Smile Foundation and Berojgar Mahila Seva Samiti (BMSS) take upon a joint initiative with an integrated approach to work for the development of the underprivileged and down trodden section of the society, focusing on children and women. The initiative aims to reach out to the unreached, marginalized, neglected children, especially the girl child, through an Alternative Education System

About the Partner

Berojgar Mahila Seva Samiti (BMSS), established in the year 1983, is one of the leading organizations in Chattisgarh. BMSS is presently working in 13 districts of the state. Since its Inception it has been working with different departments of State & Central Government, UNICEF, International & National Organizations with the approach towards development. It has its branch office at Raipur and Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.

The organization is primarily working in the field of Health (RCH, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education (Child / Bounded Labour) and Vocational Training. Since the last 15 years, the organization is running a Higher Secondary School named MBH in the district of Durg, which has about 1750 students and a school for child labour in Bhilai.

The Project

The project titled Eklavya is a Non-formal & Alternative Education Programme for Children in Difficult Circumstances. Smile Foundation believes that education should be child friendly, with a need based curriculum. It aims to cover 1100 children enabling them to lead a healthy and productive life. The objective of the project is to create awareness among parents and community members about education as well as understanding the cause and problem of child labour.

The project to be started with 10 Primary Level Education Centres where Poor Children between the age group of 6-11 will be admitted, covering the entire target areas and each centre should have 40 students. Along with it 5 Middle Level Education Centres have to be established, where the children between 12-14 years should be imparted middle level education with 30 students in each centre. Special emphasis is being given to the working children.

The project aims to provide Primary and Middle Level Education, Bridge Courses (including motivational sessions for children) using curriculum / syllabus developed in line with official curriculum practiced in Chattisgarh.

The classes run 5 days a week, for 3-4 hours in two shifts. On Saturdays, Bal melas / sabhas are organized for the deprived children to discuss different problems affecting their development. Bridge course focuses on drop-outs; non-school going children above 7 years and with an aim to mainstream them in to formal schools. Two motivational camps are planned to be organized.

Special components included in the project are as follows -

" At least 80 % of children are to complete Bridge course and mainstreamed successfully.

" 80% of the children under NFE / (non -school going and also school drop outs) should be mainstreamed to some formal schools in appropriate class during the year and their retention in school ensured through follow-ups

" Academic performance of children is recorded

" Thorough monitoring of health check-ups and incidence of morbidity

" Case studies of girls exceptionally good in academics / some turning point in their life after joining these centers are to found out for required interventions as well as for the success of the programme

Special focus

Apart from the educational teachings, following activities are carried out for the upliftment of the children -

" Sensitizing creating awareness among parents / community members to educate their children, get them trained in certain vocational skills enabling proper livelihood

" Advocacy for women's participation in gainful activities and decision making

" Initiating Literacy Campaigns through community workers / staff members visiting every home for ensuring 100% enrollment

" Other enabling programmes are such as:

#Health Camps: regular health screening for children for early detection and proper treatment of the disease among poor children.

#Organizing cultural programmes during national and religious festivals to motivate children as well as create general awareness.

#Organizing annual sports events as well as exposure visits and trips .

Smile foundation and Berojgar Mahila Seva Samiti (BMSS) vow to make this programme a model for the state and apply the same for upliftment of the underprivileged and down trodden section of the society.