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Smile Foundation and Utsarga, one of its
long time partners, have taken up the task of reaching out
to four most needy orphanages in western part of Orissa. Special
education as well as health & hygiene programmes have
been planned to be introduced in all the identified orphanages.
About the Partner
Utsarga, is a voluntary organization working
in field of Health Care, Education and Sanitation in Sambalpur
region of Orissa since 1984. Blood donation had been the core
activity of the organization.
Utsarga has 800 voluntary members on its
fold, and is growing, at the moment. Besides blood donation,
its activities also cover health programmes, blood-grouping
camps, plantation drive, awareness generation on environment
and hygiene.
In partnership with Smile Foundation, Utsarga
successfully implemented an Intensive Health Care Project
in 2002-03 by adopting a Tribal Village. Utsarga has also
been successful to manage its day to day expenses through
donations from its members.
The Project
Under the project ‘Integrated Childcare
Programme for Orissa Orphanages’, Smile Foundation and
Utsarga have adopted 4 orphanages in Sambalpur region of Orissa.
A total of 158 children will be covered under the project
which include Education and Health care support.
Out of the four identified orphanages, Dhankauda
Kanyaashram will cover 25 children, Dhankauda Balashram 25,
Rukmini Devi Bal Niketan 62, whereas Dr. Isaac Santra Bal
Niketan will cater to 46 children.
Brief details about all the four orphanages
are given below:
1. Dhan Kauda Balashram
It was established in the year 1977 by Orissa
Government and Smt. Ranjulata Mahanty is the caretaker of
the ashram. Total number of children 25, out of which 6 are
between the age group of 5 and 10, and 19 children are above
11 years of age.
2. Dhankaunda Kanya Ashram
This orphanage is dedicated to girl child and is run supported
only by the government of Orissa till now. Out of the 25 girl
children, 11 are in the age group of 6 and 10. The rest 14
are above 11 years of age.
3. Rukmini Lal Balniketan
It is being run by the government of Orissa
and was founded by veteran freedom fighter late Smt. Prabhabati
Devi. The orphanage is situated about 12 Kms. from Dhankaunda.
Out of the total 62 children, 25 are girls.
4. Dr. Issac Santra Bal niketan,
Phuljharan
It was established in 1979 and is managed
by Kasturba Gandhi Matru Niketan, Paimal in Bargarh district
through the District Social Welfare Officer, Bargarh. It is
situated on National Highway No. 42. Total number of children
here is 62.
Smile Foundation and Utsarga will provide
education, health & hygiene and other life education based
support to all the children in the four selected orphanages.
The highlights of the programme are:
• Special Educational support by trained
teachers
• To provide clothes, daily utility materials like bed
sheets, blankets, mosquito nets, soaps and detergents etc.
• To provide health facilities to all children - through
monthly health checks up by specialists- with focus on Deforming
/Vitamin Deficiency/Vision /ENT-Tests, vaccination etc..
• Free medicines to sick children
• Treatment through referral for serious cases needing
expert or advance medical care
• Provide health & hygiene education.
Special Focus
Smile Foundation and Utsarga will try to
get maximum children admitted to formal schools their retention
will be ensured. Academic performance of all the children
will be monitored and an average of 60 percentage of marks
will targeted. Morbidity incidence, disease types all other
medical records for each child will be monitored in a systematic
manner.
Who knows, many budding talents might be
hidden among them, just waiting for a little nurturing.
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Bringing
little smile
