Good Sight The January 2021
SDG Special Sustainability Frontrunners www.thegoodsight.com Volume 2/Issue7 World Change Starts with Educated Children.® Over 18 Million Children Benefited Worldwide Room to Read delivers physical literacy resources during school closures to over 500,000 children in Asia The Best way to Good Sight better the world
Dear Reader,
The Sustainable Development Goals are the common goals which all the countries aspire to achieve for making a world Editor where everyone can live a decent life. After decades of work Asit Srivastava by countries and the United Nations, the 17 SDGs were Bhesaja Choudhury finalised with a deadline to achieve these by 2030. It was adopted by all the member countries in September 2015. Creative Head Arvind Das Legend has it that a squirrel also helped Lord Rama when he Marketing Head decided to build a bridge over the sea to reach demon king Nimesh Lal Ravana’s kingdom. Even as an army of monkeys worked day and night to complete the work, the squirrel also joined Cover Images them in the herculean task. When Lord Rama saw the little Abhirup Dasgupta creature carrying pebbles in its mouth and dropping into the sea, he appreciated the squirrel’s work and said, “Did you all Team TGS notice that it is the tiny pebbles brought by the squirrel and other such small creatures which are filling the gaps between the huge stones? Also, did you realise that the grains of sand brought by these small creatures bind the whole bridge and make it strong?”
A mega project can never be completed by the main players alone. They need the support of all, and however small, an effort made with dedication should always be appreciated. SDGs are global goals. A mega project. While governments are the main players in this, non-profit and for-profit (Corporate Social Responsibility) organisations can make vital contributions to this, with determination and dedication, much like the squirrel.
Editors
Asit Srivastava Bhesaja Choudhury Towards equitable quality Working for sustainable All for good health, Pathway back to education future wellbeing of mother eyeglasses: and child Resuming eye-screenings with COVID-19 safety 08 48 88 protocols Facilitating GOOD Catalysing actions to 124 education, gender meet nutrition goals A healthy world begins equality with healthy mothers and children Empowering farmers 14 56 96 to grow and sustain Integrating food Achieving SDGs through and nutrition ecosystem-based 132 security approach Railway children on the right track For HER education 22 62 102 136 Are we on track to Lessening achieve Zero Hunger hardships, bettering by 2030? lives CAF India’s march Focus on to achieve SDGs underprivileged community development INSIDE 28 68 108 initiatives
On a mission to Dedicated to the mission create child friendly of eliminating poverty- 144 communities Beyond SDG 6: related diseases How clean water and sanitation are integral to the Sustainable Developing 32 Development Goals children holistically 76 with alternate care Driving towards water, income and Improving 114 livelihoods security nutrition through biofortification 152
Photo Credit Abhirup Dasgupta 40 84
6 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 7 oom to Read’s Comprehensive on a strong foundation of three pillars of literacy, Literacy Programme aims to help namely orality, orthographic expertise and children become independent readers exposure to a variety of text. This comprehensive for life, have an enhanced world view approach to reading develops both reading and be capable of making informed skills and a habit of reading among the children, Rchoices. supported by provision of material, training of teachers, regular monitoring and feedback along Literacy is one of the most foundational with community engagement. empowering skills for today’s world. Whether digital or on print, we are reading all the time. However, the year 2020 has been full of challenges Deep reading enables us to sift through loads and opportunities. Owing to the pandemic, the of information in print (or digital versions) and schools shut down and all face-to-face teacher make informed choices as an independent critical trainings received a massive set back. One of the thinker. Trying to get to the nuanced layers of worst affected were the early grade children, who, Towards meaning in a text is a unique human feat that due to the digital divide, did not have access to needs to be painstakingly learnt, through both, the range of online educational resources being explicit instruction and a variety of enriching provided during the lockdown. The risk of learning exposure to language and books. loss increased manifold, more so for the first- generation learners, who had little or no support equitable quality Comprehensive Literacy experience in Room to at home. Read involves explicitly designed reading and education writing instruction in Hindi in early grades, based Hence emerged the plan to provide a combination
Room to Read has been working to make reading a part of life in children and believes this is crucial to meet the nation’s commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal in education
Room to Read is an international NGO working in the field of education. Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep and systemic transformation within schools in low-income communities through collaboration with local communities, partner organisations, and governments to develop literacy skills among primary school children and ensure girls education at secondary school level. Room to Read India was established in 2003 and presently have programmes in 9 states, including Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Distribution of literacy kit to ensure that learning does not stop.
8 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 9 Project: Comprehensive Literacy for Early Grades SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
of online and offline resources that aimed to Learning in the time of pandemic cater to all the relevant stakeholders. Read-aloud Lakshmi Kanel, a teacher at Government Primary videos, flipbooks, literacy-related audio activities, School, Awaya Phalaya, Barwani, MP was deeply radio and TV programmes, stories through IVR, affected by the struggles of her students, many worksheets, letter cards etc. were some of the of whom were first-generation learners. In her resources made available to children on regular words, “It was painful to watch children struggle, basis. learning at home and parental engagement, even worse to see the realization on their faces a pictorial parent handbook was shared with the that they were at a disadvantage”. In late August, parents. Relevant reading material was provided Lakshmi received a booklet of worksheets to teachers, in addition to creation of online designed by RtR consisting of exercises, puzzles, courses and audio-visual material. quizzes, colouring sheets and most importantly, opportunity to observe, explore, articulate and The online resources were disseminated through learn. “I was pleasantly surprised by the response appropriate government channels, including we received, the children simply loved them,” she Diksha and Whatsapp groups created by teachers. recalls. Arvind a first grader was already close to The offline resources were distributed through finishing the exercises, “I want more books like teachers, volunteers and Room to Read team on this,” he demanded. the field. Lakshmi saw that her students were now able to Impact learn with minimum support. The fact that they Tangible: Room to Read has benefitted 4.3 million were enjoying learning was influencing their children in India since 2003 and set up more confidence and behaviour too. “They seemed so than 9,000 libraries so far. In the year 2020, happy and gleefully brought the worksheets to RtR content reached 1,62,685 teachers, parents show me their work,” she says with a satisfied and government officials directly and 6,55,980 smile. indirectly. A total of 1,48,85,017 direct messages have been sent out via email, phone and other digital means. 5,66,611 children have received non-digital material including books worksheets, etc. Additionally, 18,439 hours of virtual training Research-based pedagogy a must to ensure quality education. and support has been provided to teachers, school Children taking charge of their own leadership, authors and illustrators. learning. disseminate relevant content to children, teachers Intangible: The on-ground challenge of reaching and parents. Replicability & Scalability each child forced us to think of alternative ways Room to Read works on a scaffolded ‘I do, We do, to bridge the digital divide, including radio, TV Monitoring You do’ approach whereby it first demonstrates and offline Literacy kit. This has helped create an RtR with a strong Research, Monitoring and the model in selected government schools, then environment of literacy at home while empowering Evaluation (RM&E) Department focuses on well- work in close collaboration with the government the parents to be equal partners in their child’s defined research to inform practice, extensive to scale up the model across the entire district and learning. monitoring and support through staff at the field/ finally hand over to the government to implement district/state level and assessment using a version the programme. Collaboration of the internationally accepted Grade Reading To ensure scale and sustainability, it is important Assessment (EGRA) tool that is adapted from In the current COVID-19 scenario, increasing to collaborate with the key stakeholders at all English to Hindi by experts. In the partnership adaptation towards online teacher training levels. RtR in collaboration with the partner schools, RtR helps create a sustainable supporting courses/programmes and relevant resources for organisations, or in some states independently, mechanism to both provide teacher support and both parents and children has provided a unique works with the government system to design and track progress towards specific outcomes. opportunity to reach the non-intervention states across the country as well.
10 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 11 Room to Read continues its journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals of providing quality education to both girls and boys. We strongly advocate a comprehensive literacy experience for children so that they become independent readers. We encourage them to be readers with a ‘fluent, feeling brain’ so that they are ready to become responsible citizens in the world that needs them most.
- Poornima Garg Deputy Country Director Room to Read India
“Sustainability is about empowering systems, whether the government or local community-based informal ones. At RtR we focus on working to strengthen the system from within, by working hand in hand with the key stakeholders to ensure impact that is long term. The comprehensive literacy model begins from research- based universal principles and is implemented with inbuilt contextualization, to accommodate multi-grade classrooms, multilingual scenarios, unique nature of the Akshara languages and large-scale implementation in partnership with the government. If we as a nation are serious about our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of achieving equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030, we need to ensure our focus is right. We need to keep the child at the centre of learning and gear for appropriate pedagogy based on scientific principles of reading, even in the face of unexpected challenges like COVID-19. - Dr Nidhi Vinayak Sr Manager (Literacy) Room to Read India
Parents can be equal partners in their child’s learning.
The joy of reading. 12 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 13 he Devadasi system in lower caste focuses on child participation as a key approach communities is a religious sanction to reaching its objectives, focusing on girl given to prostitution of young girls child-led community empowerment. The major deeply rooted in a socio-cultural interventions include girl child sensitisation, girl norm. The project aims to address child advocacy and life skills training, community Texploitation of girls and their inequalities by awareness, provision of education and vocational strengthening the systems and services for child training as a means to both protect vulnerable protection and child empowerment. The project girls and rehabilitate victims of the system.
Project: Children Empowerment for GOOD (Getting Out Of Devadasi System) and Preventing further Dedications
Facilitating Contributing to GOOD SDGs: Goal 4: Goal 5: Goal 10: education, Quality Education Gender Equality Reduced Inequalities gender equality
Terre des Hommes Netherlands rehabilitating victims of Devadasi system, preventing dedications and providing vulnerable girls with opportunities through quality education and vocational training
Terre des Hommes (TdH) Netherlands prevents child exploitation, removes children from exploitative situations and ensures these children can develop themselves in a safe environment. Its thematic interventions cover worst forms of child labour, child trafficking and unsafe migration, commercial sexual exploitation of children, child abuse & sexual and reproductive health and rights. It operates in 18 countries. In India, its projects focus on addressing worst forms of child labour in Mica mines; prevention of child trafficking and child marriage in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana; addressing child abuse & sexual and reproductive health rights of early married girls and children of Devadasis in Karnataka. Life skills training underway.
14 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 15 Awareness activity by children.
The GOOD project is presently implemented in and vocational training. 81 villages across five districts of North Karnataka • Ensuring gender equality by facilitating girl child (Bellary, Koppal, Bijapur, Belgaum and Bagalkot). participation in community development and Vulnerable girls and victims of exploitation are girl child empowerment, along with community identified and organised in children’s clubs or Kishori sensitisation to prevent girls from sexual abuse/ groups where they are sensitised and trained to be exploitation from the Devadasi system through change agents within their community. They are mass awareness and advocacy. provided with capacity building, life skills training, • Strengthening systems and services for child vocational training, enrolled in schools, trained on protection by advocating with government and law child rights, leadership, problem-solving techniques, enforcement agencies. lobbying with government and law enforcement agencies, all with the intention of breaking Impact through the shackles of exploitation caused by the The GOOD project began in the year 2019-20 and has devadasi system, thereby enabling their progress. seen strong impact ever since: Communities, government and legal authorities are • 50 + dedications have been stopped through also sensitised to ensure a conducive environment for monitoring and sensitisation the development of children of Devadasis. • Kishori (adolescent) girls have become very confident and approach government officials to Challenges discuss on and solve various community issues • Strong cultural and religious beliefs among • 687 girls are able to continue their schooling, of the community which nurture inequality and which 267 are first-generation learners discrimination • Through vocational training, girls are on their way • The power hold of the upper caste and their to economic empowerment, thereby reducing their political influence vulnerability • Involvement of political leaders themselves in the • The government has extended support to the exploitation of young girls programme and ordered a resurvey of Devadasis
Objectives Collaboration • Rehabilitating victims of the Devadasi system, The project is implemented on the ground by preventing dedications and providing vulnerable networks of Devadasi women who have pledged Girls attending vocational training. girls with opportunities through quality education to fight against the system. The project also works
16 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 17 with the Panchayat officials, officers from the State Department of Women and Child Development, the District Legal Service Authority and the Police to ensure child protection. The main stakeholders of the project are the children themselves who are brought together and trained to represent their issues and bring out solutions on their own.
Monitoring In each district, Kishori Club Facilitators and Citizen Action and Voice Facilitators ensure that children and community members are regularly engaged through sensitisation, activities and various training programmes. The project files both monthly and quarterly reports and documents case stories with photographs.
Replicability & Scalability The project is sustainable as it ensures the development of the entire Devadasi community and others in the village by investing in children. Through sensitisation, education and vocational training, the benefits in the lives of the children and community are long-term. This is easily replicable across other development interventions as it functions as a ripple effect, where children set examples of being agents of change, inspiring a chain reaction across a large population. This also increases the scale of operations.
Kishori club carrying out a sensitisation activity.
We believe in empowering communities, not just by providing them support services but also equipping them to be drivers of their own development. Our focus on girl child-led and community-led interventions ensure sustained impact and steady progress in the lives of people even after our project period. By focusing on girl child empowerment through quality education and allied interventions, we address gender inequality in Devadasi communities.
-Thangaperumal Ponpandi Country Manager Advocacy with the government officals. Terre des Hommes India and Nepal
18 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 19 20 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 21 POSHANN Implementation & Challenges It is a multi-stakeholder initiative towards integration Welthungerhilfe’s POSHANN project, supported of nutrition, agriculture and WASH intervention for by The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation improved food and nutrition security in backward and Development (BMZ), is being implemented by districts of Jharkhand, India. The POSHANN Abhivyakti Foundation (AVF), Center for World programme is directly linked to SDG 2 ‘End hunger, Solidarity (CWS) and PRAVAH across 162 remote achieve food security and improved nutrition and villages of Jharkhand. It aims to reach out to 9,000 promote sustainable agriculture’. The programme can households, at least 7,000 malnourished children also be linked to SDG1, SDG3, SDG5, SDG6, SDG11 and 15,000 women in the reproductive age group of and SDG12. 15-49 years, and 1,000 small and marginal farmers, across the selected villages of Giridih, Deoghar and The programme strives to improve food and nutrition East Singhbhum districts of the state. Integrating security, and health of women and children from vulnerable and food insecure families. It also aims Under the project, initiatives are undertaken to at improved government extension services towards ensure food and nutrition security for vulnerable better integration of agriculture, nutrition and WASH communities through implementation of nutrition for achieving sustainable nutritional outcomes. sensitive integrated farming systems, and Integrating consumption and conservation of locally available food and food and nutrition nutrition security security POSHANN project is striving to improve health and nutrition outcomes among the most vulnerable populations in Jharkhand
bhivyakti organisation works towards Foundation is a promoting values of peace, non-governmental non-violence, national integrity organisation and sustainable development working on practices. Abhivyakti Foundation sustainableA agriculture, health is motivated by the Gandhian and nutrition, and livelihood philosophy and it follows enhancement in the state of the endogenous theory of Jharkhand and Bihar. The development.
A lush green agro horti model in Giridih, Jharkhand. (Image by AVF)
22 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 23 uncultivated foods. The interventions focus systems (NSIFS) models in which more than four programme though active collaboration with the frontline workers and community institutions are on agricultural systems which integrate crops, subsystems are in regular flow. Recycling and reuse Agriculture Department, Fishery Department playing an active role in monitoring the ongoing horticulture, agro forestry and livestock into an of agricultural waste is gradually improving in the and Animal Husbandry Department, ATMA and programme activities for effective utilization of interactive relationship with each other where the field. key government flagship programmes such as resources. More than 150 ASHA workers, over 135 wastes from one operation or subsystem are used MGNREGA, NRLM have led to an improvement in Anganwadi workers, 225 SHG women from JSLPS as inputs for other subsystems, with the objective During the project period, the participation of women better utilization of the resources. The programme and around 85 Krishi Mitra have been trained on of reducing risks and use of less external inputs, increased substantially. Women participation in partners are also closely working Jharkhand positive deviance nutrition camps, LANN PLA for improving soil fertility. In the present times, decision making for agricultural operations also State Livelihoods Promotion Society (JSLPS). sessions, organic farming training and nutrition adverse climatic conditions and erratic rainfalls are increased visibly. Communities have also developed The programme acts as a bridge between the sensitive micro planning. great limitation for the small and marginal farmers an understanding about the inter linkages of communities and the government departments and to execute their farm operation plan like sowing, agriculture and natural resource management ensures that the people can access their rightful Besides the above, every three to six months, irrigation, harvesting etc. and it critically affects towards nutrition security. Women became aware benefits. The project has helped more than 1500HHs quarterly and half yearly monitoring surveys are food and livelihood security of these vulnerable of the importance of various types of food. People access government benefits under schemes such as conducted for tracking significant impacts, changes families. In such a scenario, integrated farming also learnt how to enrich their food plate their own Didi Bari Yojna of JSLPS and Birsa Harit Gram Yojna and outcomes through mobile based application- systems executed under the POSHANN programme homestead production. by MGNREGA. “AKVO Flow”. Also, every month, home visits and helps poor farmers with very small land holdings for counselling are conducted for all the identified SAM crop production with diversified farm production, Besides this, hygiene condition has improved CWS also formed a POSHANN Manch—a network and MAM children. increased cash income, improved quality and considerably with the targeted families, reflecting an of likeminded NGOs, CSOs, CBOs and voluntary quantity of produces and also quality improvement improved health status of malnourished children. organisations. Replicability & Scalability in the nutritional status of the family through The project partners spread awareness among exploitation of unutilized resources. Collaboration Monitoring the communities and carry out behaviour change The POSHANN programme has ensured convergence Village-level trained cadre, trained government interventions through a network of trained The farmers in these selected areas are now with the Jharkhand government’s ongoing volunteers. Nutrition garden model and sustainable practicing agro ecological farming, which is free of integrated farming system are now chemicals and pesticide and are climate resilient. being replicated through Didi Bari More than 1000 farmers have adopted and are Yojana under MGNREGA flagship practicing such ecofriendly farming systems. programme and NRLM to promote food and nutrition security in the Impact state. Preparing NADEP compost Under the POSHANN project in Giridih, almost pits, vermi compost pits, azolla pits 72.4% families adopted nutrition gardens and are and other compost pits has also been now cultivating a variety of nutritious fruits and replicated by government through vegetables in their homestead gardens, thereby JSLPS and MGNREGA. improving food diversity at household level and accessing adequate micronutrient. The dietary The trained field level workers diversity of vulnerable families is also increasing have helped in scaling up LANN- gradually. Diversified integrated farming system meeting cycles and nutrition camps helped 64.1% poor and marginal farmers. in 42 surrounding villages of our In Deoghar, 97.2% of the targeted communities POSHANN project intervention areas under the project now cultivate a variety of in East Singhbhum districts. Also, the vegetables in their kitchen gardens ensuring diversity POSHANN Manch network partners in their diet. 69.3% of the families own composting are replicating nutrition camps and units where they reuse agriculture waste and kitchen integrated farming systems models waste to create natural compost fertilizer for their across 7 other districts of Jharkhand. field.
A session to create awareness on In East Singhbhum district, 430 potential farmers natural organic farming amongst the communities underway in Deoghar. have adopted nutrition sensitive integrated farming (Image by PRAVAH)
24 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 25 Sustainable communities have their deeper roots in food and nutrition security. As the world is facing the stark and widening divide in terms of hunger and malnutrition, role Reaping benefits of of the civil society organisations has become very crucial in facilitating the equitable integrated farming change process to eliminate this gap and strengthen the foundation of sustainable communities. Abhivyakti Foundation, as a Sustainability Champion aims to ensure sustainable solutions for food and nutrition security for disadvantaged Anita Devi,wife of Jitendar Paswan, is a resident of Basmata Village, Mahuar Gram Panchayat, communities in Jharkhand through field pilots, engagement and multi-stakeholders Giridih, Jharkhand. Anita was married off at an early age to Jitendra who is a daily wage labourer. collaboration, and thereby address the issues of dietary diversity, strengthening With a negligible land holding, Anita and her family could only grow maize and potato and had of diversified local food production systems, community based education on to purchase most of the vegetables from the market spending most of their meagre earnings. Due nutrition, infant and young child feeding, WASH and increased women’s to lack of agricultural knowledge, they practiced mono cropping on their land during rainy and participation in decision making on informed choices. Our innovations like winter seasons, and purchased agricultural inputs from the market. nutrition sensitive microplanning, rice parboiling system, nutri-garden models and agri-wash models are part of this journey to create nutrition Under the POSHANN Project, Jitendar Paswan received training on nutrition sensitive integrated smart villages and achieve the sustainable development goals. farming system and adopted diversified farming system in a scientific way. Anita Devi and her husband started growing their own homestead nutrition garden, and agro-horti model. She - Krishna Kant Secretary also started duck rearing and established compost and azola units in their farm. Currently, she Abhivyakti Foundation grows different types of vegetables throughout the year and regularly harvests and consumes fresh, clean and nutrition-rich vegetables and fruits. The family is also able to sell the surplus production in the local market thereby increasing their income.
A vermi compost unit developed with the inputs and support provided under the POSHANN project in Deoghar. (Image by PRAVAH)
Azola farming model of Premchand Soren, a leading NSIFS farmer under the POSHANN project. Anita Devi in her homestead (Image by CWS) nutrition garden showcasing the agro-horti model (Image by AVF).
26 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 27 he Constitution of India ensures Index below normal (India average: 22.9 %). This Food and Nutrition Security to its worrying trend clearly indicates that Jharkhand citizen as a fundamental right under may not be able to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. Article 21. However, being home to 1.3 billion people, the reality is far Dichotomy between food Tfrom the constitutional definition. Juru Sabar, a production, legislations and landless farmer, living in Kaspani village, Ghatsila malnutrition in India block, East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, is India’s increase in food production is not directly an unfortunate example of this scenario. Juru proportionate to its nutrition status. As per the belongs to the Sabar community—a particularly Second Advance Estimates for 2019-20, total vulnerable Tribal Group (PVGT) as categorised by food grain production in India is estimated at a the Government of India. record 291.95 million tons which is higher by 6.74 million tons of the food grains produced during For years, Juru has been cultivating only paddy on 2018-19. Still, India is a home to 194 million others’ land on equal sharing basis. Every year, he hungry people (UN). Therefore, enhancement in shares half of his total produce with his landlord. food productivity and reforms in agriculture do Are we on Unpredictable rainfall leading to failed crops, not automatically ensure the food distribution limited market access and no access to government or access to food by all in the country. In other services, make Juru and his family an obvious words, access and consumption of food by people victim of malnutrition and hunger. Every year, is possible if there is a stable governance support track to the period from June to October is an extremely mechanism. lean for the family where they consume only one or two meals a day which includes less than India has many progressive legislations such as three food groups daily. His wife is anaemic and the National Food Security Act 2013 and various achieve Zero their two children under 5 years are moderately other schemes to address food security. Despite malnourished, as per WHO growth chart. Juru and this, more than 80% of the population live below his family is one of the thousands of families living the poverty line (BPL)1 in specific parts of the under similar situation in India. With such ground state of Jharkhand, and typically suffer from food Hunger by realities clubbed with legislations ensured by the shortages for 3-5 months per year. A significant government, are we still on track to achieve Zero number of the population are deprived of the Hunger by 2030? various social security programmes. 2030? India’s hunger status Welthungerhilfe believes that good governance As per the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020 and strong institutional mechanism at all stages - Sasmita Jena, Welthungerhilfe India report, India with a score of 27.2 stands in the are indispensable for effective availability and serious category. 46.6 million children are stunted accessibility of food by every individual. In any in India with over 17 million children being democratic set up like India, the functioning of wasted under the 5 years of age. Jharkhand bears such institutions in food justice delivery is of 46.6 million children are stunted in India with over 17 the burden of very high level of malnutrition utmost importance. in the country. Malnutrition is one of the worst million children being wasted under the 5 years of age manifestations of food and nutrition insecurity. Need to strengthen legislations and It is one of the worst enemies for the human government services development of the state. As per NFHS4 data, in In Jharkhand, the government has declared to Jharkhand, 45.3 % of children under 5 years are cover 82% instead of 75% (national target) of the stunted (3rd rank), 29.0 % are wasted (1st rank), population under the National Food Security Act and 47.8 % are underweight (1st rank). 65.2 % of (NFSA), 2013. Under this provision, individuals women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) are are entitled to five kg rice per person per month. anaemic (4th rank) and 31.5 % have a Body Mass Non-inclusion of pulses and the meagre quantity
28 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 29 1Planning Commission, Govt of India 2http://nrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx 3http://www.icds.gov.in/#
fails to fulfill the objective of ‘adequate food’ as (b) vitamin-A programme for 1-6 to better integrate agriculture, mentioned under NFSA. years old children, (c) universal nutrition, WASH, and train iodization of salt to combat iodine government healthcare workers. Another immensely effective act is the Mahatma deficiency disease, etc. are among In the past three years, under the Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee other Government initiatives project, 9,000 households, at least Act (MGNEGA)2 - a well-designed flagship which have potential to address 7,000 malnourished children and programme to ensure wage employment and rural malnutrition. 15,000 women in the reproductive infrastructure development including agricultural age group of 15-49 years, and production but falls short in its implementation. An efficient governance 1,000 small and marginal farmers In Jharkhand, the government has passed a series system is required to ensure have been supported across of welcoming initiates jointly with the civil society synergy through convergence 162 remote villages of the three organisations which includes implementation of between Programmes/Missions/ districts. “Didi Badi” (Nutrition Garden under MGNREGA) Acts which impact nutrition that directly enhances a family’s dietary diversity. directly or indirectly (income, In order to achieve SDG 2 – Zero During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGNREGA sanitation, drinking water, feeding Hunger by 2030, the state of turned out to be a good source of cash income for programmes etc.). Planning Jharkhand needs rebalancing the rural households in the state. and execution should be done of agricultural policies and with community participation incentives towards more nutrition Similarly, India also implements the Integrated and involvement of trained sensitive investment and policy Child Development Services (ICDS)3 – one of community leaders. Most of the actions all along the food supply world’s largest feeding programmes - which above programmes and schemes chain to reduce food losses targets children from 0 to 6 years of age, pregnant are the outcome of long-standing and enhance efficiencies at all and lactating mothers and adolescent girls for civil society movements in India stages. Nutrition-sensitive social nutrition supplement, school meal programme, which stand as good examples of protection policies will also be etc. But there are huge operational issues which people’s participation. There is central for them to increase hinder it from reaching the targeted population. an urgent need for collaboration the purchasing power and If implemented effectively, the ICDS scheme between government and civil affordability of healthy diets of can address the issue of malnutrition. In the society, here civil society plays the most vulnerable populations. year 2020, suspension of the services due to an advisory role to strengthen Policies fostering behavioral the COVID-19 pandemic created a large gap policies and support creating change towards healthy diets will in the nutrition outcomes at the community models. be needed. level. Annapurna scheme, micronutrient supplementation programmes like (a) distribution Welthungerhilfe’s To achieve SDG 2 – Zero Hunger– of iron folic acid tablets to pregnant and lactating efforts to achieve Zero the state will need a system that women, children, and adolescent girls), Hunger in Jharkhand ensures improved access to food, In Jharkhand, Welthungerhilfe increase homestead production with its partners Abhivyakti or promote sustainable integrated Welthungerhilfe believes Foundation in Giridih, Center agricultural systems. This will not for World Solidarity (CWS) in only improve productivity but also that good governance East Singhbhum and PRAVAH in improve quality of family food and strong institutional Deoghar is therefore promoting a basket. The state should invest mechanism at all stages are multi-sector approach to achieve more and more in promoting food and nutrition security by small holder farmer and indispensable for effective bringing together communities strengthen the local food system. availability and accessibility and government machineries. The planned initiatives aim to reduce of food by every individual. Juru’s children are moderately malnourished. chronic undernutrition, improve government extension services
30 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 31 Project: Strengthening child friendly communities through demonstrative action and building evidences SDG/s linked The project was aligned with the current international human rights-based Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda 1 to 6, 10, 11 and 16 hinging on the notion of “leaving no one behind”. It is further coherent with the rights of the citizen as defined in the Indian Constitution On a mission and links with the key national programmes and policies for children. It aspires to contribute to the overarching SDG vision of “accelerating to create sustainable development with human rights”. child friendly communities CINI has been working as a facilitator to help bridge the gap in knowledge, skill and access to services and bringing sustainable change in community behaviours and practices for creating a better world for children
Child in Need Institute (CINI) is an Indian non-government organisation (NGO) that has adopted a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to programming with children and adolescents to foster their human and social development. We work across the spectrum of children’s rights aiming at achieving survival, development, protection and participation by all children, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. In addition to our critical focus on communities, we also strive to strengthen systems for children by partnering with the government, its elected, administrative, service provision and judicial arms, in addition to national and international NGOs and technical agencies to promote rights-based development for and with children in the realms of capacity development; technical assistance; evidence building; and networking, advocacy and policy influencing. CINI’s vision is to create “A friendly and responsive community where children and adolescents achieve their full potential”, and mission is “To ensure that children and adolescents achieve their
rights to health, nutrition, education, protection and participation by making duty-bearers and Children group members updating communities responsive to their well-being”. their child tracking register.
32 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 33 he objective of the project is to demonstrate a preventive model of creating “family/community-based “Whenever we hear any safety net” for children through news of minor girl getting convergent action adopting CINI’s Tchild friendly community approach in the district married, we immediately of Murshidabad. It also aims to consolidate the take action. First, we model on the basis of evidence in a way to make it replicable in other settings. request the parents, if they don’t agree, then we CINI has been implementing this project in two take the help of police and gram panchayats of Murshidabad district reaching around 64,000 populations and impacting others.” the lives of approx. 33,000 children. The core institutional principles that were followed include:
Setting accountability of the duty- Outcomes: bearers: Various sensitization and capacity Children are considered as equal stakeholder in building programmes have been done with the social development process and their voice is community groups like SHGs, Children’s groups, being heard by strengthening their agencies. service providers like ASHA, Anganwadi workers, teachers, police and PRI members. Children are advocating for their issues in these various platforms. Child budgeting exercises have Outcomes: A Village-Level Child Protection been conducted where members of Children’s The roles and responsibilities of each group of Committees meeting in progress. Parliament have placed their issues, negotiated duty-bearers have been clarified, which has been and been able to increase the budget for children translated into action by providing services. The for children in every sansads, which then Outcomes: in the overall panchayat budget. ‘Social Pacts’ have been signed by these major contributed in the preparation of Gram Panchayat The community plans for children are included group of duty-bearers in both the GPs as an Development Plans, which Panchayat prepares in the annual plan of gram panchayats. SHGs, Multisectoral Convergence: The Village agreement to act upon the issues of children in every year. children and adolescents are leading the Level Child Protection Committees have been their community jointly. preparation of their plans and submitting it at formed and strengthened in all 35 sansads. The Prevention: The community groups like SHG, the respective Gram Sansads, prioritising their government-mandated platforms of convergence Participation: Children’s groups have been Children’s groups, service providers and PRI needs. Involvement of children and adolescents like 3rd and 4th Saturday meetings have been formed in all 35 sansads of the gram panchayat. members have been sensitized on children’s issues in preparation of annual GP plan and budget strengthened in both the gram panchayats. The Children Parliament was formed at the GP level and capacitated to act upon them. A resource pool where allocation has been made from two major Village Health Nutrition Day has been supported taking representatives from each children’s of knowledge was created among them, who could committees of GP; Women, Child and Social to ensure better service delivery through group. Formed/Strengthened Kanyashree club sensitise a larger community. The duty-bearers Welfare committee and Education and Public convergence of health and nutrition programmes and Children Parliament at gram panchayat level. are facilitated and supported to do collective Health Committee. by the government. Adolescent boys and girls from each sansad have analysis of the problems through social mapping been promoted as leaders and started representing and vulnerability assessment. The duty-bearers Many cases of out of school, child marriage and Outcomes: themselves in the Village-Level Child Protection are supported to prioritise the process through abuse are now being handled by the duty-bearers The issues of children around education, Committee, Village Health, Sanitation and ranking method, prepare community plan for each themselves. These two gram panchayats have protection, health and nutrition are being Nutrition Committee etc. The leaders of children’s village, link the vulnerable children to services, been appreciated for their effort in stopping child addressed by Village Level Child Protection group started representing in various government- monitor and track the vulnerable children and do marriage and setting prevention mechanism by Committees. The PRI representatives, SHGs, mandated platforms like Child Cabinet in schools, follow-ups. Promoted the process making SHG strengthening Balika Badhu group and Kanyashree service providers along with children groups VLCPC, Kanyashree Club, BLCPC (Block-Level and Children’s Group members as the front line or Joddha group for reducing child marriage and analysed, prioritised and prepared plan Child Protection Committee). lead in the process with active participation and increasing school retention. involvement of PRI and service providers.
34 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 35 Challenges through the CFC approach. On the qualitative • Bringing all duty-bearers in one single side, frontline service providers like ANM, ASHA framework of action had been a challenge and Anwesha counsellors were more aware of the initially which have been managed by CFC approaches and constantly motivated and continuous follow-ups and capacity building involved in reaching out services to the marginal exercises and by applying PLA techniques. and the most vulnerable populace. Similarly, constant awareness and meetings with the • Frequent change in the lead position (Panchayat service providers ensured strengthening of the Pradhan) in local government position was a preventive components of their programmes. challenge as it delayed the process community One of the major achievements of the project was mobilisation and convergent actions. Bringing an overwhelming awareness and admission of the social development issues as the priority children’s involvement in the decision-making agenda of local self-government mandate was process and an acceptance by the PRI of the initially a challenge, but constant dialogues, children’s plan as a powerful instrument for especially interactions by children themselves, systemic prevention. The children’s plan, including have been effective. the budget and the timeline for implementation, provided a single, focal and a rallying point for Impact the child friendly groups like VLCPC, Kanyasree The project, as the table below will illustrate, Clubs, Balika Badhu groups and the PRI and the exceeded the targets the children’s plan made stakeholders from the community to come together The graph above shows that over the year there has been substantial improvement in uptake of in close collaboration with the child friendly in the convergent meetings and address multi- services, especially in accessing welfare schemes and Kanyashree cash transfer schemes. Also, the prevention of child marriage cases has also increased which shows the active role played by institutions and the community does not focus sectoral issues from a convergent perspective to the community in Mahesail GP. (Data source: CINI MIS and Govt. data) on figures alone. While the implementation of ultimately deliver a holistic response for children. the plan in the Bajitpur and Mahisail-I GPs in The achievements from the project have also been Suti-II Block sought to and was successful in encapsulated by both the print and the audiovisual boosting performance of the system against all media. The reporting by the media has helped in set child-focused indicators, it also promoted sharing the evidence from the project with the quality like establishing an enabling environment larger audience and also with the policy managers.
The graph above shows remarkable improvements in Bajitpur gram panchayat in last three years, especially in the areas of education and child protection services. The achievement in Kanyashree Joddha group members showing their ID cards child marriage prevention out of reported cases has taken a stiff improvement in last three provided by the Panchayat. years, same in uptake of Kanyashree Scheme linkage. (Data source CINI MIS and Govt. data)
36 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 37 Collaboration The CINI’s approach When we started our journey, we used to provide services to the of work to create child community at their doorstep. After decades of work in the community friendly communities as service providers, we realised that bringing sustainable change in is through a strong behaviour and practice needs more effort than what we were doing. This collaboration with thinking led us to take a paradigm shift in our approach and we became communities at large facilitators. Our role as facilitators started helping to bridge the gap in and more specifically knowledge, skill and access to services. Local duty-bearers, women and with families, local children became the partners in change. We also realised that looking women self-help at issues of children or adolescents in silo was not the solution rather groups and children’s the bottleneck! All our realisation and learning have been distilled as groups along with local what we call “The CINI Method”- a human rights framework of working self-government like with and for the children. Our strategies took shift from prevailing panchayat and service fragmented, vertical and curative to participatory, convergent providers across all child and preventive strategies embedded in human rights-based rights areas like health approach (HRBA) to development planning for and with workers, Anganwadi children. We believe that successful champions for workers, schools etc. sustainable development are the community advancing the Social resource map being updated. Apart from this, CINI sustainable development goals works in collaboration with the government departments at district-level and also with other -Dr Samir Chaudhuri compiled through various documents will help local players. Secretary and Founder in this process. Some of its innovation like Child in Need Institute (CINI) Monitoring creation of “Balika Badhu” to advocate on the Community driven monitoring systems have been issue of Child Marriage has been adopted by block established to allow the community, especially administration and it has been decided to scale the women’s groups and children groups, to up in other panchayats of the district. Another analyse gaps and identify solutions in accessing good practice of promoting “Kanyashree Joddhas” services, together with service providers and local or girl champions has become an integral part of development activities at the block level. These An adolescent government representatives. This initial success in girl using drop Murshidabad has created the opportunities for the same girls are also part of Schemes for Adolescent box to share her concern. organisation to derive a scientific model to further Girls programme implemented by the Ministry re-strengthen the programme as a preventive of Women and Child Development. The children model and distil the learning in a resource to group leaders have become peer leaders of the replicate and build new capacities. Apart from government flagship programme called Rastriya that CINI has a quality assurance cell called CINI Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK). The peer Resource Centre which provides handholding leaders are also members of Village Level Child and monitoring support to the district team on Protection Committee which is operating at scale a regular basis. Again, the district unit head and in the entire district. So, overall, the project programme management team has regularly given was designed on the principle of potential for onsite support and review and monitoring support scalability and replicability as this project has to the community-level facilitators. worked with the existing government structures, platforms and opportunities without duplicating Replicability & scalability any initiative and service. This model of CINI’s The programme paved the way to consolidate work is a low-cost model which has the potential the model on the basis of evidence generated to go into scale as it believes in facilitation of the and to make it replicable in other settings. The existing government services and schemes by field insights/good practices shaped so far and utilising government resources.
38 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 39 elf-Reliant Initiatives through Joint 130 team members across these locations to reach Action (SRIJAN) is a grassroots NGO out the poor and empower them. The organisation working for livelihoods enhancement believes in the power and capacity of community of the poorest of the poor and collectives to sustain the developmental efforts. marginalised sections of the society in Since its inception in 1997, SRIJAN has been S16 districts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar striving to make rural community self-reliant and Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. SRIJAN employs over live with dignity.
Bundelkhand Initiatives for Water, Agriculture and Livelihoods (BIWAL) The project strives to revive Bundelkhand’s traditional tanks through community-led action and stabilize agricultural livelihoods in a region vulnerable to chronic water distress. Driving BIWAL directly focusses on these 4 SDGs, i.e. SDG 1 - End poverty in all its form; SDG 2 - Zero Hunger; SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 15 - Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification. Moreover, the project also facilitates achieving other SDGs by indirectly contributing to SDG 5 - Gender Equality; SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 - Climate Action and towards water, SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals. income and livelihoods security
Spearheaded by SRIJAN, the BIWAL initiative attempts to address water, agriculture and livelihood issues by promoting natural resource management related measures among community
Silt applied in farmers’ field.
40 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 41 Empty tank at Mudara, Niwari (before). Full tank at Mudara, Niwari after the intervention. Implementation & Challenges As water sources are drying up, while many sources which already exist in the villages are defunct, BIWAL with its partner NGOs has been identifying and mapping such resources which are then repaired and restored for a continuous supply of water. Some of the major challenges and obstacles related to the project are outlined below:
1. Overlap of jurisdictions: Since this project was to be implemented in areas where there is presence and jurisdictions of various line departments like the District administration, Watershed Department and, in some cases, the Forest Department, it was going to be a challenge to have mutual understanding among each other. 2. Conflicts among the community: Since water is a scarce commodity in the Bundelkhand region, on common land such as temple, Panchayat stakeholder includes the sharing of the objectives these community institutions became weak there was going to be the issue of conflicts Bhawan, school etc; 3 Miyawaki Forests and progress of the project to the Chief Minister of and maintenance was neglected. As part of the arising within them for the usage and rights established Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath in the Bhujal project it was envisaged that rejuvenating the over the water of the tanks. • Climate-smart agriculture: Established 17 Saptah meeting through video conferencing. This community institutions and capacity building of 3. Sustaining the motivation of the community: Prakritik Krishi Kendre; training of farmers sharing with the Chief Minister was very well the members will ensure the regular maintenance Since it will be a long intervention and the on climate smart agriculture practices; 1,328 received and appreciated. and upkeep of the tanks. Hence one Tank results and benefits of it might take a long farmers practicing in Kharif season, crop stage Management Committee has been promoted in time to be visible, it will be difficult to keep the wise voice messages on agricultural practices; Link for SHORT DOCUMENTARY ON every intervention village which is being given communities sufficiently motivated all along as established 289 kitchen gardens; training of ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF regular handholding and training support. Also, they are impoverished. farmers on preparation bio-pesticides and SRIJAN’s BIWAL PROJECT the project team is linking these committees with 4. Sustained financial support: The financial natural manures to restore soil health https://www.youtube.com/atch?v=sljqBGARAz8 the Gram Panchayats and the respective line support from the project is limited to an extent departments, as these institutions are permanent and after initial demonstrations the community Collaboration Monitoring and will ensure the sustainability of the project will need more financial support to carry out the The internal stakeholders include consortium For collecting technical information on the in future. In a short span of time, the BIWAL expansion of the programme objectives in other partner NGOs, implementation team and the geography and terrain, tools like Topographic programme has been catching a lot of attention areas. community in the form of the Tank Management Sheets, GIS mapping and Google earth are used due to its success so far. As mentioned above, the Committee (TMC). They engage directly at the to ensure accuracy and precision. Based upon programme was shared with the Chief Minister of Impact grassroots for the implementation and monitoring the data, an MIS system has been designed UP, Shri Yogi Adityanath during the Bhujal Saptah Some of the major achievements and impacts as of the project and coordinate all the activities. The which is updated on a monthly basis. This MIS and it was very well received. Also, a study was per the success indicators so far are as follows: data collected is regularly shared and discusses is maintained as a record book by the Tank conducted by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute • Renovation and repair of 152 drinking water in the TMC meetings. The external stakeholders Management Committee and is discussed in the of Good Governance and Policy Analysis on the sources of 46 villages benefitting 10,274 families consist of the major line departments, District regular meetings. Data like groundwater level, BIWAL programme and a report was published on • 5 districts covered administration and the Gram Panchayats. The moisture level in the soil, amount of rainfall et al the website dedicated to the initiative. • 88 structures constructed in drainage line in Gram Panchayat secretary and the Panch regularly is recorded in the books and shared. This provides tank catchment and command area attend the TMC meetings and get apprised of the the much-needed right perspective as well as the The Madhya Pradesh government took cognizance • 13,708 cum water potential created progress of the proceedings. The Gram Panchayat progress of the programme. of this report and showed interest to replicate this • 434 farmer families benefitted issues the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for in other areas of the state. The state government *This intervention was selected for the Water Changemakers the excavation of the tank as it is a community Replicability & Scalability has also issued 13 circulars for adopting this Award- Semifinalist resource. The District administration and the line It is a fact that these tanks that already existed process. Hence, it can be said that the programme • Restoring biodiversity: Indigenous plants departments are regularly updated on the progress used to be maintained by the community. In is beginning to have a cascading impact at the (60,000 saplings) of Bundelkhand planted of the project. One major engagement of external due course of time and due to several issues, higher levels of administration also.
42 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 43 Tank desiltation in progress.
44 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 45 Development without sustainability is not real development. A holistic approach Improving productivity and to development is required. The Sustainable Development Goals earmarked by the UN address all the aspects, that when achieved will bring about in the poor profitability and marginalised sections of the society, a dignified life with good health and harmony with the environment. At SRIJAN we strive to align our Goals with the Keshkali is a permanent resident of Churyari village of Gourihar block in SDGs and all our interventions are planned in order to cover as many Goals as Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. The main source of her family’s income is daily possible. We choose to do this in the regions of India where it is the toughest wages and farming. Under the BIWAL programme, a training session on and it is most needed. Our belief is that by focussing on these Goals we have climate-smart agriculture was organised in Churyari by the consortium partner been able to achieve till date a significant change and a big ray of hope Arunoday Sansthan. The session evoked Keshkali’s and her family’s interest in for the future and thus becoming a champion of SDGs. the establishment of Prakritik Kendra. After the approval of Tank Management Committee (TMC), a Prakritik Kendra was established in the premises of - Prasanna Khemariya Keshkali’s house. CEO SRIJAN She contributed 20 per cent of the cost to build the Prakritik Kendra by herself. She was provided with Sesame and Moong seeds for cultivation on one Bigha of her land and technical and knowledge inputs of climate-smart farming like preparation of Ghanjeevamarit, Beejaamrit, Neemastra etc. She applied these techniques in the other patches of her land also for the crop of groundnuts and blackgram. There was definitely some fear in her mind, but when the crop got ready for harvest, her enthusiasm was elevated. According to Keshakali, the cost of smart- farming method was much lower than what she had incurred last year on farming. Moreover, climate-smart agriculture practices also increased her yield. Now she regularly adopts these methods of climate-smart agriculture and also advocates the practice in her village.
Community capacity building.
46 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 47 cost-effective and scientifically also working with the District Tuberculosis Office, designed nutritional supplement, Noida and has been working with NGO partners in CINI NUTRIMIX is made from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam and Karnataka to natural, indigenous products to administer CINI Nutrimix. fulfil main and supplementary diet requirementsA providing food and nutritional Challenges security. It is a holistic food supplement designed The main challenges that we face is to motivate for diverse age groups, ethnicity and cultures the community for a healthier lifestyle. Food which can be easily customized for therapeutic taboos are present which reflect their way of uses. This is a rich source of micronutrients eating and there is always a disparity in food available from natural food sources along with distribution based on gender, social status even predesigned premixes as per RDA. On an average, within families. It is challenging to make them consumption of CINI Nutrimix for a child of 6 understand that cost-effective solutions can also years is as low as Rs 6.00 per day which provides be a holistic approach in achieving good health approximately 15% and 7% of the total calorie and and well-being, additionally providing food and protein requirements respectively, making it an nutrition security. But with effective counselling Working for effective and affordable nutrition solution. by health workers, social mobilisers, nutritionists and doctors, this problem can be also solved. Implementation Infants of six months old till geriatric age can Impact consume CINI Nutrimix. Government ICDS Positive anthropometric changes of recipients sustainable programmes of West Bengal and Sikkim use CINI are recorded in government and non-government future Nutrimix for beneficiaries. CINCOMM has been sectors with satisfactory results for malnutrition,
The larger goal of CINI Community Initiatives’ inexpensive and scientifically designed nutritional supplement is to achieve health & wellbeing and zero hunger
CINI Community Initiatives (CINCOMM) is a Section 8 not-for-profit Company registered under the Companies Act 2013, India. It focuses on provision of economically viable nutrition solution and social entrepreneurship opportunity for the marginalised community, especially women. CINI Nutrimix is an inexpensive, scientifically designed nutritional supplement made from natural indigenous products to fulfil main and supplementary diet requirements and ensure food security. It is a holistic food supplement designed to be applicable for a family having diverse age groups, ethnicity, physiological condition which is available in wheat and rice variant, flavoured and non-flavored versions customizable for any diseased condition promoting A woman receiving COVID-19 health & well-being along with zero hunger. relief material.
48 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 49 A Cyclone Amphan-affected woman receiving a food and hygiene supply kit as relief. pregnancy, lactation, active tuberculosis cases, cancer and general growth promotion. The community, especially women along with beneficiaries & caregivers included in product manufacturing and product usage, has showed Project: CINI Nutrimix evolved nutritional awareness, capacity & skill SDGs linked: building, social status upliftment and promotion SDG-3: Good Health and Wellbeing of socio-economic welfare. This year, CINCOMM has provided around 650 MT of Nutrimix and SDG-2: Zero Hunger also provided over 80 MT of relief supply owing to the pandemic crisis. It has been able to reach close to 1,00,000 families as part of relief programmes. In Sikkim, over 11,000 families are reached every month as part of their ICDS
programme. Monitoring The monitoring and follow-up is done by a Collaboration dedicated team of CINI Community Initiatives or CINCOMM has extensive experience working CINCOMM. Regular follow-up and communication for the benefit of the underprivileged section of is kept with the partner organisations to keep the society. It has been collaborating with the track of the beneficiaries and also for counselling government bodies as well as the non-government purposes for the beneficiaries if required. Home organisations, especially focusing on children and visits on need basis are also done to understand women. Some of the government bodies and NGOs meal patterns and also to estimate the nutritional it has collaborated with are as mentioned below. status for modification in planning or execution. Regular trainings, meetings and awareness Government Non-Government sessions are organised to orient the caregivers organisations organisations and also users on the product, product feature ICDS- Calcutta Rescue, World and benefits and preparation of CINI Nutrimix. Government Vision India, Save the This helps as a platform for understanding the of West Children, Sundarban Social knowledge and practice level of the audience and Bengal, ICDS- Development Centre, users. The weights and growth patterns of the Government of SOS Children’s Village, beneficiaries are also recorded by CINCOMM in Sikkim, District Development Action Society, collaboration with the implementing partner for Tuberculosis New Light, SBI, JSLPS, further planning and execution. This data are Office-Noida Terre des Hommes, Bal key indicators for the situational analysis of the Suraksha Avijan, THALI, feasibility and further possibilities for programme Nirvarata Trust, Sumita implementation for a larger population. Cancer Society, Humanity Trust, HCL Foundation, Hope Replicability & Scalability Foundation-Kolkata, MAMTA, The programmes are well documented from The HANS Foundation, planning to execution and act as a database ATC India, Mission Smile, for the future. The strong process orientation German Leprosy and TB and documentation enables the programmes Relief Association, United to be replicable and scalable. For example, a Way- Mumbai, Rotary Club, TB supplementation programme that had been Ikure, Premananda Memorial implemented successfully in Kolkata with just Leprosy Hospital- Unit of The 8 participants is being replicated and scaled in Leprosy Mission Trust India Noida with 200 TB patients.
50 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 51 Positive growth rate in TB Everything we do at CINCOMM is aligned with the overarching philosophy of ‘co-creating patients observed sustainable tomorrow’. Achieving the SDGs (Zero Hunger and Health & Wellbeing) is A self-funded pilot programme was the larger mission of CINI as the parent conducted from July to December organisation. Sustainability is not just a 2019 with MDR TB patients and the keyword for us, it is a way of life at CINCOMM. beneficiaries who were under treatment at District Tuberculosis Office, Behala, KMC. The specially designed Nutrimix - Dr Samir N. Chaudhuri for TB patients was given to them to find Founder and Chairman of the Board the impact of Nutrimix and Nutritional CINI Community Initiatives status upliftment of the patients. After six months of Nutrimix intake, a positive growth rate was recorded among the users; average 10.5% increase in weight of the TB patients was observed. Gain in appetite and better acceptance of medication was also observed. Improved knowledge and practice on nutrition awareness among caregivers was also seen. Distribution of CINI Nutrimix during TB Pilot Programme.
Nutritional status improved
Sumita Chakraborty is a 3 year and 10 months old child who lives at Roydanga (ICDS Centre No: 83), Durgapur, with her family. Her father’s name is Barun Chakraborty and mother’s name is Purnima Chakraborty. In July, her weight was 9 kg 300 gm but after CINI’s intervention her weight gradually improved and in September, her weight was 9kg 600gm. She was given CINI Nutrimix as a supplement which helped revive her nutritional status.
Kids after receiving CINI Distribution of relief materials among Nutrimix packets. A family after receiving relief kit Cyclone Amphan-affected people. post-COVID-19 lockdown.
52 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 53 54 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 55 Catalysing actions to meet nutrition
The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed goals to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
he Coalition for Food and Nutrition Social Watch and Collaborator. Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security provides Security is a multi-stakeholder alliance comprising of policymakers The World Bank appointed Coalition for Food real opportunity to transform food and nutrition and programme leaders working and Nutrition Security (CFNS) to work closely landscape, given its inherent strength as a for sustainable food and nutrition with Centre for Sustainable Development Goals Tsecurity. The mission is to raise awareness, (CSDGs), Government of Assam to enhance its multi-stakeholder alliance with a governing body foster collaboration and advocate for improved efforts in improving the nutrition, health and programmes to achieve sustainable food and early childhood development. The Government of comprising of thought and policy leaders nutrition security in India. Assam is committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has set up a The Coalition’s objective is to catalyse actions Centre for Sustainable Development Goals and engage policymakers, development partners (CSDGs), a think-tank which provides research and political leaders on key food and nutrition and technical support to all departments in the indicators in line with the United Nation’s Government of Assam, specifically to accelerate Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Thus, the state’s progress towards achieving the SDGs. our role is of a Knowledge Aggregator, Convener,
56 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 57 It is almost universally acknowledged that India’s success in achieving the SDGs will largely deter-mine the global outcomes. India is making impressive progress in SDG implementation through well-designed programmes of the Government of India such as Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutri-tion Mission), Aayushman Bharat (National Health Protection Scheme), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Care for the Girl Child) and Aspirational Districts Programme, International webinar with Helping Hand to name a few. International and SDG Choupal. Objective of the Technical Assistance The overall objective was to support the Government of Assam, particularly its Department of Transformation India played a prominent role in the formulation and Development (T&D) and Centre for SDGs, for enhancing the capacity and efforts to accelerate Assam’s of the United Nations Sustainable Development The SDG Choupal 2030 is a first-of-its-kind people progress towards achieving the SDGs. Agenda 2030 and much of the country’s initiative inspired by the timeless, universal values • Adopt multi-sectoral approach for better policies, institutions and programmes to improve nutrition National Development Agenda is mirrored in the of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. The SDG Choupal outcomes in the state; and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s seamlessly brings together a rich heritage with the • Build the capacity of state to enhance its focus on nutrition as a human development issue. progress in the global Goals is crucial for the bright possibilities of a prosperous future for all world as the country is home to about one-sixth of and to ensure:- Key Components of the Technical Assistance the world’s population. India’s greatest national The requested technical assistance was proposed to support the following four areas and prioritized focus in treasure is our children and we have the largest • Development is only meaningful when its fruits aspirational districts of Assam: youth population in the world that is poised to reach to its citizens. 1. Enhance institutional and human capacity of SDG Centre; increase further in the coming decade. Every third • Since development is a subjective term, so 2. Develop and operationalize multi-sectoral result-based approaches for improved nutrition outcomes; person here is a youth. To optimally tap their differs in connotation with people and societies. 3. Strengthen effectiveness of key programmes to improve nutrition outcomes; and constructive and creative energies, there is a need • Therefore, the meaning of development should 4. Intensify programme monitoring for improved transparency and accountability at all levels. to provide them – Right Education, Right Health & be interpreted by its people. Nutrition, Right Value System and Right Linkages. • In other words, the developmental agendas of a place should be prepared by the local people CFNS supported SDG Choupal and promoted through participatory method. its agenda to empower the citizens through • Traditionally what do we mean by Chaupals—an enabling SDGs. It was an inspiring discussion on informal platform of the villagers to discuss Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 4 held on their issues and find solutions. 9th August 2020. CFNS also created awareness • The objective of SDG Chaupal is to ensure the at national and international level towards the benefits of various schemes reaches the ground strengthening of sustainable developments goals level. by focusing on the nutrition landscape as SDG 2 is • First time after independence, such Chaupal will Consultation with policymakers and program leaders. directly or indirectly linked with all other SDGs. be organised in all the 718 districts.
58 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 59 Deliberation with SDG Choupal.
Besides these, in order to pinpoint the primary methods for eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India and identify areas of interest for training and capacity building programmes to achieve SDG 2, the CFNS, Tata-Cornell Institute and BAIF Development Research Foundation have recently planned to organise a series of web-based policy discussions on themes related to food, nutrition and agriculture between December 2020 and June 2021, each discussion aims to bring together experts from academia, policymakers, strategists and development practitioners.
The first discussion on “India Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030” was delivered by Dr. Prabhu Pingali, Founding Director of TCI and Professor in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics at Cornell University. If a strong focus is given to SDG 2 and 3, it would
altogether push other SDGs. Prof. Prabhu Pingali, Founding Director of Tata Cornell Institute, participating in a discussion on “India Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030”.
Way ahead Zero hunger and good nutrition have the power to transform and empower the present and future generations. Hunger is not merely missing a meal; it takes a toll on their livelihood, health and well- being. India needs to reflect strong sustainability principles embedded in the SDGs by adopting a food system based on circular economy principles. Food and nutrition security is at the top of India’s long- term development cooperation agenda aiming eradication of poverty, food insecurity and undernutrition. The Coalition provides real opportunity to transform the food and nutrition landscape, given its inherent strength as a multi-stakeholder alliance with a governing body comprising of thought and policy leaders and so we have grown to 120 members spanning entire country who have becomes members of the coalition recognising the need for knowledge assimilation and transfer across clientele, resource and implementation convergence for result-based programming.
60 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 61 Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, Watershed Organisation Trust Sreemoyee Sharma, Deputy General Manager – Fundraising & Partnerships
OTR (Watershed Organisation resilient agriculture, agro-meteorology, health, Trust) is a 27-year-old not nutrition and sanitation, women’s empowerment, for profit, doing some path- sustainable livelihoods, training and capacity breaking work in the areas of building, applied research and policy engagement. watershed development and Viewed through a “Systems Dynamics” lens, all waterW stewardship, helping to reduce poverty of WOTRs’ activities under the six thematic areas and ensure sustainable livelihoods, by focusing are interconnected and also influence multiple on climate resilient agriculture while bringing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Linking attention to gender parity, nutrition and food WOTR’s work to the SDG targets can greatly security. The overarching objective of WOTR help in developing an integrated approach and is to reduce rural poverty to build resilience strategies to tackle the root causes of poverty among vulnerable agrarian communities living and deprivation, which is one of the core goals of in the most drought-prone regions of India. SDGs. The figure below illustrates the relationship As an organisation whose mission is to secure and symbiotic linkages among the thematic areas Achieving the livelihoods of the poor in a sustainable of WOTR’s work relevant to the SDGs. ecosystem, WOTR’s work is aligned to 9 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the SDGs through planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and Linked SDGS. prosperity. Headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, WOTR engages at the intersection of planning, ecosystem-based practice, implementation, knowledge, research, capacity building in accordance of policy approach engagement.
All of WOTR’s activities and interventions contribute To achieve 2030 SDG goals, an integrated approach directly to the following SDGs and align with of different thematic interventions –land use, water other key international resources, agriculture, biodiversity, health, gender, conventions—Land Degradation Neutrality, the sanitation–needs to be adopted Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Over the years, WOTR’s areas of intervention have evolved to include watershed development, integrated water resources management/water stewardship, climate change adaptation, climate
62 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 63 Bhojdari learns to adapt to climate change Bhojdari Village: Sangamner block, Bhojdari village lies in the rain-shadow belt of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra Maharashtra. It is located on the plateau (locally referred to as Pathar) region, which is rain-fed, Population: 1,082 semi-arid and drought-prone. This region is in No of Households: 203 the upper catchment and has no river, dam or canal nearby. The land in Bhojdari is said to be region while following participatory governance barren and hard, and rainwater just flows off practises. after the rains due to lack of harvesting facilities. With frequent droughts, the region regularly Impacts of the EbA approach in experienced acute water shortages and stress in Bhojdari the summer months, repeated crop failures, loss Increased agricultural productivity in Bhojdari of cattle and livestock resulting in poverty and led to a substantial increase in incomes and Ecosystem-based leading to large-scale distress migration. approach diagram. quality of life, and distress migration was
completely eliminated. Bhojdari’s water self- WOTR started working in this region in 1996, reliance even withstood the return of migrants implementing a watershed development project in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and under the Indo German Watershed Development Ecosystem-Based Approach adapted their actions contribute to the preservation of their lockdown. Despite this additional pressure on Programme (IGWDP). The situation improved by WOTR to address the SDGs ecosystems. the village’s water resources, Bhojdari could considerably, following the introduction of The Sustainable Development Goals emphasise provide water to all the residents, including its the programme with improved soil, water conservation and revitalisation of ecosystem The ecosystem-based approach includes incoming migrant workers. Clearly, villages with availability, improved agriculture yields and services as critical in poverty eradication. development, adaptation and mitigation-through- an ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approach reduced distress migration. Due to the impacts Needless to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has adaptation, which itself is a people-centric, nature- to development are better placed to provide not of watershed development, water availability was unleashed an unprecedented crisis, causing further based solution which involves the conservation, only food and income security but livelihoods, year-round, and that started a trend in farmers disruption to SDG progress, with the world’s restoration and sustainable management of health and well-being to even returning migrants. to shift to water-intensive crops which had a poorest and most vulnerable affected the most. ecosystems. This approach offers cost-effective counter effect of a drop in the water table. Over An estimated 71 million people were expected to solutions that can help rural communities adapt The EbA model actively promotes the the next decade, patterns of increasing climate be pushed back into extreme poverty in 2020, to the impacts of climate change and economic conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity uncertainty and extreme events intensified. an alarming rise in global poverty since 1998. To shocks. It regenerates and protects their degraded and natural resources. The project has On several occasions unseasonal rainfall worry the policymakers, lost incomes, limited ecosystems on which they rely upon for their contributed to the restoration of local habitats devastated many standing crops in many areas social protection and rising prices mean even those sustenance, livelihoods and well-being. More and return of some wildlife species. Building on of Maharashtra including this region, driving who were previously secure could find themselves information on what is EbA and the value of an practical experiences on the ground, the project farmers into penury and suicide. In 2012, at risk of poverty and hunger1 . ecosystem-based response is available in our has been able to support communities to explore 2 Maharashtra alone accounted for about a quarter publications listed on the website . more sustainable livelihood options, while of India’s farmer suicides! ‘Ecosystem & natural resource “weathering the storm” by strengthening their degradation and climate change are There is an urgent need to transform the rural natural resource base. the root causes of rural poverty and landscape of India – from degraded ecosystems Despite appropriate watershed management deprivation.’ and impoverished villages, into vibrant hubs of measures taken by WOTR, the villagers prosperity. The rainfed drylands of rural India could not cope with the changing climate and urgency was felt to act on WOTR believes that to effectively address poverty have been the most neglected despite having the adaptation measures. The severe incidents and deprivation in India, we must employ potential for growth and development. By using triggered the initiation of a climate strategic solutions that tackle the root causes of an integrated Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) change adaptation project in 2009, rural poverty to bring about enduring change. approach, we regenerate degraded ecosystems which WOTR initiated in collaboration This can be achieved through regenerating the and natural resources which in turn enables with NABARD and the Swiss Agency for rural landscapes and ecosystems, developing rural communities to better cope with and Development Cooperation (SDC). This the adaptive capacity and resilience of rural adapt to climatic and economic stressors while project incorporated a holistic Ecosystem- communities to effectively deal with climate expanding livelihood opportunities, improving Based Adaptation (EbA) approach aimed change and economic losses. At the same time, health, nutrition and the overall quality of life and at helping people adapt to climate change it is focused on simultaneously ensuring that all wellbeing. through sustainable use of ecosystem 1https://unsdg.un.org/ services and biodiversity of the particular Bhojdari village in Sangamner block. 2EbA Infobrief: https://wotr-website-publications.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/EbA_Info_Brief%20_Series_1.pdf
64 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 65 Improved green cover, agriculture productivity and biodiversity conservation Highlights of the impacts in in Bhojdari village. Bhojdari l 37% increase in income due to improved sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural, practices l Households reporting food shortage reduced by 50% l 100% reduction of distress migration l Through effective water budgeting, at least 50% of the families take the 2nd crop, (earlier only 10% of the households were able to grow the 2nd crop)
The road ahead There is hardly any one-size-fits-all formula for addressing the SDG objectives; the strategies that work in one area will not necessarily work in another if the local communities and the stakeholders are not actively involved. In order to achieve the complex goals of UN 2030 agenda, an integrated approach of different thematic interventions – land use, water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, health, gender, sanitation–need to be systemically incorporated. The focus needs to be on restoring ecosystems. If the ecosystem in the region is thriving, it can offer better ecosystem services, equipping communities to adapt to climate change, combat issues related to food and nutrition security, securing livelihoods and ensuring prosperity for all.
66 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 67 NLR India Foundation Projects 7. Self-care project in Bihar and UP (SDG 1. Combined Self-care camps in Public Health linked-3): Centres (SDG linked-3): Self-care training of persons with disability due Self-care training of persons with disability due to leprosy & lymphedema due to Lymphatic to leprosy & lymphedema due to Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and capacity building of health Filariasis (LF) and capacity building of Health staff on early case detection and prevention Staff on early case detection and prevention & & management of disability; and establish a management of disability; provide assistive and network of trainers on self-care at villages, protective devices; and facilitate reconstructive districts, and state level for sustenance. surgeries. 8. Needs assessment survey in leprosy colonies 2. Empowering Persons with Disabilities and their (SDG linked-10, 11, 16): dependents (SDG linked-1, 3, 8, 10, 16): Identify the current needs of the persons Empower the community-based peoples’ affected by leprosy in leprosy colonies. Lessening institutions on their rights and entitlements. 9. Capacity building of State Leprosy Officers 3. Making change agents (SDG linked-4, 5, 8, 10): of all States for Leprosy Post Exposure Provide support for education, strengthen Prophylaxis (Upcoming project) (SDG hardships, the mental and psychological development of linked-3): children; develop resilience against begging Enable SLOs for effective implementation of among persons (and their families) with LPEP programme. disability due to leprosy; and capacitate them bettering lives to serve as community volunteers or change 10. Replicable and sustainable self-care model agents. (Upcoming project) (SDG linked-3, 10): Document the strengths and weaknesses 4. Training General Heath Care staff on self-care of NLRIF self-care models; and develop an Through its multifaceted programmes, NLR India (Bihar) (SDG linked-3): integrated, effective, replicable and sustainable Develop trained health care personnel on self- self-care model. Foundation (NLRIF) has been improving the lives of care who can train leprosy-affected persons in all districts of Bihar. leprosy-affected persons in 124 districts of seven states 5. Disabled Friendly Villages in India for over two decades (Multi-country project) (SDG linked-1, 6, 8, 10, 16): Develop model Disability Friendly Villages in Aurangabad (Bihar). ndia accounts for 57.7% of the address, and support leprosy-affected persons and world’s leprosy cases as per World their families. To achieve ‘Zero Leprosy Suffering’, 6. Study on leprosy stigma in Health Organization (Ref: Weekly NLRIF implements its projects and programmes Jharkhand GHC staff (SDG Epidemiological Record, WHO Report to support the government in achieving the three linked-10): 2018). Considering the situation, NLR ‘ZEROS’ – Zero Transmission, Zero Disabilities Assess the level of knowledge IIndia Foundation (NLRIF) stands tall (since and Zero Exclusion towards prevention and and stigma among the health 1999) with the cooperation from donors, state and management of disability, Disability Inclusive care personnel which will central governments, private companies, NGOs Development (DID) and reduction of stigma and help in defining strategies for including Disability People Organizations to discrimination. effective implementation of National Leprosy Eradication NLRIF team in Jharkhand monitoring and recording the status and improvement Programme (NLEP). in the leprosy-affected persons through self-care training.
68 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 69 Implementation & financial support in the form of trustee, national community- Challenges micro-credits. The better socio- based rehabilitation coordinator, NLRIF works in 124 districts of economic situation has contributed monitoring, evaluation and learning Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, to the reduction in stigma and officer, and the finance team. At the Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and improvement in social inclusion. state level, the projects are managed West Bengal. Out of the 10 projects, and monitored by community-based two are being implemented in all Collaboration rehabilitation coordinators and NLRIF-supported states while NLRIF works in close collaboration supervised by Leprosy programme others are state-specific. The major with the central and state advisors (LPAs). challenges are: governments. It has partnered • Inadequate leprosy trained with other organisations like Lepra Replicability & Scalability human resources on the ground. society, The Leprosy Mission NLRIF plays a major role in the • Lack of community awareness Trust of India, Sasakawa - India health systems strengthening and about facts of leprosy. Leprosy Foundation, Novartis improving the implementation of • Late diagnosis of cases leading to Foundation and ONGC. NLRIF has the National Leprosy Eradication disabilities. collaborated with community-based Programme (NLEP), supporting • Self-Help Group linkage with organisations (for example, Vihar Central Leprosy Division (CLD), and banks for loans to establish small Viklang Vikas Sangh in Aurangabad, programmes related to prevention business. Bihar). NLRIF involves APAL of disability (POD). The success • Scarce knowledge and awareness (Association of People Affected by of its development model is based on leprosy in Public Work Leprosy) in its different activities. on its emphasis on working at the Departments. NLRIF is a member (and currently grassroots level in both rural and • Availability of rehabilitation the coordinator) of the Indian urban areas to achieve long term services in remote areas. chapter of The International and lasting improvement in the Federation of Anti-Leprosy quality of life of the communities. In Impact General healthcare camp for local community Associations. 2019-20, home-based self-care and and residents of leprosy colonies. Tangible impact: urban leprosy initiatives received • NLRIF works in 150 leprosy Intangible Impact: Monitoring appreciation from the government colonies of 124 districts in seven The projects run by NLRIF across NLRIF’s projects are and the models were showcased for states of India. seven states have significantly programmatically and financially replication in national conferences • It has trained 10,874 persons contributed to improve the socio- managed by the managing and meetings. affected by leprosy and 5,202 economic conditions of persons health staff on leprosy and its affected by leprosy. Combined self-care. self-care camps and capacity • 627 persons affected by leprosy building of health staff have received assistive devices. effectively improved the physical • NLRIF has engaged 1,481 persons health of the beneficiaries. The affected by leprosy to form healing of severe ulcers and groups and organisations. wounds of leprosy-affected persons, • Support for education provided amelioration of disabilities due to to 757 dependents of persons leprosy, and reduction in swelling affected by leprosy. due to lymphatic filariasis in the • 131 persons and family members beneficiaries. affected by leprosy received vocational training. Through NLRIF’s disability inclusive development and rehabilitation initiatives, many Women-led Self-Help Group meeting, supported by NLRIF, to discuss the Livelihood promotion through micro-credit current issues and rising needs of the leprosy colony. leprosy-affected families received provided by NLRIF.
70 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 71 Combined self-care training for leprosy-affected persons.
72 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 73 Together, we are working towards zero leprosy suffering and a healthier Rehabilitating lives community. To achieve the goal, we are following a community empowerment approach, finding out the needs of the leprosy-affected, providing them with sustainable innovative solutions, supporting on Ajay, a 40-year-old male from a leprosy colony at Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, had a strange spot on disability care, bringing them together in community-based organisations his skin when he was only 15 years old. Overlooking the early signs and symptoms, Ajay continued and self-help groups, making them understand and seek their rights, living his life. Unfortunately, it didn’t get better on its own. He lost sensation in all four limbs supporting their children to become change agents; linking with leading to deformities and growing disability. With this began Ajay and his family’s ostracisation, local government and non-government resources for their health, considering them to be cursed and contagious. livelihood and other needs of living; and addressing stigma and discrimination. A qualified doctor diagnosed him as leprosy-affected and treated with Multi-Drug Therapy. Following the suggestion of the doctor, Ajay and his family began living in a leprosy colony in Amroha. Despite changing his residence, Ajay didn’t receive employment due to his deformities -Dr. Ashok Agarwal and had to resort to begging. His greatest worry is the future of his 13-year-old son Shiv Kumar. Managing Trustee He hopes that his son never begs for a living. The NLRIF team provided Ajay training on self- NLR India Foundation care practices and a self-care kit. His son, Shiv Kumar, received vocational training for his career growth; NLRIF is hopeful that he would be employed in near future and not need to beg and uplift his family.
Ajay An NLRIF team member interacting with a leprosy-affected woman.
Treatment of ulcers of a leprosy-affected person by qualified doctors.
Youths from leprosy colonies who received vocational training facilitated by NLRIF.
74 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 75 LRA India undertook the first-ever project focusing on TB amongst The vision of German Leprosy and TB Relief truckers. The project is unique as it Association-India (GLRA India) is creating a world is the first targeted TB intervention where no one suffers from leprosy, tuberculosis for truckers in the world. The NGO and other poverty-related diseases/conditions Ginitiated the comprehensive Nai DISHA (New and the associated consequences such as social Distinctive Integrated & SustainableHealth exclusion and disability. GLRA India is a non- Action) project in May 2019. Under the slogan “On governmental organisation registered in India the road to end TB”, it targets truckers, helpers under the Public Charitable TrustAct. With more and allied populations in the three trans-shipment than 50 years of experience in the healthcare locations (TSLs) of Lucknow, Agra and Jaipur sector, the NGO has supported people affected in North India. The project is financed by the by NTDs, TB and leprosy. Besides, in the social Deutsche Bahn Stiftung, DB Group’s non-profit sector, GLRA India has been working towards Dedicated to organisation through BEH. Disability and Inclusion, and WASH while carrying out projects throughout India. The organisation The aim of the project is to contribute to the works effectively with the relevant key actors to reduction in morbidity and mortality due improve people’s quality of life by bringing about the mission to tuberculosis amongst truckers and allied sustainable changes with better health and social population. The programme focuses on building inclusion. upon the achievements and further improving the awareness about TB and general hygiene amongst of eliminating truckers and the allied population in target along most frequent travel routes. TSLs; promoting early diagnosis and initiation on treatment of TB; establishing mechanisms for In 2020, the Nai DISHA project achieved a strong poverty-related following up for diagnosis of presumptive TB cases recognition not only amongst the truckers but also
GLRA India counsellor with a trucker during an interpersonal awareness diseases drive on TB.
With an aim to end leprosy, tuberculosis (TB), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other poverty-related diseases, GLRA India has been working in partnership with the state governments and like-minded corporates, organisations, institutions and individuals for more than five decades
76 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 77 other key stakeholders. The key target population of truckers and allied population sensitised, includes truck drivers, cleaners, helpers and other presumptive cases referred/screened, confirmed allied population engaged in routine activities at TB cases, loss to follow up and treatment the three selected TSLs. The choice of the three outcomerates besides the essential process/ locations was based on the main transport axes outputindicators to monitor the project. in India, which passes through the selected TSLs allowing the best access to the target groups i.e. Collaboration GLRA India truckers and the allied population. The project is financed by the Deutsche Bahn Stiftung, DB Group’s non-profit organisation gives hope The regular awareness through IEC/BCC activities (DBStiftung) through BEH (Bündnis Entwicklung led to the identification of confirmed TB cases as Hilft). The project encourages truckers and allied of dignified GLRA India initiated their treatment. The support population to identify any signs and symptomsof of the staff of NTEP (National Tuberculosis TB, reach out for medical help to diagnose life to the EliminationProgramme) from all the three thedisease, and if confirmed with TB then districts has been robust and the project team undergothe complete cycle of TB treatment with disadvantaged on the ground has received several rounds of thesupport of GLRA India. appreciation fromits stakeholders. The project has been treading along steadily to achieve its purpose Monitoring to encourage truckers and allied population to The project activities, coverage and quality identify the signsand symptoms of TB and to get it arebeing monitored online using Android- diagnosed and treated. based tablets with backend support, telephone Born with multiple disabilities, Isha is a 20-year-old girl, residing in Nanda Nagri, aslum area in the north- andthrough onsite random physical validation Despite the COVID-19 lockdown and several other bythe project coordinators and GLRA staff. The eastern Delhi. She has liveda deprived life with meagre means as disability and lack of resources left disrupting factors, Nai DISHA has significantly data generated by counsellors in the field is Isha illiterate. Her mother and younger brother are her family and they together struggle every day for improved the access to andavailability of TB being documented and recorded directly into sustenance. A daily labourer, her mother works as a helper in other people’s houses. Toiling every day treatment services at the target TSLs. The team the Android-based software that auto-syncs with from dawn to dusk, Isha’s mother is striving hard to provide a comfortable life to her family, especially is not only focusing on improving awareness the backend office for regular monitoring by Isha, who needs special attention, love and care. about TB but is also spreading know-how about theproject officer and donor/GLRA management. the importance ofgeneral hygiene and sanitation Additionally, the backend validation and follow- In November 2020, Isha’s family witnessed a ray of hope when she joined GLRA India’s Project Saksham. while encouraging early diagnosis and initiation up over the phone is also carried out by additional Her mother had approached the project workers with the plea of a wheelchair for her disabled child. of TB treatment. Besides, the team ensures that counsellor/s and project coordinators. GLRA India welcomed the request and in December 2020 she was provided with a wheelchair at the the patients are adhering to the TB treatment protocol. Replicability & Scalability Disability Day celebration. Confined to a place allher life, Isha’s happiness knew no boundaries todayas As the project is the first targeted TB intervention she was not dependent on anyone anymore for freely moving around. Challenges with truckers in theworld, it has received rave • Not all truckers agree for diagnostic reviews in 2018 Union Conference. There is a plan Project Saksham has helped many people with disabilities and provided them with appropriate investigations due to paucity of time or to integrate this initiative in state Revised National knowledge, support and guidance inspiring them to live their life with dignity. GLRA is looking forward distantlocations of diagnostic facilities TB Control Program (RNTCP) that unfortunately to replicate the SAKSHAM model project in other locations for the empowerment and social inclusion of • Routinely tracking the mobile truckers and does not have the desired capacity. However, for people with disabilities with the support of funding agencies. ensuring their diagnosis and subsequent further expansion of the project and sustaining adherence to treatment the efforts at proposed locations, GLRA India is • Ensuring confirmed TB case to enroll at the reaching out to donors for supporting until the project or the government centre for treatment system is equipped to take up sucha challenging and vice versa initiative. Moreover, GLRA plans to integrate Reach us at • Ensuring truckers do not sell the medicines additional most common health infections/ GLRA India provided to them for their treatment diseases, especially diabetes, while scaling up the B-71, Mehrotra Niwas, Opposite to Annapurna Towers project. National Capital Region, Kaushambi Impact Uttar Pradesh – 201012 +91 - 120 4271792 The project outcomes are based on the extent [email protected], glraindia.org
78 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 79 Back to strength A counsellor of GLRA India was carrying out his regular activities in Transport Nagar, Lucknow, when he came across a 45-year-old truck driver named Malkhan Singh Yadav. His elder son’s TB treatment had been completed by GLRA India and now Malkhan too had developed TB symptoms such as cough, evening fever and loss of weight. His sputum examination and chest X-ray reports were negative but Malkhan underwent CBNAAT after being advised by the doctor, which was positive. He was immediately put on DOTS course while his family members were being examined. His younger son was also diagnosed with TB and GLRA India started the little boy’s DOTS too. The intervention has improved the father-son duo’s health. Earlier, Malkhan was unable to go to work due to his illness. Now, he has recovered and is back supporting his family. Truck driver Malkhan Singh Yadav with a GLRA India staff.
Relief from pain and stress Ranjeet is a 22-year-old truck driver. During one of the routine activities, GLRA India’s counsellor found him in a dire state as he cried inconsolably. Our counsellor urged him to share his plight and Ranjeet then revealed that he had been ill for the past two months. He has been in immense discomfort with cough, weight loss, chest pain and fever and due to the fear of COVID-19, he was not able to get himself tested anywhere. The counsellor explained to Ranjeet that some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and TB are same and one need not fear the tests. Ranjeet was convinced and he underwent sputum test and chest X-ray. The reports found that he had Pulmonary TB. Then GLRA India started his DOTS treatment from Sarojini Nagar Health Centre in Lucknow and his health improved with the treatment. Happy to get the timely support and advise from GLRA India, Ranjeet is taking care of Truck driver Ranjeet with a GLRA Nai DISHA team on the his health and is leading a normal life. India staff. road to end TB.
80 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 81 The goal of the Government of India is to achieve a rapid decline in the burden of TB, mortality and morbidity, while working towards the elimination of TB in India by 2025. GLRA India is in complete concurrence with the vision of the government and has been working in this space for more than 5 decades identifying symptoms of TB amongst the disadvantaged population while encouraging and supporting them to undergo the full cycle of treatment.
GLRA India not only assists in the medical treatment of TB patients but also provides nutrition and livelihood support. In addition, GLRA India is active in the fields of Community-based Inclusive Development, Leprosy, WASH, Humanitarian Assistance, NTDs, Disability and socio-economic empowerment of people at the bottom of the pyramid. The NGO is committed to the government’s mission of eradicating TB from the country and we look forward to associate with like-minded corporates, organisations, institutions and individuals to make this vision a reality.
Vivek Srivastava Asia Regional Representative GLRA India
82 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 83 Scaling up biofortified crops: A in the country. Staple foods form an important cost-effective sustainable solution part of the resource-poor population’s daily for improving human nutrition diet. Staples do not provide most of the key micronutrients required for healthy living. A In 2015, 193 nations adopted at the UN Summit, cost-effective, diverse diet rich in micronutrients 17 Goals of Sustainable Development Goals is still a challenge to many of the resource-poor (SDG) of 2030. These goals are ambitious and population. comprehensive to achieve development that is equitable, inclusive, and environment friendly. Biofortification enhances micronutrients in the Sustainable Development Goal-2 (SDG 2) aims staple food crops that people consume daily, to end hunger, achieve food security, improve developed by conventional breeding methods. nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. They have all the traits that the farmers desire to grow, high yield, disease resistance, and a Nutrition is probably one of the only indicators measurable health impact on the populations when that bind together all the 17 SDGs. An eaten daily. The advantages of biofortification are estimated two billion people do not get enough that it starts in rural areas; it is cost-effective and micronutrients in their daily diets, leading to sustainable. The focus of the program is on three Improving a severe insidious impact on health. According micronutrients, iron, zinc, and vitamin-A, that are to the recently published National Health considered limiting in the diets of the resource- Family Survey-5 (NHFS-5, 2019-20), results poor population, according to the World Health show worrying nutritional status regarding Organization (WHO). Biofortification has the through the prevalence of stunting and wasting among nutrition potential to complement the existing interventions children. Some reports put the economic cost like fortification and supplementation to create biofortification of micronutrient deficiency at $15-46 billion Biofortified crops improve farmers’ livelihoods. HarvestPlus strives to tackle hidden hunger by breeding vitamins and minerals into everyday food crops
arvestPlus improves nutrition and public health by developing and promoting biofortified food crops that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and providing global leadership on biofortification evidence and technology. HarvestPlus is part of the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) and is based at the International Food Policy H Research Institute (IFPRI).
84 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 85 far more impact. Biofortification was ranked fifth Collaboration by the expert panel at the Copenhagen Consensus HarvestPlus has developed partnerships with Biofortified crops can play a significant role in developing sustainable 2008. CGIAR centers- ICRISAT, CIMMYT, IRRI, food systems that are nutritious and healthy, making available key ICARDA; ICAR, SAUs, Seed Companies, FPO’s micronutrients to the people cost-effective and grown locally. Agri-Food On the occasion of World Food Day, 16th October and NGO’s for product development and partnerships will help scale up biofortified crops further and develop 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dissemination. The focus of India’s program is on supply chain linkages to connect market places. dedicated biofortified crops to the nation. Prime zinc-rich wheat, zinc-rich rice, and iron-rich pearl Minister also stressed the plans to incorporate millet that are major staples for millions. Seven - Binu Cherian biofortified crops in the existing food and nutrition hybrids, one variety of iron-rich pearl millet, and Country Manager program (Mid-day Meal, PDS, ICDS, etc.), which four zinc-rich wheat varieties have been developed HarvestPlus India can enhance the nutritional component of the food in the partnership program. Iron-rich pearl millet programs. These Agriculture-Nutrition linkages is grown in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, and can create demand and incentivize farmers Karnataka. Zinc-rich wheat is grown in UP, Bihar, to increase the adoption of biofortified crops. and Punjab. Enabling policies to incentivize farmers to adopt biofortified crops will create supply and household Monitoring consumption. Policies to incorporate biofortified HarvestPlus has a robust monitoring and crops in the large food and nutrition programs will evaluation framework to track the key indicators help create a long-term sustainable demand for to evaluate the impact on the people who are nutritious crops. growing, consuming biofortified crops, and measuring the program’s efficiency. Iron pearl millet nutrition study has established an improvement of iron status (serum ferritin & Replicability & Scalability TBI) after 4-months, reduction of iron deficiency More than 50 million people benefit from by 6-months. Studies have found that it improves biofortified crops in Asia, Africa, and Latin cognitive functions and higher perception abilities, America. In India, more than 1 million people attention, and memory functions and improves benefit from consuming iron pearl millet and zinc physical activity. The published zinc wheat wheat in the state of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, nutrition study establishes that children who ate Karnataka, and Rajasthan. the high-zinc wheat—as chapatti or puri flatbread or as porridge—experienced 17 per cent fewer days with pneumonia and 39 per cent fewer days of vomiting to children who consumed a lower zinc variety typical of conventional wheat. Mothers who ate high-zinc wheat spent 9 per cent fewer days with fever.
Public and private investments in developing supply chains can help in creating long-term sustainable markets for biofortified crops. Innovative Agri-Food partnerships will further help develop a wider reach of biofortified seeds and foods to the target communities and consumers.
A farmer in UP pleased with Biofortified food crops are rich in the high-quality harvest. vitamins and minerals.
86 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 87 oundation for Mother and Child • Growth monitoring for the child Health (FMCH)’s mission is to ensure • Training and supportive supervision for the that families have access to skills and Anganwadi machinery. knowledge related to nutrition that is timely, contextual and actionable Imapct Fduring the critical window. This will enable Over the past five years, FMCH has worked families to make the right nutritional choices to with over 40,000 families across low-income prevent malnutrition. slums of Mumbai. Through its programmes, the organisation has seen a 48% reduction in Through this initiative, families with pregnant wasting in children, improved birth weights mothers and children below the age of two, or to 2.7kgs (from 1.5kgs), and an increase in the children above 2 years with acute malnutrition are breastfeeding rate (up to 70% increase in some of identified across slums of Kurla and Bhiwandi and the interventions; 25 PP higher than the national All for good FMCH conducts the following: average), all indicators moving children who are malnourished to regain a state of better health. • Structured education sessions on nutrition, pregnancy and childcare for mothers and FMCH collaborates with multiple stakeholders wellbeing secondary caregivers including the ICDS, the Health Posts, Maternity health, • Counselling during home visits on ante-natal Homes, other NGOs in the area, support groups, care, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), local community leaders etc for its interventions. nutrition, post-natal care, early initiation of Since FMCH has its in-house decision tree and of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, initiation data collection app, it is able to get real-time data mother and of correct complimentary feeding etc. and monitor the dashboard on a regular basis. child For over a decade, Foundation for Mother and Child Health has been encouraging preventive health, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare practices in underprivileged communities
Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH) was founded in 2006 as a grassroots organisation with the idea of bringing good health and nutrition intervention for women and children in vulnerable communities of Mumbai. The organisation launched its very first initiative in a slum-redevelopment building in South Mumbai in 2007. The Foundation focuses on encouraging preventive health, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare practices in underprivileged communities. To achieve this, it adopts a holistic approach, by embracing, educating and empowering families in their social environment.
Anthropometry of a baby being done.
88 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 89 Project: 1000 Days’ Programme SDGs linked: SDG 2 and 3 directly SDG 4, 5, 6, 8 and 17 indirectly
organisations or volunteers from the community. FMCH’s scale model is through partnerships. It identifies partners (Community-Based Organisations) or those catering to particular geographies having access to mothers and children. As a part of its partnership offering, FMCH contextualizes the curriculum based on the needs of the community and the frontline workers are trained to intervene with the families better so that there is a consistent quality of counselling (and information).
FMCH monitors and supports the community activities for a year at least to ensure long- term sustainable behaviour change. The use of technology ensures that it is able to monitor the progress in real-time. These frontline workers can be from the government system (Aanganwadi workers), other NGOs, community-based
A mother with her child.
An education session with mothers in progress.
90 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 91 Our projects in each location are carried out for 3 to 5 years. The time period Arnima’s journey to depends on the programme goals, size of the target population, social and cultural psychology etc. There are two aspects of sustainability in the direct good health implementation work:
Arnima was born prematurely. Her mother, Asha, was diagnosed with a serious illness due to • Mother support groups: Women from the community who have been which she couldn’t breastfeed for more than a month. Arnima was weak and already (moderately) through the FMCH intervention collectively take ownership of the underweight when FMCH staff met her. After understanding the condition with Asha, the FMCH nutrition and health of the community. staff immediately counselled the family members on techniques like Kangaroo care and told them • Aanganwadi machinery: Before FMCH enters any community, it forms a about the importance of weight gain, ways to maintain hygiene while feeding and caring for the relationship with ICDS. Through training and supportive supervision, baby. With timely follow-ups and support from FMCH, Arnima was drawn out of malnutrition it is able to ensure the work continues through the Aanganwadi and moved to become a well-nourished child. even after the exit.
When the FMCH staff couldn’t conduct regular growth monitoring activities during the lockdown, This is how we look at sustainability. We believe if the community Arnima’s father was trained on measuring her Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) which is able to make the right nutrition choices even after we exit, we helped to monitor Arnima’s health status. The FMCH staff also counselled the family on the have made a sustainable impact. timely and appropriate complementary feeding. The cumulative effect of these efforts of the family helped Arnima to continue to be a healthy and thriving one-year-old! -Shruthi Iyer CEO Foundation for Mother and Child Health
Care-full look. Baby Arnima.
92 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 93 94 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 95 Action – SNEHA –works in the slums of Mumbai Corporations and ensured that the antenatal clinics Metropolitan Region (MMR) with public health and provided all nine core services mandated by World nutrition systems to improve health indicators of Health Organization (WHO). It also trained health vulnerable women and children. post staff, supported the clinics and provided data- backed recommendations for improving services. SNEHA’s goal is to achieve a healthy urban world for healthy women and children1.The Maternal and 2. Establishing and strengthening maternity Newborn Health (MNH) programme, SNEHA’s referral linkages: Referral linkages enabled high- flagship intervention was started in 1999 to respond risk antenatal mothers to access better equipped to the high maternal and infant mortality in Dharavi. health facilities. Along with public health authorities, A healthy world Its aim was to ensure mothers and their newborns SNEHA established referral linkages across 61 public living there, were able to access public health hospitals. Twelve intra-regional and seven inter- services, get appropriate information on caring regional referral linkages have been established begins with for their own and their newborns’ health during across seven municipal corporations, each using the pregnancy and post-delivery. Over the years the documentation/referral slip designed by the MNH programme evolved and now centers around three programme. These linkages allow women to get main areas: appropriate maternal care during labour, especially critical for high-risk cases. 1. Strengthening primary health services: healthy SNEHA, in partnership with the public health 3. Working with communities: SNEHA system, helped establish weekly antenatal clinics in assisted National Health Mission, mothers and 119 public health posts (HPs) across seven Municipal Maharashtra in formation of Mahila Arogya children
SNEHA’s Maternal and Newborn Health programme is working towards achieving SDG targets for maternal and neonatal mortality
he Sustainable In India, nearly 41% of the Development Goals population in Mumbai, the (SDGs), by providing country’s financial capital, dwells in a blueprint to help slums faced by multiple problems achieve sustainability like increased risk of maternal Tthrough identified goals, have morbidity and mortality, low birth helped streamline interventions weight babies, malnutrition, gender across programmatic levels for based violence and poor access non-profit organisations and to health facilities. Society for
Governments. Nutrition, Education and Health A SNEHA Community Organiser interacts with mothers.
96 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 97 During a community event in Impact (2016-19) Pirani pada, BNMC. 34%
increase in early registration of pregnancy Way forward The programme plans to establish its sustainability A sustainability intervention was 22% model in all seven MCs. Community interventions in done in three out of the seven municipal corporations (MC) we BNMC supporting the health of women and children increase in 4 cover on a pilot basis. The objective antenatal check -‘Home Based Care of Low-Birth-Weight Babies’ are was to transition the maternity ups referral system to the public health being updated with special emphasis on Kangaroo authorities in these seven MC’s. Mother Care .In addition, early identification The intervention began with vision of common, infectious diseases viz pneumonia, building workshops, forming action 11% groups and appointing Nodal increase in diarrhoea, malaria and typhoid is being rolled out to Officers in each MC who would institutional reduce morbidity and mortality in children from 0-6 oversee the maternity referral deliveries network. At the community level, years. three MAS groups have been absorbed into the public health 24% for all levels of health care providers, viz., maternity Programme pivoting in the pandemic system to promote and improve home staff, peripheral hospitals, Medical Officers health seeking behaviour in the increase in COVID-19 highlighted issues such as poor access to exclusive (MOs), General Nurse Midwives (GNMs), Auxillary community. public health among vulnerable populations living breastfeeding Nurse Midwife (ANMs), Public Health Nurses rates in urban informal settlements. However, the team (PHNs) and Accredited Social Health Activists continued to support the community remotely, 67% (ASHAs). In addition, regular review meetings are through tele-counselling and online training sessions. conducted to facilitate sharing of beneficiaries’ increase in It also rallied support and distributed food rations contraceptive feedback and to arrive at collective solutions, thus prevalence among community members and PPE kits to working in a systemic manner, from the highest rate Government frontline workers. tier of the public health system to the women and children at the community level, to bring about a Thus, SNEHA’s Maternal and Newborn Health measurable change in their health indicators. programme, through community interventions and public system’s strengthening efforts, combined with Community intervention in Bhiwandi- emergency relief during the pandemic is working Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) Samitis (MAS), community women’s collectives, a newborns and immunization for children. They also towards achieving SDG targets for maternal and SNEHA initiated work in BNMC in 2016 due to the vital link between the community and the public organise community awareness activities like street neonatal mortality. high level of home deliveries and poor uptake of health systems. They provide timely information plays, exhibitions and mass campaigns on topics like antenatal care and immunization. The programme Dr. Harvinder Palaha, Programme Director, MNH on health and allied services and support the breastfeeding, complementary feeds, immunization identified pregnant women in the first trimester and Vanessa D’Souza, CEO, SNEHA, Mumbai community to access health and allied services. The and importance of handwashing. They also support to support at least four antenatal check-ups and MAS facilitates community participation in health, the public health system during immunization camps, institutional delivery including planning, implementing and monitoring surveys for COVID-19, training of volunteers and for better maternal and of health programmes and allied services.They regular capacity building of public health workers newborn health outcomes. receive an annual untied fund from the municipal The programme works with corporation for community health needs. Establishing maternity referral linkages 7,819 households, 15 Public within the public health system Health Posts (HP) and one Community outreach SNEHA, in partnership with Municipal Corporation public (peripheral) hospital The most vulnerable population of the society, of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) piloted a maternity to improve maternal and newborns account for 30% of all causes of under- referral network which established referral linkages newborn health indicators. five mortality. Thus, the programme reaches out to between different levels of multi-tier health facilities married women in the reproductive age (MWRA) for timely referrals of high-risk pregnancies. This between the age of 15 to 49 years, covering women in ensured timely referral of high risk mothers to an the antenatal and postnatal stages, couples for family appropriate health facility for a better maternal and planning counselling and children in the 0-2 years neonatal outcome. This maternity referral system Capacity building by SNEHA during a referral meeting. age group. SNEHA’s frontline workers conduct home has now been expanded to seven adjoining cities. In visits to counsel pregnant women and mothers with order to strengthen service delivery in public health infants, on antenatal and postnatal care, caring for facilities, SNEHA conducts regular training sessions
98 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 99 An awareness session on maternal health in progress in Navi Vasti, BNMC.
100 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 101 Child-friendly stations for children connected with the railways Implementation & Challenges Railway Children India’s station-level work, work Railway Children India’s programme at children’s home and community interventions implementation is guided by consistent quality contribute to achieving the following Sustainable and child-centric approach. A comprehensive Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and quality parameter ensures that all engagements Wellbeing; SDG 4 - Quality Education; SDG with children are standardised, systematised, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; and SDG 11- evidence based and focussed on safety-wellbeing- Sustainable Communities and Cities. The non- permanence. profit’s family strengthening initiative contributes towards achieving SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG- A daunting challenge over the last 10 months 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth, whereas has been closely linked to the suspension and its capacity building work with railway officials slowing down of railway services and the nation- contributes towards achieving the SDG -17 which wide lockdown, followed by the reinstatement of is partnerships to achieve the goal. the train services. This meant that thousands of children who arrived alone at railway stations, Railway The organisation’s child-friendly stations now had no access to our protection services, programme intends to create safe spaces for children rescued and living at shelter homes had vulnerable and at-risk children who traverse to wait longer to get back home and children and through the railway network or have easy access families who the non-profit had worked with in to it. The initiative prevents them from falling the past were located remotely and difficult for the children on the organisation’s teams to reach and access in order through the cracks and taking to a life on the right track streets.
A father is seen feeding his son after receiving dry ration and grocery support during Railway Children India’s COVID-19 relief The child-friendly station model has been incubated interventions. with the view to prevent and respond to the multi-faceted violations, abuse and exploitations children can potentially face when they arrive at railway stations
ailway Children India is a child rights organisation that works to prevent children from slipping into a life on the street, by establishing efficient child protection services in and around at railway stations and working with families, communities and local administration to create child-friendly spaces. This ensures children are either restored with their families or long-term care homes, enrolled into school and have access to basic services, in addition to providing Rimmediate care to children who arrive at railway stations.
102 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 103 Children were provided with educational material during lockdown. to provide relief material. This meant that Railway safe. Children India had to redesign its programme 3. With governments: Strengthening the strategy, and leverage different networks, local existing government system and structures is leaders and stakeholders to ensure it was able to key to ensuring long-term, sustainable change, reach vulnerable children and their families. which is what Railway Children India works towards, and what allows it to have the greatest Impact impact, where needed most. At the national Railway Children India works at 10 railway level, the non-profit collaborates with the stations across 7 states in India with the aim to Ministry of Railway/Railway Board, Ministry secure a long-term and safe future for every child of Women & Child Development (MWCD) coming in contact with the railways, to sustainably and the National Commission for Protection reintegrate them with their families and society of Child Rights (NCPCR). At the state level, at large by enrolling them into schools and it collaborates with the Department of Social supporting them by linking them with vocational Welfare, Department of Women and Child education. Development, State ICPS, State Child Protection Society/Unit and State Commission for Since 2015, Railway Children India has protected Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), and at the 16,791 children, out of which 14,619 children have district level, the organisation collaborates with been reunited with their families and 342 children District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Child have been rehabilitated in long care homes. 302 Protection Committees (CPCs) at district, block, children have been linked with vocational training village and ward level for strengthening child courses, 3,858 children have been linked with protection mechanisms. schools and 15,583 receive psychosocial support and counselling services. Monitoring Railway Children India’s project performance is Collaboration monitored on a day-to-day basis and reviewed on Working in a collaborative spirit is the foundation a quarterly basis using a robust project monitoring on which Railway Children India works and and evaluation (M&E) system. M&E is both intervenes at three levels for lasting and long-term internal (to be done by those involved in project change. implementation), and external (to be done by a 1. At and around the railway station: Railway contracted independent firm and/or individual not Children India aims to transform stations into involved in project implementation). child-friendly spaces. At this level, it works in close contact with station level railway officials, Replicability & Scalability with CHILDLINE India Foundation to bring many This programme will make sure that Child Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Children India works towards building other railway stations in the list of Railway’s Protection Committees (CPCs) are formed and Railway Police (GRP), vendors, porters and the capacities of station-level stakeholders and SoP under the Ministry of Women and Child functional as per the mandate of the Integrated clearing staff to equip them with knowledge and creating a child-friendly community by building a Development and the continuation of its station Child Protection Scheme (ICPS). Capacity building understanding on how to identify and protect culture of empathy towards children and increased work. and training of Child Protection functionaries, and children arriving alone and at risk, and which action towards their protection. An active, aware key stakeholders at the district, block, and ward services to access within and around railway and growing cadre of trained child protection The non-profit’s expansion of work into levels will be undertaken too. In collaboration with stations. ambassadors at railway stations has ensured the communities, working to strengthen families, shall the District Child Protection Units, the programme 2. In communities: With the aim to create scalability of child-friendly railway stations. The mobilize networks that are delivering services would influence the Urban Local Bodies to sustain a safety net within the community, so that non-profit’s work and partnership with the Indian for children and link them directly with child the child protection mechanisms created within children don’t fall through it, Railway Railways has ensured the adoption of Standard protection mechanisms in their districts and the slum communities. Children India works to empower families and Operating Procedures and a Guidebook for child states. Community participation and ownership communities so that they have the know-how, protection across many stations in India. Railway of this programme would ensure its longevity over In essence, all the programme components resources, and ability to keep their children Children India’s future plans include collaborating the next few years too. are geared towards ensuring replicability and scalability over time.
104 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 105 Sustainability is an important foundation of Railway Children India’s theory of change. Our work focusses on three levels to ensure sustainability is intertwined into our programme. First, develop and implement replicable child rights programme models “I forgot my way on the ground to protect and restore children who are immediately at risk. Secondly, back home” generate awareness amongst government stakeholders and the general public so that child protection becomes everyone’s business and hence in long terms every single child stays safe and grows to full potential. Thirdly, build the capacities of government “I live at a nearby jhuggi with my mother and two stakeholder so that they can deliver their child protection responsibilities adequately. brothers. I came here with my friends so that I could visit the railway station and look at trains, - Navin S Sellaraju but my friends left me here alone! I’m not able to Chief Executive Officer go home because I have forgotten my way back,” Railway Children India Chotu (name changed) replied to a team member of Railway Children India who found him loitering on platform no.3 at Delhi Sarai Rohilla Railway Station one afternoon. Chotu looked scared and worried.
Coming from Daya Basti slum in Delhi, Chotu was reunified with his family with the help of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Child Assistance Booth (CAB) at the station. Chotu’s parents were also taken through a counselling session, and multiple follow-ups were carried out An in-house to ensure his safety at home. Fortunately, Chotu’s doctor does parents acted in sync with advice from Railway a medical examination Children India’s team members, and Chotu of a boy who arrived at the started going back to school. shelter home.
With the announcement of lockdown came new complications in Chotu and his family’s
life.“Bhaiya! We are now in trouble. My mother A bal sabha has lost her job and is unable to purchase (children’s parliament) in daily groceries. Please help us!” was Chotu’s action as part of the sincere plea to save his family from hunger and vocational training for children living starvation. in shelter homes.
Help in the form of dry groceries were provided to Chotu and his family on a regular basis, that welled them up with immense gratitude. Chotu’s mother found a job that gave her a basic income to start supporting her family and ensuring her A team member of children were going back to school. Chotu was Railway Children Children pray before they eat elated that despite lockdown he could still attend India speaks with a child at the 24x7 during their short his online classes, and continue to learn. child help desk stay at Railway (CHD). Children India’s open shelter home.
106 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 107 he Sustainable Development Goals formulation of the same in 2015. Narendra Modi, (SDGs) are the roadmap to a better Prime Minister of India, has said, “Just as our and more sustainable future for all. vision behind Agenda 2030 is lofty, our goals are The 17 SDGs together factor in all the comprehensive. It gives priority to the problems global challenges of the present times, that have endured throughout the past decades. Tincluding poverty, inequality, climate change, And, it reflects our evolving understanding of the environmental degradation, peace and justice. social, economic and environmental linkages that The SDGs aim to shape the world’s development define our lives… The sustainable development of agenda till 2030. one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet.” India is home to more than one-sixth of the global population and is expected to become one of the The SDG framework is of great relevance to shape largest economies by 2050. Expectedly, India is India’s transformation agenda. The Government accountable for 50 per cent of the SDG agenda. of India, on its part, has launched a series of The success of India in achieving its sustainable initiatives to create an eco-system that enables CAF India’s development goals is imperative for the world addressing the enduring development challenges to secure a better and sustainable future. The faced by India. NITI Aayog, the Government of Government of India has expressed its strong India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted march to commitment towards achieving SDGs since the with the task of coordinating the SDGs. achieve SDGs - Meenakshi Batra
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India has been regularly organising SDGs Drivers Forum with an objective of engaging India Inc. along with other stakeholders in the process of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
Dobisa, a remote village in West Bengal, is harnessing energy from the sun to build a sustainable renewable energy-enabled ecosystem.
108 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 109 CAF India and SDGs United Nations World For the past two decades, long before the SDGs Food Programme, on were articulated, CAF India has been instrumental SDG 6, Clean Water in creating an eco-system for giving across the and Sanitation, a country. Being a ‘cause universal’ organisation consultation with that promotes and supports all development government, corporate causes, and its pan-India presence uniquely and development sector positions it to contribute to the attainment of all to help them assess the 17 SDGs for our country. their priorities vis-a-vis the SDGs. With its network of over 6,000 NGOs, and the support of more than 300 corporate partners and Being one of the SDG over two lakh individual donors, CAF India has champions of India, been supporting impactful projects that are a step CAF India is keenly aware of the enormity towards localising the SDGs. Over 15,000 children, with 50 per cent girls and largely first-generation learners belonging to marginalised of the task at hand. As communities from 19 districts of Uttar Pradesh, have we step into 2021, we To cite a few examples, the wide range of projects been motivated to build scientific attitude and aptitude include food security for farmers in Tiruchirappalli not only in the classroom but also in their daily life. are only a decade away CAF India supported a programme to augment the diet and district of Tamil Nadu fulfilling SDG 2. We have from the 2030 targets for the SDGs. While we nutritional diversity among the families in Trichy district of Tamil Nadu. About 2,400 farmers were trained in modern promoted STEM education for first-generation continue with our efforts to realise the SDGs, let farming techniques across 40 villages. learners in Uttar Pradesh working towards SDG Alive to the fact that collaboration and us be alive to the fact that though a lot of progress 4. For SDGs 6 and 7, we have helped revive water partnerships are the key to success (SDG 17), CAF has been made towards the achievement of the bodies for India’s major cities and harnessed solar India is an active member of several networks SDGs in India, much work still remains. energy to create a model solar village in West and groups that are the frontrunners in policy Bengal benefitting farmers, artisans, children and formulation and dialogues on development. CAF In the years since the 17 SDGs were agreed women. India is part of NITI Aayog’s Working Committee upon, there have been bright spots of progress on “Institutionalisation of engagement with – the global population is living better lives Farmers in Maharashtra have been empowered service delivery organisations (CSOs)”. It is also and infant mortality under the age of five has through water stewardship fulfilling SDG 12. a member of Global Compact Network India, declined. But, progress across most global For SDG 10, skill training projects have been Sustainable Development Solutions Network, goals has been alarmingly slow. Even today, implemented for disabled young adults in CSR committee of the European Business Group, 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, Uttarakhand. And not to miss, we have also START Network, CII’s Natural Resource Regional over 170 million remain jobless and more than created friendly neighbourhoods for elephants Committee on CSR and Affirmative Action 70 million are refugees. The perils of famine, working towards SDG 15. There are many more Committee, IICA and Global Partnership for natural calamities, overpopulation, water such examples. Sustainable Development Data. scarcity, violence, inequalities, rise in armed conflict and extremism continues to define the Besides this, the organisation has been relentlessly To further enhance the understanding of SDGs, lives of most of the world’s populace. creating an enabling environment for stakeholders CAF India has been regularly organising SDGs CAF India is supporting the development of a dedicated working on SDGs, which include thousands Drivers Forums annually since the past three The immense extent of ground still to be covered town-level wastewater treatment plant in Devanahalli township of Bangalore. of NGOs, schools, communities, research years, which is intended to advance the discourse in realising SDGs is corroborated by a UNA-UK institutions, corporates and individuals. All these on social development in India. The objective of publication of 2019, which states that the world’s stakeholders have benefitted from CAF India’s the forum is to engage and understand the SDG financial needs for achieving SDGs is between a curveball to the world in terms of COVID-19 work through good programming management, drivers for business and build on perspectives $5 trillion to $7 trillion per year. Where will the pandemic, and its aftermath has put the world at volunteering programmes, fundraising etc. of business leaders on achieving SDGs. SDGs developing nations find the funds to finance this risk of reversing all that has been achieved. The The organisation has been strengthening the Drivers Forum has been organised on SDG 2, mammoth transformation is probably the most above math would probably need a drastic upward development sector through its capacity building Zero Hunger (one of the most vital challenges that pertinent question that requires an answer. correction now. programmes as well. India continues to face), in collaboration with To make matters worse, the year 2020 has dealt The faint silver lining through these uncertain
110 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 111 times was the amazing collaboration and cooperation demonstrated between government, corporate and civil society organisations to respond to the crisis. The importance of collaboration and partnerships was never lost on the key players, the crisis has perhaps accentuated its importance.
This is a time for collective reflection, both on our accomplishments and also on the way forward for continued, swift and sustainable transformation of lives and communities. We will have to find innovative and transformative solutions that will drastically reduce the cost of development solutions. Unless there is a paradigm shift in the way the world goes about its business, success is a far cry.
Will this really be the decade that will redirect the world to a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future? CAF India is supporting a water stewardship programme that trains rural youth to be water stewards or ‘Jal Sevaks’ and builds the capacity of communities in drought-prone villages on efficient water use. The programme was implemented in Maharashtra.
Meenakshi Batra is a widely recognised international development professional with over three decades of global experience. She has driven organisations to catalyse change and make a positive impact on the lives of marginalised sections of societies in South and South-East Asia. Her work in the development sector encompasses a wide range of aspects - from providing strategic leadership to strengthening organisations and facilitating sustainability through CSR and philanthropy. She has led organisations with immense clarity of thought. Currently, Ms Batra is CEO of Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India – an organisation with a mission to promote giving in India.
112 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 113 Beyond SDG 6: How clean water and sanitation
Teacher and students handwashing with soap are integral to the Sustainable - shivam_photofarm Development Goals • Behavior Change - Splash works through - Cyndie Berg, Chief Development Officer, Splash WASH in Schools for Everyone schools to implement a multi-faceted behavior Project WISE aims to deliver improved WASH change program to encourage children to adopt infrastructure; behavior change programs for kids hygienic practices, like handwashing with soap, and adults; and strengthened menstrual health and to encourage adults to sustain the program. Splash, a nonprofit organization, has launched an services to 100% of government schools in Addis School leaders, parents, teachers, and student Ababa, Ethiopia and Kolkata, India. Working in ambitious initiative called Project WISE (WASH in clubs are engaged to promote healthy WASH kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools behaviors schoolwide. Schools for Everyone), which supports the SDGs serving students aged 5-18, we plan to reach one million underserved young people by 2023. The broadly, and SDG 6 specifically • Menstrual Health - Splash strengthens school- impact will be healthier students and improved based menstrual health services by improving school attendance, especially for girls. infrastructure and providing targeted education. We ensure toilets are girl-friendly and deliver With over a decade of experience delivering child- education sessions on puberty and menstruation id you know that some 1.8 billion communities (SDG 11) and partnership for the focused WASH programs, Splash has developed for all children over 10 years of age. people lack access to safe drinking goals (SDG 17). a simple, scalable, and cost-effective solution water and 2.4 billion people lack to improve WASH in schools that includes the While there are WASH in Schools programs being decent sanitation? Fulfilling Splash, a nonprofit organization, has launched an following components: these basic human needs is the ambitious initiative called Project WISE (WASH implemented around the world, our unique, holistic approach is best understood through the focus of the UN Sustainable Development Goal in Schools for Everyone), which supports the • Increasing Access - We install commercial D lens of the following SDGs: (SDG) 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation SDGs broadly, and SDG 6 specifically. As children, grade water filtration systems to ensure safe for all. At the same time, equitable access to youth, and teachers in many parts of the world water, along with water storage capacity and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is closely prepare to go back to school following closures due drinking and handwashing stations. Toilets are Splash is focused on the health and well-being interconnected to multiple other SDGs - from to COVID-19, it is essential that they have access rehabilitated or constructed to ensure they meet of children, as they are the most vulnerable to good health and well-being (SDG 3) and quality to WASH services to help prevent the spread of global standards for safety, privacy, cleanliness, waterborne illness. Poor WASH conditions have education (SDG 4) to sustainable cities and disease. and accessibility.
114 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 115 serious consequences for kids due to transmission of diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections, with associated impacts on nutrition, child development, and family health. Among children under 14, more than 20% of deaths and years lived with disabilities are attributable to The SDGs can only be realized unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, or insufficient hygiene. with strong global partnerships and cooperation. Splash Our focus on schools is now more important than ever given the need to contain the COVID-19 leverages government co- pandemic. WHO and UNICEF have recommended investment and public-private an increased focus on WASH interventions in schools given that, “large numbers of people partnerships to ensure long- frequent these institutions, and the risks associated with inadequate WASH in these term sustainability. settings are high, as diseases may be transmitted more easily and have more serious impacts on vulnerable groups.” Student hygiene club members in Addis Ababa - Make Beautiful. SDG 4: Quality Education In order for children to thrive in school and obtain a quality education, they need access to safe drinking water, handwashing facilities, and decent toilets. As UNICEF states, “Children spend a significant portion of their day at school where WASH services can impact student learning, health, and dignity, particularly for girls.” However, a recent report from the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s Joint Monitoring Program found that globally, 37% of schools didn’t have decent toilets and 43% did not have handwashing facilities.
Splash sees WASH in schools as a key component of a safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environment as called for under SDG target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities While most people think of rural areas when they consider SDG 6, WASH services are critical to the sustainability of cities and urban communities. Addressing a large school in Addis Ababa - Splash. Given rapid population growth and urbanization,
116 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 117 Aerial overview of Addis Ababa - Make Beautiful. Through Project WISE, Splash aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, starting with rapidly growing Addis Ababa and Kolkata.
118 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 119 Joyful kindergarten students in Addis Ababa - Make Beautiful.
120 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 121 Student enjoying a glass of safe water - Boone Sommerfeld.
Splash represented in the SDGs - Splash.
many governments struggle to provide equitable partnerships and cooperation. Splash leverages WASH services to the urban poor. As a result, government co-investment and public-private children in slum and resource constrained partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability. neighborhoods significantly lag behind in health In Ethiopia, the municipal government of Addis and education. The problem is growing worse by Ababa has committed to fund $8,000,000 – the day as 3 million people move into cities every one-half of the in-country project costs – with week around the world. international donors providing the balance of funding. There is now an opportunity to change the course of the future and make cities more livable for We also work closely with schools and government the urban poor. Through Project WISE, Splash stakeholders — across bureaus of health, aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and education, construction, and finance — to sustainable, starting with rapidly growing Addis coordinate implementation of the work, while Ababa and Kolkata. ensuring the allocation of funding for maintaining WASH infrastructure and continuing behavior SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals change programs. The SDGs can only be realized with strong global
Beyond the SDGs Project WISE represents the front line of emerging global efforts between governments and philanthropy to co-invest toward lasting and scaled solutions. A project at this scale is groundbreaking for the WASH sector and can serve as a model for other organizations. While most international development work is conducted at a limited, pilot project level, this approach rarely leads to the systemic change that is required.
Splash believes that the density of urban poverty creates opportunities for new solutions. And these solutions can scale in partnership with governments and international philanthropy to build community resilience in the post-pandemic world.
122 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 123 As the pandemic created havoc during 2020, the work and economic growth). country came to a standstill. After the initial one week of pause, VisionSpring quickly spun towards Opening doors capability building of its team members, making VisionSpring trained its staff on signs and them stronger for the new world. During the days symptoms of COVID-19 hygiene, especially of uncertainty and confusion, VisionSpring flagged handwashing technique with running water or the training schedule. VisionSpring conducted 220 use of sanitizers, community sensitization, and training sessions on various topics ranging from awareness. It also trained the staff on the usage COVID-19 awareness and prevention and SOPs to of Arogya Setu app and health assessment tool to soft skills and technical procedures. ensure the safety of the team. The organisation tracked the health status of its staff every day The entire VisionSpring field and project staff to ensure no health worker showed COVID members underwent WHO Certification on symptoms. infection prevention and control. The social Pathway back enterprise quickly adapted to getting back to work Lockdown did not bring the spirits down. with optimal precautions. This gave VisionSpring VisionSpring launched a nationwide programme the confidence to step out and extend a helping involving 120 field team members spread over 12 hand to the needy during the lockdown period. states. They reached out to their neighborhood to eyeglasses: Safety, infection prevention and control during to distribute COVID prevention kits to 20,000 the COVID times was the core of all VisionSpring’s households covering 1 Lakh people. The hygiene activities linked to SDG 1 (No poverty) SDG 3 kit contained soap, washing powder, a COVID-19 Resuming eye-screenings with (Good health and well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent brochure, and five reusable cloth masks. People COVID-19 safety protocols
VisionSpring has resumed its core mission of delivering vision screenings and eyeglasses for 55 crore people in India with uncorrected blurry vision
isionSpring is $1.18 billion in economic impact. a pioneering In 2019 alone, VisionSpring not-for-profit touched more than 1 million creating access to people in India with eyeglasses affordable eyewear. and thus helping them see clearly. ItV uses innovative strategies to VisionSpring is also working reach low-income people with extensively on COVID-19 response eye-screenings and eyeglasses. Till activities and has helped more date, VisionSpring has distributed than 1 million people in India more than 5.5 million pairs of during the lockdown. corrective eyeglasses creating People getting their temperature checked before getting their eyes screened.
124 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 125 Women receive hygiene kit in Barmer, Rajasthan.
were educated to burst myths related to COVID-19 and to use helpline numbers for the emergency. In the process, Vision Spring learned a lot regarding the existing myths prevailing in society and the mask-wearing habits. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was done to ensure gender balance with more women and low- income participants. It came to the fore that that people were not washing hands often due to lack of water, and behavioral change was required for using hygiene products. People lacked necessary sanitization facilities and health facilities. VisionSpring installed handwashing stations in the community to encourage handwashing behavior. Based on the learnings, VisionSpring added awareness and counselling to the field team preparedness.
Preparing to triumph As the unlock started, and heath service norms started easing out, VisionSpring foresaw the need for making COVID-safe communities before starting the eye screenings in those communities, thus making the community COVID safer for its own team as well as for the beneficiaries. Village communities, weavers, and truckers were distributed COVID precaution kits, and awareness was generated for handwashing, mask-wearing, prevention of COVID. In Barmer (Rajasthan), VisionSpring covered over 88,000 households and distributed over 16,000 hygiene kits. With Gautam Gambhir Foundation, the non-profit touched 36,000 people and distributed 9,000 hygiene kits in East Delhi.
Armed with the knowledge from rigorous training and confidence to deal with the “New Normal”, VisionSpring was fully active in the field and the supply chain center to provide supplies to the world.
The World Health Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and health regulatory bodies released the protocols for re-starting the services in health centers and hospitals. VisionSpring studied the guidelines available and looked at adapting them to the outreach context. Since most of the guidelines were
126 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 127 available for a fixed indoor setup, a completely Constituency, and Founder of Gautam Gambhir symptomatic screening and temperature check. hygiene behavior. Also, proper use of hand new set of protocols had to be adapted to meet the Foundation, “Like the migrant workers, the Any customer with a higher temperature is sanitizers for maximum effectiveness. requirements of outdoor setup. Re-assessment COVID-19 pandemic has also severely affected counselled to reach out to a local medical facility e) Local partner/ representatives are trained and of all existing SOPs was done to add the layer of weavers and artisans as their work has stopped or National COVID-19 Helpline number 1075. engaged in COVID-19 infection prevention “protection”. and their incomes severely affected. Making d) Behaviour change introduction and practice of guidelines so that they can further the important these important clusters COVID-19 ready and handwashing with water and soap for minimum message in the community. VisionSpring created protocols for COVID safe giving these people the gift of clear vision through 20 seconds and other preventive respiratory screenings that were simple and logic-based. eyeglasses would help them resume their work and The protocols had to be learned through videos put them on a pathway to rapidly come out of their virtually as traveling to different locations was financial difficulties.” not possible. Disinfectants, tools, and instruments added to the protocols had to be non-hazardous, By December 2020, VisionSpring was back on easily available, and cost-effective. A simple the field, conducting “COVID-19 Awareness and monitoring system had to be built for the Eyeglasses Outreach Programmes” in 15 locations implementation of protocols. We tested protocols in 10 states in India, namely, Andhra Pradesh, in the lab environment and then in a controlled Assam, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil environment before being rolled out to masses. Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat. VisionSpring AIIMS technical team visited the outreach and is screening and providing eyeglasses to Drivers, evaluated and appreciated the thorough process Mechanics (See to be Safe programme), Adult and and detailing. children population in the communities (See to Earn programme) since October 2020. Till date All 120+ field team members have undergone VisionSpring has screened 73,000 beneficiaries a five-day of training and another five days on and provided 30,500 + glasses. a hands-on practice session under a supervisor to ensure that all new COVID protocols are met The protocols have already been tested and are at the field. A rigorous debriefing and learning ready for implementation for Factory / Workplace inclusion method is adopted to gather information workers and School eye screenings. and challenges from the new outreaches. Strong documentation and handbooks are created to VisionSpring’s eye screenings in the “New support the teams. Normal” is a unique initiative with a focus on COVID prevention. It is a welcome effort by The pathback to eye screenings & eyeglasses the government and authorities as it meets the Post thorough testing and practice, VisionSpring purpose of generating COVID awareness and identified weavers clusters in Barmer and East behaviour change along with the eye screening in a Delhi and reached out to the community to safer environment. provide affordable eyeglasses. VisionSpring joined hands with Export Promotion Council for a) Systematic multi-reinforcement of COVID-19 Handicrafts (EPCH) and Gramin Vikas Evam infection prevention and control measures Chetna Sansthan (GVCS) for the Barmer project during the customer’s engagement in and with Gautam Gambhir Foundation (GGF), the outreach programme and spreading to create the COVID-19 ready and Clear Vision awareness through prominent IEC materials, and Artisan clusters in Barmer and East Delhi. announcements, mobilisation drives. The unique initiative aims to create awareness b) Demonstration by practice of mandatory on prevention and safety measures of COVID-19, mask wearing, social distancing, contactless conduct COVID-safe vision screening, and provide transactions to avoid community transmission eyeglasses to those who need them. According of infection. Beneficiaries are provided with to Gautam Gambhir, former cricketer, Member masks to use. of Parliament from the East Delhi Lok Sabha c) Education on COVID-19 symptoms during A woman gets her eyes screened.
128 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 129 VisionSpring launched Handwashing Station models such as Veronica (20 litres) and Ignaz (500 litres) for encouraging handwashing behaviour in the community.
Gift of clear COVID-19 has affected weavers and their family income due to lack of jobs. They need encouragement, educational information, vision and risk reduction interventions. VisionSpring has pivoted its operations in the race to save the lives of weavers and prevent the When Malti Devi, a 45-year-old homemaker from spread of COVID-19 in India. Our research and testing experts Barmer, visited VisionSpring outreach programme, have created new protocols to quickly resume our on-field eye- she was prescribed a pair of reading glasses for her screening services. Each step is being tested and simulated to near vision problem and received the same at the ensure compliance to safety standards. With new infection control dispensing and counselling counter. While exiting measures in place, VisionSpring has resumed its core mission of from the outreach activity area, Devi shared that she delivering vision screenings and eyeglasses for 550 million people was really impressed with the way COVID-19 safety in India with uncorrected blurry vision. COVID-19 readiness precautions were being followed in the activity area and clear vision would help weavers and artisans increase by the VisionSpring team by ensuring maintenance of their efficiency and thus improve livelihoods. In the interim, proper social distancing, use of masks by everyone in VisionSpring stands united with the nation to serve our people the vicinity, easy access to hand washing at the entry in this tumultuous period. point and usage of hand sanitizers at every desk. - Rajan Kumar Devi mentioned that earlier her near vision problem Director did not allow her to carry on the intricate weaving Vision Access Program, India work, but with the VisionSpring eyeglasses she was able to do “more work and earn more money”. Devi wishes to spread the word about the VisionSpring outreach activity amongst her community members, so that more and more people could benefit from the services and receive the gift of clear vision.
Parliamentarian and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir along with Anshu Taneja, Country Director, India, VisionSpring
130 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 131 bhyuday, a not-for-profit Resource Management-NRM (SDG 6, SDG 7) organisation, endeavours to Livelihood (SDG 1, SDG 2), Education (SDG 4), empower the marginalised and Health (SDG 3), and WASH (SDG 6). vulnerable sections of the society by co-engaging them in programmes A number of villages in Sagar district grapple with thatA are in alignment with the UN Sustainable water woes. Sagar along with adjoining districts Development Goals (SDGs). Presently, Abhyuday of Madhya Pradesh constitutes one of the most engages with communities in 216 villages across underdeveloped zones of the state. In an attempt India. to address the challenges of this region and enable the communities to come out of the adverse effects Ably supported by Parivartan, the CSR arm of of drought such as hunger and food insecurity, HDFC Bank, Abhyuday launched the Holistic the initiative was launched in the 20 villages. Rural Development Project (HRDP) in 20 Abhyuday extensively engages with landless, small villages of Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) in 2017. The and marginal farmers of the region, equipping interventions under HRDP primarily targets 4,268 them with knowledge, insights and products to Empowering families (population of 19,123) of the project make agriculture both sustainable and profitable. farmers to villages under these five core components: Natural grow and sustain
As part of the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP), Abhyuday has been extensively engaging with landless, small and marginal farmers, equipping them with knowledge, insights and products to make agriculture both sustainable and profitable
HRDP covers 20 villages of Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.
132 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 133 Enhancing agriculture income following activities are carried out on farmers’ 100%. Most of the arable land in the project area For doubling the farmers’ income, Abhyuday fields: is under two or one crops. To enhance the crop adopts a multipronged approach under the project. • Field bunding (Prevents the water outflow from intensity, Zayad crop (seasonal vegetables) was This is required as there are various aspects the field) introduced. This has helped not only in enhancing that need to be covered and various potentials • Land leveling (Maximizes the moisture the income but also in distributing the returns that need to be tapped to enhance the income of retention in the field; reduces the variation of across the timeline. A number of other options farmers. Some of the major intervention aspects moisture level across the field) (green house, drip irrigation, machan cultivation are outlined below: • Tillage (Optimizes the tilth of the soil to support poly mulching etc) are also explored to increase • Cropping intensity (two crop to three crop cultivation) the returns. Majorly SC/ST/OBC community system) • Ploughing (Maintains the nutrients levels in top members have been covered under the initiative. • Crop and crop variety selection layer) • Cropping practices Crop demonstration & variety • Post-harvest interventions Cropping Intensity selection Cropping intensity is expressed in terms of Change in crop/crop variety and crop field are Drip irrigation. Capacity building of farmers percentage which reflects the actual area cultivated among the practices that are suggested to be While taking up any intervention among farmers, as compared to the area under cultivation, in a adopted. In the intervention area, based on local it is important that the project team and farmers year. Thus, cropping intensity can be more than conditions, some crops and crop varieties that both understand each other’s perspective. have been promoted include wheat: GW 344, Once both the sides are on one platform of 1544; gram: 315; soybean: 2034, 9560; black understanding, it is easier to build capacity of lentil; groundnuts etc. On an average 12-15 farmers. Following activities are undertaken in % enhancement in base productivity of this context: 7-8 quintal per acre has been reported • Orientation meetings with farmers by the farmers only due to this specific Initial meetings are conducted with farmers to intervention. orient them with the project objectives and to understand their constraints, perspectives and Cropping practices/inter-culture priorities. Based on the discussions, it has been operations identified that returns from agriculture can be Cropping practices and inter-culture operations Kitchen gardens ensure nutrition security. significantly increased by using the human and natural resources in a more efficient manner. Cash crop cultivation. Abhyuday extensively engages with landless, are critical but least recognised by farmers. Especially water resource scarcity is one reason small and marginal farmers. Mostly it has been considered insignificant point which is adversely impacting agriculture. While to discuss the cultivation practices, as farmers many farmers in other parts of the country are consider what they are doing for many years is cultivating three crops in a year, majority of the good and there is no scope to improve on these farmers in the Bundelkhand region are not able practices. However, various aspects of cultivation to do so. have been discussed with the farmers and they • Exposure visits & training have been made aware about the potential to Farmers are taken to exposure visits to witness change the cultivation practices to improve the scientific agrarian practices and interact with production. Some of the practices that were experts and progressive farmers. Various introduced as an option to improve production training programmes on cultivation practices levels include multi-layer farming, drip irrigation, are also organised to capacitate farmers with poly mulching, kitchen gardens, cash crop modern and sustainable agrarian practices. cultivation, organic cultivation etc.
Land preparation and development Post-harvest interventions (Zero Energy Cooling Land /soil is the most important resource for Chambers-ZECC, micro environment control agriculture. It needs to be in the state which measures etc) are also taken up to enhance the supports cultivation. Taking this into account, returns.
134 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 135 ave the Children is implementing the education programme titled “Empowering Marginalised Girls Project: Empowering Marginalised through Quality Education” since 2011 Girls through Quality Education in Rajasthan. So far, the non-profit SDG linked: SDG 4 (Quality Sorganisation has been able to reach out to more than 10,000 adolescent girls (11-14 year age Education): Ensure Inclusive group) from the marginalised section of the society and Equitable Quality Education in 10 districts in Rajasthan. The organisation and Promote Lifelong Learning started with 6 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas Opportunities for All (KGBVs) of Ajmer district in Rajasthan and later scaled it up in 73 KGBVs of 10 districts. At present Goal: Ensure marginalised girls (in 2020-21), it has intervention in 49 KGBVs have access to quality education and 36 regular schools of 7 districts in Rajasthan. and complete full cycle of secondary The main objective of this intervention has been education in 7 districts of Rajasthan. to increase access to quality of education for disadvantaged and excluded children in Rajasthan, Specific Objective: Marginalised with a special focus on girls from marginalised girls from the districts are able to For her section of the society. demonstrate improved learning levels and transit to next grades. Save the Children has intervention in three broad areas; education • Community mobilisation through PTAs and
Save the Children has been striving to increase access and quality of education for disadvantaged and excluded children in its project areas, with a special focus on girls
Save the Children is India’s leading independent child rights NGO. While the organisation runs several programmes across India, it also works in tandem with numerous government agencies, civil society organisations, and communities across five core themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Humanitarian Response, as well as Disaster Risk Reduction and Child Poverty across 18 states of India.
KGBV students busy in project work.
136 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 137 An SMC meeting in progress. SMCs around the issue of girls’ education Impact onsite academic support. and bridging the gap between school and (a) Building school-community relations • Life skill education sessions community. These forums are crucial for • Awareness level among parents on education are organised with 5,000 girls. bringing girls back to schools post-COVID-19 of girl child is on the rise; they are more • Most of the girls have become scenario as there would be instances of dropouts aware towards the importance of getting their vocal and expressive. They & early marriages and parents are concerned daughters educated. are now able to talk with their around the safety and security of girls. • SMCs addresses issues like scarcity of parents and teachers on the • Capacity building of teachers through onsite infrastructure and staff in KGBVs. issues concerning them. demonstrative academic support and trainings • Participation of members in school management • The participation level of girl on pedagogy, gender and child-centric committees is higher in intervention schools as children during classroom classroom transaction processes. compared to the non-intervention schools. transactions has been • Support girls in scholastic and co-scholastic • PTMs were being held quarterly. Parents improved; they clarify their areas such as; effective use of literature, life showed satisfaction with the quality of doubts with the teachers. skill education, training on gender, theatre education in KGBVs and the results of their • They started understanding and artistic expression, educational tours and children. themselves and visualising their life and career. • Later SMC members of all the schools (around forming and strengthening girls’ groups (Meena • SMCs are functional in intervention schools and • Their understanding of the issues related to 55,000) in the state were trained using this Manchs), career counselling, school safety and there is increased women participation in SMC health increased. module. health and hygiene. meetings. • Trained girls have started teaching these • Gender and girls’ education have become • There is a 20.4% increase in enrollment (2011- practices to other newly enrolled girls. an essential part of KGBV teachers’ training Challenges 2016; Ajmer, Rajasthan). • Teamwork and imagination skills have been programmes. • Patriarchy in society, girls are vulnerable to • There were only 72 girls in Taswariya in 2011 improved in girl children. They are now able to • Around 50 trained KGBV teachers act as pulled out of schools. and it increased up to 111 in 2016; (2011-2016; analyse the situation and react accordingly. resource persons in state-level trainings. • Absence of a support system for girls in schools. Ajmer, Rajasthan). • Low enrollment and retention of girls in (d) Living and learning environment in schools, girls discontinue before or soon after (b) Improving quality of education schools completion of elementary education. • 306 KGBV teachers are capacitated and 436 • 73 school libraries are enriched by providing on “I am fortunate that I got a chance to study in • With the gender gap of 23.2% points in KGBV teachers are provided with onsite average 350 books, dictionaries, encyclopedia KGBV. I want to do M.Ed. after B.Ed. and become education, Rajasthan is the worst-performing demonstrative academic support. and reference material, a monthly subscription a teacher. The way my life changed in KGBV, I state in India in terms of girls education. 7.1% of • Percentages of children have declined in level B of magazines. want to change the lives of other girls.” girls are out of school in the age of 11-14 years. & C (with a simultaneous increase in A & A+) in • School libraries are functional in schools, girls - Hansa Gurjar both the tests (baseline and end-line) which we demonstrate fondness towards sports and access An alumnus from one of KGBVs having Save the conduct during every academic year. play material. Children’s intervention • The trend is that the maximum number of girls • Meena Manchs are functional in schools and remain at lower learning levels at baseline and suggestion boxes are used. “I understand my responsibility to see that no girl they move to higher learning levels at the end of • Girls in the intervention schools were found from my village is deprived of an opportunity to every academic year. more confident and aware of their rights. study and realise her dreams.” • Teachers having a non-discriminatory attitude • A document on school safety guidelines was - Than Singh towards the students and are encouraging. launched (named as Jaipur Declaration) by the SMC member from one of KGBVs having Save the • Trained teachers demonstrate child-centric Government of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Children’s intervention and gender-sensitive classroom transaction processes. (e) Key Strategic and Policy Level Successes “Strategy adopted by Save the Children for girls’ • Teachers engage in planning and conducting co- • Supported the state education department in education is unique in many aspects. It is holistic curricular activities. Teachers use TLM provided developing SMC training module, including and impacts positively almost all the factors in schools. gender and child rights/protection component. affecting the education of girl children.” • Also helped the department in conducting - Ms. Devyani (c) Inputs to girls in scholastic and master training on this module for resource Dy. Commissioner, Gender Cell, RCScE co-scholastic areas persons. KGBV students taking part in a theatre workshop. • Around 10,940 KGBV girls are provided with
138 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 139 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas students during an educational tour.
140 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 141 Demonstration of self- defence techniques in progress.
education officers are closely engaged in planning and implementing field-level activities. Also, School Management Committees and We are committed to the ideal of Gandhi Ji for sustainability Parents Teachers Associations – progress of a society should be determined by the state are closely engaged with the of the most vulnerable and the weakest ones. We consider programme. ourselves as a sustainability champion because we work with the most vulnerable i.e. the children – the present and Monitoring the future of the world. If future generations are not safe, Technical and strategic the world will certainly not be sustainable. The principles oversight of the project is that drive Save the Children India in all its engagements led by Technical Advisor and define its every action are survival (in short-term), – Education of Save the building resilience (midterm) and self-reliance (long- Children in India and term) because we believe any outcome which does Education Thematic Lead - not bring lasting change will not be sustainable West HUB with support from and whatever is not sustainable puts children at • Introduced Self Defence Training in KGBVs the Dy. Director - Operations in Save the Children risk. Thus, our theory of change as reflected in under P&G, which was taken as innovation and West HUB Office in Rajasthan. Assistant Manager our activities and interventions works around scaled up in all 200 KGBVs by the state. and Programme Coordinator based at SC’s state building local knowledge and capacities so that • Life skill education and alumni meet was taken office in Rajasthan oversee the implementation, each intervention can be locally sustained, both up as a good initiative and now it has become an coordination and monitoring of the project in all in letter and spirit. For us, thus, sustainability essential component of KGBVs. the 7 districts; they provide technical input in the is second nature, ensuring that what we do • Save The Children supported the state capacity building programmes of project/partners’ once can be done again and again and even government in developing guidelines for KGBVs staff, teachers and SMC members; and build without us. The best testimony we consider for functioning, new material for Meena Manchs, networks with gender cell in Rajasthan Council of sustainability is the capability of the children guidelines for Kishori Melas and supported School Education and with SSA personnel. to sustain what we began. them in organising it (Kishori Mela) in our intervention districts. Replicability & Scalability -Sudarshan Suchi • Established grievance redressal mechanism There is an increased focus on girls’ education Chief Executive Officer through suggestion box which has been taken by the Government of Rajasthan and it is seen in Save the Children India up as Garima Peti Initiative by the state recent policy-level changes. The state government government. has recognised the value of residential schooling • Children magazine ‘Batcheet’ is recommended facility for the promotion of girls’ education and as a good initiative. has upgraded KGBVs up to senior secondary level • MoU with the state on career counselling for and also the Government is planning to further adolescents is signed. establish 65 new KGBVs in Rajasthan in a phased • Save the Children led the process of developing manner. Best practices and innovations of the comprehensive school safety guidelines and project ‘Empowering Marginalised Girls through checklists. It was launched by the Government Quality Education’ are well received so far by the of Rajasthan and called ‘Jaipur Declaration’. department of education, they have adopted it and replicated in remaining KGBVs in the state. Collaboration Collaboration Gender Cell in State Education This programme is implemented in collaboration Department, Rajasthan, trained KGBV / new with the state education department and local school teachers and school/hostel wardens are NGO partners. Save The Children a standing MoU expected to continue the innovative practices and with the state government for this intervention. learnings beyond the project duration. School teachers and district and block-level
142 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 143 eepak Foundation, registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act, was set up in 1982 with a vision of providing medical and healthcare facilities to the families of workers and local community near the industrial area of Nandesari1. The Foundation has now evolved into a leading non-profit civil society organisation in Gujarat and has expanded services with branches in Maharashtra, Telangana, Jharkhand and Delhi. Some of its flagship programmes Dwhich are contributing to Sustainable Development Goals are:
1. End to poverty in all forms Pattal(s), which are made using leaves of Khakra. (SDG 1) – an abundant forest resource in the area, thus empowering them with a new source of income. Project Parna Focus on This unit manufactures 6.5-inch leaf plates and The women of Zaban have adopted a more 4-inch dona (leaf bowls). The leaf-making machine sustainable alternative made out of Khakra is simple to operate and on an average, three leaves Pattal (leaf plate) making is one of the women make 1,000 plates in six hours. What the many traditional enterprises of Jambughoda underprivileged women like about this machine most is that they which are based on natural resources. Leaf plates don’t have to hand stitch the leaves anymore which community are commonly known in the local markets as development initiatives
For over three decades, Deepak Foundation has been providing healthcare, education, capacity building and livelihood opportunities to the disadvantaged section of the society
Deepak Foundation’s vision is to empower communities in underprivileged areas to ensure holistic development, economic stability and a life of dignity. And its mission is to create a socially inclusive and sustainable environment among the underprivileged communities by providing healthcare, education, capacity building and livelihood opportunities. It envisages a world free of distress, disease, deprivation, exploitation and subjugation, ensuring overall well- being of the family, society and community.
Members of Project Parna at the workstation, Jambughoda, Gujarat.
144 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 145 An SHG member stitching mask at A woman packing food product manufactured at Dahej, Gujarat. Naswadi Mill, Chhota Udepur, Gujarat.
means no more needle pricks. As like CHAOS at Indian Institute eco-friendly products have become of Management-Ahmedabad, the norm, these plates would mean IRMA, Makers’ Fest at Faculty of good business. Technology of the MS University of Baroda, with their products Creating sustainable and successfully promoted their livelihoods through farm, products and earned revenue. off-farm and non-farm interventions In June 2020, we initiated the Deepak Foundation strives to reach formation of another FPO with out to the vulnerable sections of NABARD in the Savli block of the community like the marginal Vadodara district. The FPO will tribal farmers, and rural community cover 10 villages of Savli and will living below poverty line, especially have 500 farmers as members women who bear the brunt of and will be registered as a Farmer vagaries of rural life, whether it is Producer Company/Co-operative in agriculture, animal husbandry and training will be provided to the or in managing water for their appointed CEO and Board members households or farms. of their product of instant meal mix – Khichadi, for operationalising the FPO. over 7,000 masks in a week. business promotion at platforms like IRMA, IIM Empowering women financially (A), Saras Mela, local haats etc. At Deepak Foundation, we work towards SHG women are also members of All-Women empowering women through self-help groups Dairy Cooperatives, and on an average earned over 2. End hunger and food (SHGs) by building their capacity to manage Rs 6,000/- a month from milk business. security (SDG 2) finances, through savings and accessing credit, Collectivising the farmers for a developing their skills for specific income Transfer of technology for women better way forward generation activities, thus making women entrepreneurship Deepak Foundation has been supporting marginal independent by leading them towards financial The project focuses on the key processes like tribal farmers through collectives; Farmer stability. product design of Instant Meal Mix, community Producer Organisations (FPOs), registering engagement and capacity building of FPCs, them as Farmer Producer Companies (FPC). During the period 2019-20: product development for tackling malnutrition, These are managed by tribal women, choosing • Our number of women self-help groups (SHGs) drudgery reduction and income generation their own leaders as Board Members. One of the increased to 144 from 124 of last year. through enterprise, transfer of technology to FPCs, Krushak Mahila Khet Utpadak Producer • Number of women engaged in income- women enterprises with support from Department Co. Ltd, from Naswadi in the tribal district of Krushak Mahila Khet Utpadak members at generating activities increased by 12% of Science and Industrial Research under Ministry Chaos Fest, IIM-A. Chhota Udepur has started pulse milling and spice • From making eco-friendly leaf plates, incense of Science and Technology, Govt of India: making as its income generation activity. They sticks and lip- smacking sweet and savoury • 23 women trained for dal mill operation procure locally grown raw material from fellow items, the women lived up to their motto of self- • 20 women trained in processing unit operation 3. Good health and well-being women farmers and process and sell the same. The help and solidarity while earning something for • 20 women trained in marketing & account (Goal 3) Foundation has set up an Instant Khichdi making themselves. management plant for the FPC (a Millennium Alliance Round Mobile health unit: Providing • 171 women trained for FPG management IV innovation winning initiative) and trained the quality healthcare through doorstep They met the current challenges of the COVID-19 • 24 women trained for FPG leadership & women through funding support from Department delivery of services pandemic by creating opportunities out of enterprise development for leaders of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR). The Deepak Foundation rolled out Mobile Health Unit them. From making masks, handwash, phenyl • 10 women trained for FPC Board of Directors on FPC generated a total of Rs 2,24,931 as revenue (MHU) in order to provide primary preventive to preparing and serving food for relief work in compliances by sale of their Instant Khichdi, Pulses, Spices and curative health services to the marginalised initial difficult days of lockdown, the women did and Organic pesticides during the year 2019-20. population at their doorstep. In 2007, the first everything. Some SHG women from Waghodiya The immediate outcomes were in terms of 40 The women participated at prestigious platforms MHU was initiated with the Department of Health block also catered to the government’s order of women taking up small enterprises, marketing
146 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 147 MHU conducts regular health camp in tribal A mobile library counsellor issuing books to children areas of Halol, Gujarat. post-lockdown, Nandesari, Gujarat.
trained female community health activist ASHA The programme aims at impacting five specific and Family Welfare. With the help of CSR partners (Accredited Social Health Activist) for every village competencies of both in-school or out-of-school as well as the Government of Gujarat, Deepak with a population of 1,000. ASHA has been trained children irrespective of gender. The key activities Foundation is operating 14 MHUs and bringing to work as an interface between the community include providing regular mobile library services the last mile reach to remote villages in the states and the public health system. The training at key locations. Organising regular storytelling of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Through provided by Deepak Foundation equips ASHA with activities and identifying and supporting children this project, it also wishes to link the patients necessary knowledge and skills. The training is for who require specific help in developing their to existing tertiary care facilities, to help them 20 days in 4 rounds. These trainings are conducted competencies are closely conducted. There are avail specialised government services at marginal according to NRHM guidelines. To provide monthly events for children to showcase their costs. Every dedicated vehicle patrols all the information regarding home-based newborn care competencies. Currently, the project is operational villages within its scope once in every 15 days. The is an important aspect of ASHA workers. in rural areas of Nandesari, Gujarat, tribal areas services rendered by these MHU include curative around Roha in Maharashtra and urban slum healthcare, addressing reproductive and child ASHA worker on her regular visit after lockdown, Halol, Gujarat. Project Vivek Vidya communities in Hyderabad. Designed to create healthcare issues, counselling for family planning, Deepak Foundation has conceptualised Project equitable access to the world of information sanitation, hygiene, nutritional awareness and ASHA training: Training community Vivek Vidya, a unique Mobile Library programme through mobile library services, it also equips overall lifestyle modification for well-being. health workers for supporting that caters to children hailing from less privileged children with the necessary skills to make use of, Emphasis is also laid on preventive health services public health system communities, with low educational outcomes and understand and benefit from the library materials through periodic health camps for screening and One of the key components of National Rural limited access to quality reading materials in rural, that are available to them. referrals. Health Mission (NRHM) is to provide with a tribal and urban communities.
148 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 149 Conserving soil and water JM Financial Foundation and the district administration of Palghar. for improved irrigation and Efforts were made to ensure access of government schemes related to productivity agriculture and water resources to the tribal farmers of Mokhada block. Benefits worth a total amount of over Rs 50,00,000 were ensured for Developing existing ponds for enhanced these farmers by linking various government schemes’ last mile reach. water storage capacity Many village ponds in Panchamahals are silted Deepjyot Mahila Cooperative Credit Society, a up or have broken bunds, resulting in low storage shining example of women paving their way to capacity. The farmers in the nearby areas are financial empowerment not able to get adequate water for irrigation, and Deepak Foundation has been working in the Nandesari Industrial Area the well recharge also does not take place. With since its inception in 1982. What initially comprised of approximately their CSR partner TOTO Japan, the Foundation 50,000 population of nine villages has since grown to a huge peri- deepened and rehabilitated two water bodies industrial region. In addition to the core health-based activities, the crucial to the villagers of Abhetva and Aashapuri Foundation made a significant contribution to empowering women by in Halol. The villagers are now able to sow the offering them opportunities for earning a livelihood. More than 100 land three times a year instead of two times and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) were promoted, with nearly 1,500 with micro-irrigation systems installed, they can members being trained in savings and credit activities for improved manage cultivation in less water. The water level incomes and leadership development. This effort culminated in Deep in wells has also increased significantly. Jyoti Mahila Credit Cooperative Society (DJMCCS) being set up in 2015. With nearly 1,200 members joining the DJMCCS, it had a total saving of Continuous Contour Trenches (CCTs) for more than Rs 21 lakhs in 2019-20. The easy and timely access to credit stopping soil and water runoff has strengthened a large number of women. They have contributed Continuous Contour Trenches (CCTs) were in a large way to the betterment of the socio-economic status of their constructed for water conservation in seven families. villages of Mokhada, Palghar district of Maharashtra, to prevent run-off of rainwater due to the hilly terrain and ensure its storage and recharge of groundwater. At Deepak Foundation, we work towards • CCT construction was initiated to arrest empowering women through self-help maximum rainwater and to develop the groups (SHGs) by building their capacity watershed of Mokhada block. to manage finances, through savings and • Approximately 12.30 lakh litres of water was accessing credit, developing their skills for arrested through 1,073 trenches covering 12.08 specific income-generation activities, acres of land benefitting 11 farmers. thus making women independent • The activity was undertaken with local labour by leading them towards financial instead of appointing any contractor, keeping in stability. From making masks, mind the loss of daily wages due to lockdown. handwash, phenyl to preparing and serving food for relief Rain Water Harvesting Structure (RWHS) work in initial difficult days With an aim to assist in reducing the water of lockdown, the women scarcity problems, especially during the summer did everything to keep the season, a Rain Water Harvesting Structure was livelihood mode on. constructed at Ase village of Mokhada Block in Maharashtra having water storage capacity of 8 -Archana Joshi lakh litres. The intervention provides water to Director around 20 households for domestic use as well Deepak Foundation as to farmers of the village for agriculture. These interventions were carried out with CSR partner Vermicompost making by an SHG member at Nandesari, Gujarat.
150 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 151 Developing children holistically with alternate care
SOS Children’s Villages of India is providing a loving home to children without parental care and keeping biological families together
Kids having fun at SOS Children’s Village, Bawana.
152 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 153 Children from different Family Homes playing together at SOS Children’s Village, Bhuj. stablished in 1964, SOS Children’s Villages of India protects the best interests of children who do not have access to parental care or those who are risk of Elosing one. It focuses on providing children a loving home, keeping their families together and supporting young people on their path to independence. It directly touches the lives of 25,000 children every year through its operations in 32 locations across 22 states/ UTs in India. It also advocates for the rights of 20 million children and young people to lay the foundations for a brighter future. There are two flagship programmes. One is Family Like Care, a curative model that provides loving homes to children without parental care in Children’s Villages. This is a uniquely creative and successful model of alternate care that develops children holistically, ensuring that they grow up as healthy, educated, confident and economically independent and responsible adults. Another is the Family Strengthening Programme which is a Joyous siblings at SOS Children’s Village, preventive model that intervenes in vulnerable Bhubaneswar. communities for preventing ‘at-risk’ children SOS mother teaching kids at Children’s Village, from losing parental care by upholding Bengaluru. family income sustainably through women empowerment and capacity building. For more information please visit https://www. soschildrensvillages.in/
SOS Children’s Villages of India is a self- implementing organisation. It has an extensive network of 32 Children’s Villages and project sites across 22 states as well as a pool of trained full-time staff, namely coworkers who work tirelessly towards realisation of our goals #NoChildAlone. We provide long-term childcare solutions to our beneficiaries preparing them to become independent and self-reliant. We are able to achieve this sustainably with support from partners, sponsors and friends. Looking SOS mother and child bonding together at SOS forward to your continued support towards Children’s Village, Guwahati. achieving this. For donations, please click here https://bit.ly/3iAqRR8
154 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 155 156 | The good sight | January 2021 The good sight | January 2021 | 157 The Good Sight
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