS volunteers did a great job at Malleswaram PHC on
event of the pulse polio drive. The staff over there was overwhelmed with the
initiative taken by volunteers and by being of great help.
For the first time I have tried to know in detail about
Pulse Polio just heard it from the childhood but never knew it in details.
The polio vaccine protects children from polio or
poliomyelitis, which is a highly infectious viral disease spread through the
fecal-oral route of infected people. The polio virus enters through the mouth and ends up
in the nervous system. It can rapidly lead to paralysis and even death. India
is one of the four remaining countries that still have cases of polio. Polio is common in places with poor sanitation. Good hygiene is the key to reducing the risk of infection. You can protect your children by maintaining proper hygiene and giving them safe drinking water and hygienically prepared food.
Polio mainly affects children under the age of 5. Older people with lower immunity levels are also vulnerable. It is a common belief that polio afflicts only the lower socioeconomic group. That is not true: as long as there is one infected person, all children are at risk. There is no cure for polio. However, timely immunization is the most effective way of preventing the disease. Older siblings who are under 5 years of age must also be vaccinated in case they have missed the dosage. It is important to ensure that all children up to 5 years of age are given the Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) drops in addition to the routine polio vaccines given by the doctor as per the immunization schedule. This is the only way to ensure the child and the community are protected from polio. The vaccine has proven to be safe and is the most effective tool we currently have in preventing polio. A combination of OPV and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) will put the fears to rest.
The Pulse Polio program is a government-led program which aims to eradicate polio from the country by vaccinating all children under the age of five, against polio. Every child is given OPV drops on special "Pulse Polio National Immunization Days".
This is yet another wonderful hospital. It conducts various camps at government schools and conduct a preliminary
screening of the eyes. People who are required to be treated further will be taken
to hospital and the treatment is done without or with minimal monetary charges (for people with weak socioeconomic background)
Government schools
The last part of the day was spent visiting 3 Government school and surprisingly, all the 3 schools were under one building at
Malleswaram. One school, an Urdu medium school, had some 20 kids in Classes 5, 6 and 7. The other two schools had classes up to 6th standard. It was heartening for me to see my colleague Channa, who had bought a bottle of medicine for two children. On handing it over to the teachers, he explained the dosage details. It surprised me as he had kept it on his mind, after his previous visit, that this kid needs medicine and the parents are not able to afford it. He followed up with the doctor and ensured that the medicine reaches the children. On the other hand, it was disappointing to learn these hard ground realities of the huge disparity in the patterns of earnings and spending that we see around us. He also asked the teacher to spot kids who needs special attention so that YFS volunteers
can be engaged to enhance their skills.
