A Ray of Light and Flash of Smile for
Children and Women in Chhattisgarh
Number
of beneficiaries at present : 603 |
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:
