Elimination of Child Labour and Restoration of Lost Childhood … · Abdul Kalam Birthday – Youth Inspirational Day In remembrance of the inspirational leader, our former president,

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EliminationofChildLabourandRestorationofLostChildhoodthroughResidentialSchool

inThiruvallurDistrict,TamilNadu

OctobertoDecember2016

Submittedto

SubmittedBy

January2017


Origin

HoistGroupandHand inHand India (HIH)entered intoaMemorandumofUnderstanding

(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,

ThiruttaniandPallipetblocksofThiruvallurDistrict.

ProjectObjectives

HoistGroupprojectwillfocusonthefollowingobjectives:-

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

dropoutsbetween6-14yearsofage

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

projectblocks

• Toenrolout-of-schoolchildrenintomainstreamoralternateschools

• Toeffectivelymonitorfunctioningoflocalschools

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

genderequality

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

developmentthroughsocialmobilisation

• To strengthen the functioning of government schools with active participation of

communitystakeholderslikePanchayatPresidentsandElectedRepresentatives


Project Outcomes Report (October–December 2016)

1. Residential Special Training Centre (RSTC)

Various Programmes were

organized by Hand in Hand

India in the RSTC that ranged

from Awareness Building

Activities, Cultural Events

showcasing the talents of the

children, Thematic Day

Celebrations to enlighten

children and teachers. From

art, to music, to dance, sports and classical literature, the events provided ample scope

for confidence building and aimed towards holistic development of the children. As per

strategic plan, we attained the RSTC strength in the last quarter itself and have retained

the same numbers by close monitoring and actively working with their parents.

Current Strength of Residential Special Training Centre

S.No Block Name Boys Girls Total

1 R K Pet 7 3 10

2 Pallipet 11 6 17

3 Thiruttani 12 6 18

4 Puzhal 7 3 10

5 Cholavaram 5 4 9

Total 42 22 64

S. No Deliverables Outcome/Beneficiaries

Social Mobilization Program (SMP)

1. Abdul Kalam Birthday – Youth

Inspirational Day

1275

2. Children’s Day Program 560

3. CRPC module II training 56


The following activities were carried out during this reporting period:

Follow Up of Mainstreamed Students

The Hand in Hand field staff actively

undertakes Mainstreamed Students Tracking

at regular intervals. The follow-up involves a

multi-stakeholder approach for greatest

effectiveness: Meetings with the student

happen first on one-on-one basis. This is

followed by meeting their parents, their

current teachers and current School

Management.

This system is put into place for three main

purposes: 1. To know student’s performance

and motivation level and 2. To encourage

potential drop-outs to ‘press on ahead’ 3. To

ensure regular attendance of students and

avoid long-term absenteeism from school.

This thorough multi-stakeholder approach

apart from reducing dropout ratio and

absenteeism among the students, also results

in positive rapport building among the

student, field staff and school teachers.

The Social Mobilization Program in Thiruvallur

District, has indeed made an indelible mark in

the lives of these children, giving them a

second chance at childhood.

Parent’s Meeting and Diwali Celebrations

The Parents’ Meeting was held in Kaverirajapuram

RSTC, Thiruvallur district. In the meeting, the RSTC

teachers shared about the student’s progress in their

studies and positive changes in behavior after joining


RSTC. Parents were requested to bring their

children back to RSTC after the Deepavali

holidays. On this occasion, all the students

joyfully received a new set of clothes by

Hand in Hand India.

Mr.GanaSekar, SSA Asst. Project Officer,

Mr.SureshBabu SSA Supervisior, Mrs.Kasthuri

and Mr.Venkatesan SSA DCs participated from the Government Education Department. A

total of 128 children and their parents attended the meeting.

Children’s Day Celebrations

Children’s Day was celebrated in

Kaverirajapuram RSTC Thiruvallur district. This

year the chief guests for the program were

Hoist Donors, Mrs. Daniya, Mrs. Elarin. The

children, teachers and CLEP team participated

in the Program. The students presented a

cultural programme with dance and drama.

Sports events were also held in all RSTCs where children participated enthusiastically in

various events like 100m Sprint, Lemon and Spoon race, Throw ball, Kabadi among others.

Medals and Certificates were distributed to all the winners and sweets to all participants.


Karate Class Inauguration Program & Interpersonal Skill Development:

Two out of every three children in India is abused, according to a National Study1. To

address this growing concern of child safety, especially of girl children,

SSA (‘Sarva Siksha Abhiyan’) in collaboration with Hand in Hand India was asked to take up

initiatives in training Kaverirajapuram RSTC Thiruvallur district children on self-defence.

Therefore in all the RSTCs, Karate class was inaugurated and a Special Trainer has been

appointed to train students on various techniques and how to defend themselves when

they are at risk. Karate class is held twice a week in all RSTCs for the children who are in

the age group of 6 – 14 years. This initiative has been taken to ensure safety and

protection of children and also as a physical fitness exercise regimen.

World Hand Washing Day

At RSTC, we make use of thematic days to create a learning opportunity and greater social

awareness. Research shows that 88% of Communicable diseases are spread by touch.

‘World Hand Washing Day’ was therefore celebrated in Kaverirajapuram RSTC Thiruvallur

district to improve students’ health awareness and promote the hygienic habit of

handwashing. In the program, students were sensitized on importance of handwashing thus

preventing many types of infectious diseases. Hand in Hand field staff coordinated the

event which benefitted 64 students.

1According to National Study on Child Abuse Report, 2007- extensive study covering 13 states


Medical Camp

A Medical Camp was conducted in Thiruvalankadu RSTC with the support of Karpaga

Vinayaga Dental College. The Medical Camp included both General and Specialised –

Dental Checkup and Screening. The Camp aimed at enhancing the oral health of the

students. A general check-up was conducted by the doctors and medicines were given out

by the medical team. The individuals who would need further treatment and follow up

were referred to local hospitals. A total of 64 students were benefited from this camp.

Bharathiyar’s Birthday Celebration - 11.12.2016

The Birth Anniversary of Bharathiyar – touted as one

of Tamil Nadu’s greatest poets - was celebrated in

Kaverirajapuram RSTC Thiruvallur district. To

commemorate his literary contributions, Hand in Hand

field staff & CRPCs organized his birthday

celebrations. RSTC teachers shared about the great

poet’s life journey, his patriotic values and

achievements.

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is celebrated with gaiety every

year in Kaverirajapuram RSTC. All the

teachers and students along with the CRPC

members and Hand In Hand India staff took

part in this event. On this festive occasion,

a Cultural Program was held and children

enthusiastically took part in various

cultural events like dance and singing.


As with every programme and celebration the learning opportunity being the context of

the event, the story of birth of Jesus Christ was shared briefly with the children as a

learning opportunity and cakes were distributed to all at the end of the program.

At the RSTC, children are encouraged

in all-round activities and to pursue

their interests which helps them

develop into happier and confident

individuals. This month, our RSTC

children had drawn and painted

several pictures. We are happy to

share that several of their

pictures/paintings got selected and

published in leading newspapers.

2. Social Mobilization Program

Abdul Kalam Birthday – Youth Inspirational Day

In remembrance of the inspirational leader, our former president, Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul

Kalam, his birthday is celebrated as ‘Youth Inspirational Day’ in Kaverirajapuram RSTC,

Thiruvallur district to highlight the importance of education – one of the values that He

advocated for. Students were given information about his life history and his achievements

in life. The event was jointly organized by Hand in Hand India field staff and CRPC

members. The Assistant Education Officer and the School Head Masters joined in the

celebrations.


CRPC Volunteer Module II Training

A panchayat level CRPC module II training was

conducted by CLEP staff for all CRPC members

in all the Districts where HIH works, to extend

the continuous support to the children and to

empower the community. Hand in Hand India

created Child Rights Training Modules for Child

Right Protection Committee (CRPC) on various

issues such as child labour, child marriage, child

prostitution, child harassment, lack of education etc. The main objective was to educate

the CRPC members on various acts and laws related to child rights.

Children’s Day Program

Hand in Hand India celebrated Children’s

Day in various schools in Thiruvallur

district. Children and teachers took part in

the program with great gusto. Pandit

Jawaharlal Nehru’s life, history and

achievements were shared briefly with the

children.

Child Rights Day

Hand in Hand India celebrates ‘World Child

Rights Day’ every year to sensitize public on

various child right issues such as child labour,

child marriage, child prostitution, child

harassment and importance of education. In

Thiruvallur District Collector’s office, 88 NGO

representatives took part in this program that

was organized in coordination with Hand in Hand

India and Thiruvallur District’s Child Protection Unit. Various laws on child rights were

discussed in this training program.


International Volunteers Day Program

Hand in Hand - CLEP commemorated

International Volunteers Day through

awareness meetings, cultural events and

Training Programmes among school children

and public. In Kanchipuram, Vellore,

Thiruvallur and Tirupur districts, School

children and general public were oriented on

the work and functions of 1098 ChildLine

India and Child Rights Protection Committee that is formed by Hand in Hand India in every

single Panchayat in all HIH intervention areas. The attendees were also oriented on

Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse Act, Child Rights and Rights of Children to Free

& Compulsory Education Act. Resource Persons from different child development sectors

including CHILDLINE 1098, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) School HM and People

representatives attended the program. Other eminent participants and visitors included

Representatives of Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection Officer, Block

development officer and Forest Ranger. IEC material was distributed to all the volunteers.

Through the 16 programs, totally 900 volunteers have been reached out to.


Meetings: The following illustration provides details on various types Panchayat level

stakeholder meetings and community members participation in these meetings conducted

as of October’16 to December’16.

Social Mobilisation is a crucial backbone of all our community interventions that

enables us to reach out effectively in the community. During this Project period,

through untiring efforts of our Social Mobilisation Team, we have successfully

reached out to 4225 stakeholders directly through a total of 216 meetings.

CRPC Meeting

87 meetings, 1043 beneficiaries

Village Education

Committee, School Management Committee


Village Meetings

70 meetings,

2050 beneficiaries

Cultural Meetings

9 meetings,

368 beneficiaries

Group Motivation


School Children Rally


TOTAL216

Meetings

4225BENEFICIARIES


Please find below a few case studies to illustrate the life-changing nature of our

interventions in the Community:

Case Study 1

Name of the Student : V. Chandra

Age : 17

Gender : Female

Contact No : +91 9976672131

Fathers Name : G.S.Venkatesan

Father’s Occupation : Weaving

Mother’s Name : V.Govindaammal

Mother’s Occupation : Weaving

Previous Educational Qualification : Class III

Duration of Idle time /Dropout period: 2 year

Current Status : Pursuing 12thStd Government Higher Secondary School, A.J.Pet

V Chandra was one among the many Children caught in the rut of Child labour. Hailing

from a very economically backward family in Nellikundram Village, Thiruvallur, Chandra

dropped out from school while pursuing her 3rdStd and began to work along with her dad to

make ends meet. During one of the field visits, Hand In Hand India Team identified her

and began to intervene. The field staff interacted with her parents and asked them to

encourage their child in continuing her education. Chandra was not interested at first, but

sustained efforts, counseling and motivation by HIH field team bore fruit when she joined

5th standard at Dhameneri RSTC in the year 2009. She studied for two years and then was

successfully mainstreamed to class VII at Athimanjeri Pettai Government Higher Secondary

School. She has since, completed her 10thStd and is currently doing her 12thStd in the same

school. She aspires to become a teacher.

“When I grow up, I want to become a

Teacher. Thank you for giving me hope

and a future!”


Case Study 2

Name of the Student : M. Dilip

Age : 16

Gender : Male

Contact No : 9159213981

Fathers Name : M Manikandan

Father’s Occupation : Coolie

Mother’s Name : M Vasanthi

Mother’s Occupation : Coolie

Previous Educational Qualification : 5th Standard

Duration of Idle time /Dropout period: 1 year

Current Status : Pursuing 11thStd Computer Science, Government Higher Secondary School, B.R.palli

Dilip hails from B.R. Palli Panchayat under Thiruthani Block in Thiruvallur district. He is the youngest in the family. Due to difficult family circumstances, he had to drop out of school while pursuing his 5th grade and began tending cattle. He was out of school for more than a year when Hand In Hand India field staff identified him and tried to make him understand the importance of education. Initially, Dilip and his family both resisted HIH’s efforts and were unwilling to understand. The HIH team persisted in their intervention and after several rounds of counseling, the family finally agreed to send Dilip to school. He was enrolled in VI standard at Dhamanari RSTC in the year 2011 and after two years he was mainstreamed to VIII standard at Kanchipuram Dhandapani Oriental Higher Secondary School. He successfully completed X standard at B.R. Palli Government Higher Secondary School and is currently pursuing XI standard in the same school. He dreams of becoming a doctor and cheerfully recalls how his life is turning for the better now that he is at school.

Thank You for supporting our efforts in eliminating child labour and restoring lost childhoods. We

greatly value the key role you have been playing in ensuring lasting change in the lives of

underprivileged children in Tiruvallur District through Hand in Hand India.

Thank You!

Best Regards,

E.Swaminathan,

General Manager - CLEP & SDTC Mobile No: +91 94429 16401

“I wish to be a Doctor when I grow up. Thank You for helping me come up in life.”

Documents

Elimination of Child Labour and Restoration of Lost Childhood … · Abdul Kalam Birthday – Youth Inspirational Day In remembrance of the inspirational leader, our former president,