Elimination of Child Labour and Restoration of Lost ...A.P.J Abdul Kalam’ In remembrance of the...

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Elimination of Child Labour and Restoration of Lost Childhood through Residential School in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu

July to September 2017

Submitted to

Submitted By

October 2017


Origin

Hoist Group and Hand in Hand India (HIH) entered into a Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project to

support elimination of child labour by running Residential Special Training Centre

(RSTC) for child labourers and long-time dropouts and to implement Social

Mobilisation Program (SMP) in RK Pet, Thiruttani and Pallipet blocks of Thiruvallur

District.

Project Objectives Hoist Group project will focus on the following objectives:-

• To run a Residential Special Training Centre (RSTC) for child labourers and long-

time dropouts between 6-14 years of age

• To ensure that every child is enrolled in school and continues to go to school in

the project blocks

• To enrol out-of-school children into mainstream or alternate schools

• To effectively monitor functioning of local schools

• To create awareness within the community on child rights, children’s education

and gender equality

• To empower the community to participate in protection of child rights and

child development through social mobilisation

• To strengthen the functioning of government schools with an active

participation of community stakeholders like panchayat presidents and elected

representatives.


Project Outcome Report (July – Sept 2017) Residential Special Training Center (RSTC) Enrollment Details – Kaverirajapuram RSTC

SL.NO

Name of the

Block

No of children

enrolled in April –

June ‘17

No of children

enrolled in July –

Sept ‘17

No of children

enrolled from April –

Sep ‘17

1 Tirutani 16 4 20

2 R.K.Pet 1 0 1

3 Pallipet 5 0 5

4 Cholavaram,

Puzhal 15 7 22

5 Tiruvalankadu 4 0 4

Total 41 11 52

Children continuing at Kaverirajapuram RSTC:

SL.NO Name of the Block No of children enrolled

1 Tirutani 7

2 R.K.Pet 3

3 Pallipet 5

4 Cholavaram, Puzhal 5

Total 20

Note: Slow learners are given individual focus to improve their learning level status by retaining them in the RSTC. Total Strength of Kaverirajapuram RSTC

S. No Deliverables Number of Beneficiaries

1 New Enrollment 52 2 Continuing Children 20

RSTC Current Strength 72


The following activities were carried out during this reporting period:

Kalvi Valarchi Naal ‘Education Enhancement Day’

In remembrance of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamarajar, one of the

most remarkable leaders in India, every year his birthday is celebrated as Kalvi

Valarchi Naal on July 15th to create awareness on schooling and to highlight

importance of education among children, parents and community members. The

event, jointly organised by Hand in Hand India field staff and CRPCs members in

Govt. Schools and the RSTC. Students were encouraged to hold on to education

and to actively participate in classrooms. Several schemes such as Mid-day meals,

free school uniforms, Industrial and Technical courses that were executed during

his tenure was explained. Around 702 members participated in the program.

Youth Inspirational Day – ‘Inspiration from Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam’

In remembrance of the inspirational leader, former President of India, Late Dr.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, his birthday is celebrated as ‘Youth Inspirational Day’. This

day was observed in Kaverirajapuram RSTC, Thiruvallur district to highlight the


importance of education among children, one of the values which he had

advocated for. Several glimpses from his life achievements, education and

accomplishments were shared to motivate the children. The students of

Kaverirajapuram RSTC paid

homage to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul

Kalam on this day, his 3rd

death anniversary. This

event was organized by Hand

in Hand India field staff and

teachers and a total of 59

students were benefitted.

Monthly Medical Camp – ‘Prevention is beter than cure’

As part of regular monitoring of health, monthly medical camps were held in

Kaverirajapuram RSTC to ensure good health of every student and staff in the


campus. In order to live a healthy life, monthly health examinations help detect

problems before they become critical. Therefore monthly medical camps are

aimed at enhancing the overall health of the students. General health check-ups

were conducted by doctors and those detected with health issues were referred to

local hospitals. Medicines and special attention was given to those who were

sick. Out of 3 medical camps that were conducted, 195 students were benefitted.

Gram Sabha Meeting - ‘The voice of the community’

In every village, Gram Sabha meeting is mandatory. All the village members take

part in this meeting to discuss & work for the development of the village.

Therefore in 3 blocks, Hand in Hand India staff members and volunteers actively

participated in 3 Gram Sabha meetings that were held in various panchayats.

Members from the community have shared few grievances and they also expressed

numerous ways in which the village can be uplifted. Altogether 257 members took

part in the meetings that was conducted in various panchayats.

The following topics were discussed:

ü Childline 1098 toll free number ü Identification of out-of-school children ü Child labourers should be enrolled into school ü Establishing Child Labour free Panchayat ü Intimation to the Panchayat on Bonded Child Labourers ü Eradication of Child Marriage ü Protection of children from kidnapping


ü Importance of Education Awareness ü Improvement of standards of SMC and CRPC committee members ü Care and Protection of Children ü Information on Scholarships given by DCPU Unit for care and protection of

children – Eligibility for HIV-affected, poor and disabled children

Distribution of Basic amenities & School Uniforms - ‘Basic requisites for all’

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in collaboration with Child Labour Elimination Project

(CLEP) Hand in Hand, India have distributed basic amenities such as School

uniforms, bed sheet, mug, bucket, mats, soap cases, pillows, pillow covers, to the

children from Kaverirajapuram RSTC. Children were delighted and a total 70

S.No NameoftheBlock

NameofthePanchayat

ChiefGuest No.ofParticipants

1 Tiruttani Karthikeyapuram VAOMr.Rammoorthy,NGOStaff,ZonalOffice

150

2 R.K.Pet R.K.Pet BDO-2Mr.Arun,AdvocateMr.Prakash

72

3 Pallipet Punniyam BDOMr.Sekar,ZonalOffice 35

Total 257


children were benefited. The basic amenities were distributed to the children by

Mr. Nandhakumar - APO, who was the Chief guest for the programme. Other Govt.

officials, HiH India field staff and teachers also participated.

Independence Day -‘Celebrating the freedom of Independence’

HiH India’s Kaverirajapuram RSTC celebrated the nation’s 71st Independence Day

and remembered with gratitude, the sacrifice made by Indian freedom fighters to

gain independence from British Rule. The celebration began in the school premises

with the hoisting of the National flag. Children were given a platform to exhibit

their cultural talents in order to inculcate patriotism among children. The children

participated in the competitions held to show their talents with great zeal and

enthusiasm including Oratorical, Quiz, Poetry Recitation, Drawing and Dance

Events. Sports Events were also organised giving an opportunity for the 64 children

to actively participated and express their spirit of sportsmanship.


Vinayagar Chaturthi -‘Celebrating with great devotion’

Vinayagar Chathurthi is one of the major Hindu festivals wherein Lord Ganesha

who is a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune is honoured and his

blessings invoked. Vinayagar Chathurthi was celebrated in Kaverirajapuram RSTC

on 25th August, 2017 through a special pooja performed in the campus to impart

blessings upon students and the offerings were served to all.

Parent-Teacher Meetings – ‘Motivated Parents make Confident Children’

Parent-Teacher

Meetings were held on

26th August, 2017 to

motivate the students

and encourage them

to pursue their

education. The

purpose of this

meeting was to help


parents understand their child’s progress and to motivate them. The teacher

shared about each student’s progress, academic performance and positive

behavioral change that took place after joining RSTC. Parents were asked to

support their children in completing their schooling. On the same day, the children

also paid tribute by celebrating the birthday of Mother Teresa. 67 students

participated along with parents & teachers.

World Literacy day – ‘Education is the most powerful weapon’

On 8th September, 2017 World Literacy Day was celebrated in Kaverirajapuram

RSTC to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, groups and

communities. The CRPC members, Block Coordinators, Panchayat Presidents,

School HM’s and other Hand in Hand India Staff took part in this program. Some of

the points that were discussed are as follows;

• Importance of education

• Reducing the number of school dropouts

• Gender literacy ratio

• Eradication of poverty


• Awareness on population growth

• Right to Education Act

At the end of the program oath was taken by all the participants and sweets were

distributed. Out of 3 programmes, 385 members participated and were benefitted.

Teacher’s Day Celebration – ‘A day dedicated to our teachers’

The Teacher’s Day program

was celebrated at

Kaverirajapuram RSTC on 5th

September, 2017,

Thiruvalangadu block. The

main gathering for the day

comprised of teachers of

Kaverirajapuram RSTC. On


this day various games and ice breakers for the teachers was organised which they

thoroughly enjoyed. The Cultural team had also come up with various songs which

appreciated the teachers for all the service that they have rendered. HiH India

field staff, teachers and students were part of the programme. Altogether 70

members participated.

Awareness Programme - ‘Clean India Mission’

Swacha Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India) an initiative of the Government of India to

make our country clean and hygienic was observed at Kaverirajapuram RSTC on

16th September, 2017. The chief guest for the day was Mr. Nandhakumar – APO. In

order to take this forward, students and staff from Kaverirajapuram RSTC came up

with creative measures for the disposal of degradable and non-degradable inside

the campus. Awareness was created among all the students to keep their premises

neat and clean. In this programme, 72 children along with HiH India staff, teachers

and Government Officials participated.


Ayudha Pooja & Saraswathi Pooja

Ayudha Pooja is celebrated every year in all Residential Special Training Center

(RSTC) and Transit Schools. Ayudha Pooja is an auspicious event wherein all the

tools and implements that helps us in our lives such as books, etc. are honoured

and worshipped. The Pooja of Saraswathi, the Goddess of Knowledge was also

performed at the premises with prayers for all the students to shine bright with

her blessings upon their education. ‘Prasad’ (devotional offering of food) was

served to all present after the Poojas.

Various Awareness Programmes

S.No Programmes No of Programmes No of Participants

1 CRPC Meetings 31 483 2 Village Education Committee

Mtgs /School Management Committee Mtgs

27

449

3 Gram Sabha Meetings 3 257 4 Village Meetings 27 943 5 Group Motivation Meetings 41 201 6 School Children Rallies 4 427 Total 133 2760


Glimpses of RSTC Dropout Students’ - Group Motivation


Glimpses of RSTC Dropout Students’ - Group Motivation (continued)

Note:HiHIndia,withthehelpofstakeholdersandCRPCmembersconductsgroupmotivationsinthevillagestoenrollthedropout/out-of-schoolchildrenintoregularschoolorRSTC.


Glimpses of RSTC Mainstreaming of Students and Follow Up

Note: After the completion of RSTC, students are mainstreamed into Govt. schools. HiH India staff does follow up of every mainstreamed children to ensure their continuation in school.


Glimpses of RSTC Mainstreaming of Students and Follow Up (Continued)


The Turnaround in Thenmozhi’s Life

Name of the Student : M Thenmozhi

Age : 11

Gender : Female

Fathers Name : Manikandan

Father’s Occupation : Coolie

Mother’s Name : (Late) Padma

Previous Educational Qualification: 3rd Standard

Duration of Idle time /Dropout period: 6 Months

Current Status : 6th Standard, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Mathur

Thenmozhi Manikandan hails from Tiruttani block, Mathur panchayat of Tiruvallur district,

Tamil Nadu. The second child in the family, Thenmozhi has an elder brother and a younger

sister. Her father’s sole daily wage earnings were barely enough for the family to even

afford three meals a day. A few years ago, tragedy struck when Thanmozhi’s mother

passed away and the complete responsibility of caring for and providing for the family lay

on her father’s shoulders.

When Thenmozhi’s mother passed away, the

entire family was plunged into grief and

consequently, Thenmozhi dropped out of

school while in 3rd grade in 2013. Thenmozhi

then became engaged in sibling care – caring for her younger sister, which she continued

for 6 months as a dropout child. During one field visit, HiH India field staff identified her

and subsequently intervened, counseled and persuaded her father to consent to continuing

her education. After much persuasion and counseling from HiH India, Thenmozhi joined 4th

standard at Dhamenari RSTC in the year 2014 and was mainstreamed to 6th standard at

Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Mathur in the year 2017.

She is Immensely grateful to HiH India for the way her life has turned out from staying

indoors to studying in a Government School. She aspires to “become a teacher and help

other poor children in her community, study”.


From Weaving Baskets to Chasing Dreams

Name of the Student : S. Mani

Age : 14

Gender : Male

Fathers Name : Sankar

Father’s Occupation : Weaver

Mother’s Name : Kokkila

Mother’s Occupation : Weaver

Previous Educational Qualifications: 6th Standard

Duration of Idle time /Dropout period: 6 Months

Current Status : 8th Standard, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Mamandur

Mani Sankar hails from a very poor background, born to parents in the weaving industry in

Podhathurpettai Village, Tiruvallur. Mani was one among many children caught in the rut

of child labour in the weaving industry. Mani has three siblings, his elder sister is studying

in 9th standard and his younger sister is studying in 1st standard.

While in his 6th grade, Mani developed an intense dislike for the education he was

receiving and decided to quit. With no one to mentor him and advise on the right way

ahead, he began to work with his parents in the

weaving industry, supporting the family income.

Six months of his hard work paid very little, but

for his poor family, even the little he brought in,

was a lot. During regular field visits, Mani was

identified by the HiH India field team who convinced him to continue his education

through regular meetings and home visits, interacting and counseling his parents and other

family members.

Eventually, Mani agreed and joined 7th standard at Dhamenari RSTC in the year 2016. At

the RSTC he discovered a love for learning that he never had before. After the one year

RSTC experience, Mani has now been successfully mainstreamed into 8th standard at

Mamandur Government Higher Secondary School. He dreams of becoming a police officer,

a dream that he can now hope to realize thanks to HiH India. Mani and his parents are

grateful to all the RSTC teachers who have played a vital role in shaping his life.

Elimination of Child Labour and Restoration of Lost ...A.P.J Abdul Kalam’ In remembrance of the...

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