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Smile Foundation and Utsarga celebrated Children’s
Day on 14th of November 2006 with reason in Sambalpur, Orissa.
It was rather an occasion to analyze and celebrated the year
long mission to uplift around 190 children across four orphanages
in Sambalpur region under ‘Integrated Childcare Programme
for Orissa Orphanages’.
Smile Foundation and Utsarga, one of its
long time partners, have taken up the task of reaching out
to four most needy orphanages in Sambalpur region of Orissa
for a year now. Special education as well as health &
hygiene programmes have been carried out in all the identified
orphanages.
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 before joining hands with Smile
Foundation. Utsarga has 800 voluntary members on its fold,
and is growing, at the moment. The organization does not have
employees on its payroll. All activities are carried out on
public participation and volunteerism. Utsarga manages its
day to day expenses through donations from its own volunteers.
All 190 special
children from four orphanages adopted by Smile Foundation
and Utsarga gathered in Sambalpur city along with around
two hundred volunteers and well wishers. They all gathered
at the Nari Seva Sadan ground for a day long event.
The children in the age group of
one two years to seventeen years came together for various
programme including sports events, debate and song competitions,
dance and music events.
The day long event was concluded
with cultural and prize distribution programme in the
evening.
“It gives motivation to see
the work done by Smile Foundation and Utsarga,”
observed Mrs. Prabhati Parida, Chairperson, Orissa State
Social Welfare Board, who was the chief guest on the
occasion.
“Smile Foundation is an organization
with high standard of credibility and excellence. We
feel proud of being a partner,” declared Mr. Sudhir
Pujari on behalf of Utsarga.
“The work done by Smile and
Utsarga is reflected in the dignity and self confidence
through the eyes of the children,” observed Mr.
Raghunath Mishra, former administrator, guest of honour.
He added, “Let’s make is a case study across
the world.” |
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In partnership with Smile Foundation, Utsarga
had successfully implemented an Intensive Health Care Project
in 2002-03 by adopting a Tribal Village.
Under the project ‘Integrated Childcare
Programme for Orissa Orphanages’, Smile Foundation and
Utsarga have adopted 4 orphanages in Sambalpur district of
Orissa. A total of 190 children have been covered under the
programme.
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 have been providing
education, health care & hygiene, life education based
support, financial support for higher education and employability
support to the needy children from the four selected orphanages.
The highlights of the project are:
• Special Educational support by trained
teachers
• Encouragement and support for higher
education and employability training
• 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.
Smile Foundation and Utsarga have been trying
to get maximum children admitted to formal schools as well
as higher education. It will also be ensured that teh children
are made self reliant in their life through employement oriented
education and income generation training.
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