SAMAGRA SEVA KENDRA
ANNUAL REPORT
2018-2019
At & P.O. BARACHATTI, DIST. GAYA, BIHAR (INDIA) PIN - 824201 Phone: 9934235635, 7485802700 E-mail: [email protected] Contact Person: Chhedi Prasad, Secretary
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 1 From the Secretary’s Desk
“You must not worry whether the desired result follows from your action or not, so long as your motive is pure, your means correct” - Mahatma Gandhi
Dear all, I am happy to present the Annual Report (2018-19) of SSK. With true participation of our stakeholders and improved collaborations in the development sector, SSK has made gigantic strides since its inception and we are continuously marching ahead each year that is more eventful than the previous year. We always believe in peoples’ movements to bring desirable changes for the promotion of basic human rights and sustainable changes in people’s lives in Gaya and Nawada districts in Bihar. SSK is recognized by its committed efforts over the years and has received awards and recognition from local bodies and administrations for its excellent work in Rural Development. The year 2018-19 was a success for us and this annual report outlines our good progress to end poverty, social exclusion & discrimination. The efforts made by SSK through meetings, training, advocacy and consultative dialogues have opened up yet another chapter of unmatched success in the field of socio-economic development of the poor and marginalized. In this successful endeavor, we sincerely appreciate, recognize and laud the financial contributions made by our funders like IGSSS, Save the Children, FVTRS, PFI and individuals whose technical guidance and advice always helped us to move forward in a right direction. For all these achievements, I would like to thanks our Board members who govern, staff who produce results and recipient communities who consume, appropriate and change to depict a model of sustainable development.
At last, my sincere and honest pledge to all who involve with us and request for the continuation of support in the coming years as well. Together, we would reach new heights and make productive changes for a progressive society.
Chhedi Prasad Secretary
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 2 ANNUAL REPORT ⟡Genesis Samagra Seva Kendra (SSK) is a non-government organization (NGO) came into existence in 1980 by a group of social activists and social workers who were inspired by the ideologies of great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jai Prakash Narayan and Bhim Rao Ambedkar to work for Gram Swarajya. Initially, the group worked with reputed social organizations like Samanvaya Ashram & NBJK in Bihar and Jharkhand to take exposure and experience of this field. Later on, SSK was registered under the Society Registration Act in 1993 and FCR Act in 1999 to work for bringing social justice and equity to all.
⟡Vision SSK visualize a self-reliant, progressive and egalitarian society based on mutual understanding, help and trust.
⟡ Mission To promote an empowered and self-reliant society where each and every individual of the marginalized sections could develop their abilities to make self-decision and leadership to lead a dignified life. ⟡ Major Objectives
a. To educate, organize and empower rural poor to ensure social justice, economic growth and self-reliance. b. To make people aware of their rights, duties and initiatives meant for their overall development. c. To initiate and implement various socio-economic activities for the development of the poor and disadvantaged. d. To improve the precarious state of the villages and slums in Bihar through improves agricultural practices, health and nutrition, proper education, environmental conservation etc. e. To improve community health emphasizing on women and child health, mental health etc. ⟡ Legal Status ▪ Registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860. Reg. No. 756 dated 03.03.1993. ▪ Registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976. Reg. No. 031090042 dated 26.11.1999.1 ▪ Registered under Section 12 (A) of Income Tax Act 1961. Reg. No. 12A/2000-2001/ 2819-21 dated 23.11.2000. ▪ Registered under Section 80 (G) of Income Tax Act 1961. Reg. No. CIT (E)/13/19-20/A-497 dated 31.05.2019. ▪ PAN AAAAS5315F. ▪ Service Tax No. AAAAS5315FSD001. ▪ Niti Aayog’s Unique ID No. BR/2017/0167452. ⟡ Our Bankers
• For National Fund Punjab National Bank, Barachatti Branch. A/c No.1205000100073388. State Bank of India, Bumuar Branch. A/c No. 11842063176. • For International Fund (FCRA) Punjab National Bank, Barachatti Branch. A/c No. 1205000100056053. ⟡ Members of the Executive Committee Sl. No. Name Address Designation Occupation 1. Mr. Nageshwar Vill. Nawadih P.O. Itkhori, President Teacher Ravidas Dist. Chatra, Jharkhand 2. Mr. Chhedi Prasad Vill. Sagarpur, P.O. Basarhi, Secretary Social Work Via: Bodh Gaya, Dist. Gaya, Bihar
1 Renewed till 2021.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 3 3. Mr. Shashikant Jha At & P.O. Belari, Member Teacher Dist. Bhagalpur, Bihar 4. Mr. Tula Prasad Vill. Mattihani, P.O. Itwan, Member Farmer Dist. Gaya, Bihar 5. Mrs. Gita Devi Vill. Baradih, P.O. Barachatti, Member Social Work Dist. Gaya, Bihar 6. Mr. Saryunandan Vill. Sagarpur, P.O. Basarhi, Treasurer Service Prasad Via: Bodh Gaya, Dist. Gaya, Bihar 7. Mr. Rampati Ram At & P.O. Bansila, Member Social Work Dist. Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh 8. Mrs. Sudam Devi Vill. Kahudag, P.O. Barachatti, Dist. Member Social Work Gaya, Bihar 9. Mr. Bindu Giri Vill. Gajragarh, P.O. Barachatti, Member Social Work Dist. Gaya, Bihar ⟡ Internal Management Structure
Governing Body
Executive Body
Secretary
Project based Accountant Consultant Coordinators
Supervisors Master Trainers
Field Motivators Volunteers ⟡ Our Operational Area
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 4 Gaya District Blocks Panchayats Villages Barachatti All 13 Panchayats 91 Village Mohanpur All 18 Panchayats 198 Village Dobhi All 13 Panchayats 82 Village
Sherghati All 09 Panchayats 53 Village Gurua All 16 Panchayats 96 Village Imamganj All 05 Panchayats 30 Village
Nawada District Coverage: 18 Slums
Note: SSK also has the presence in Riga block of Sitamarhi district in Bihar. ⟡ Issues of Intervention
The priority issues of the intervention of SSK are as follows:
•Women Empowerment Entitlement • Gender Equity Capacity realization of Development Dalit & Women
Sustainable Livelihood SHG Promotion Promotion & Training ISSUES
Adolescent’s • Agriculture Reproductive & •Irrigation Sexual Health Development Networking & •Education Advocacy • Prevention of Social Evils
⟡ Target Groups Women, Children, Youth, Aged, Mentally & Physically Challenged People and Farmers.
⟡ Human Resources SSK has a good combination of professionals and volunteers who work with sincerity and commitment since long to achieve our goal. At present, 27 full-time staff, 4 part-time staff and 38 volunteers are associated with us.
⟡ Our Donors
{ SSK has so far been supported by Save the Children, IGSSS, PFI, FVTRS, Amplify Change, Forrad, NABARD, Ministry of HRD, CAPART, Action Village India, NBJK/Basic Needs, Andheri Hilfe, WDC, Samadhan, Adithi, DRDA, Pathfinder International, UNFPA, BVHA, Urban Development and Housing Department, Govt. of Bihar, DFID and State Health Society.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 5 PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR
PROGRAM 1: SOUL-III PROJECT
SSK has been supported by Indo German Social Service Society (IGSSS) under the project SOUL-III (Sustainable Options for Uplifting Livelihood) since 2018 covering 20 villages of the Teswar & Matihani Panchayats in Mohanpur block and Rohi, Bara and Sarwan Panchayats in Barachatti block of Gaya district in Bihar. The project has completed its one year period on 31.03.2019 and played a significant role in: (i) increasing the income of the vulnerable rural families by increasing their income through the adoption of climate resilient land and non-land based livelihoods options (ii) improving the nutritional status of the vulnerable rural families through community measures like access to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene practices and diet diversification & (iii) Improving function of the community based organizations as self- sufficient, sustainable and democratic spaces for local participation in matters of rural livelihoods and development. 20 villages are backward in socio-economic terms and prior to the project it was observed in the comparative study of the situation of the villages that there were absence of soil and water conservation measures, lack of resilience activities, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, lack of awareness of smart farming, no use of barren and fallow lands, migration, lack weather forecast assistance services regarding climate change, lack of knowledge on organic farming, pest control mechanism, social protection scheme and financial inclusions etc.
Under the project, specific strategies like: (i) institution building & local self- governance (ii) livelihood promotion (iii) capacity building (iv) advocacy and networking (v) Workshops and Exposure visits were adopted to achieve the project goals.
Key Achievements of the SOUL Project in 2018-19
▪ Access to information on entitlements and government schemes and programs has improved. ▪ Small and marginal Farmers started practicing organic farming, pest control mechanism increasing knowledge on smart farming for improving alternative livelihood opportunities. ▪ Vulnerable rural families have improved nutritional status changing diet diversification through practicing of kitchen garden, multi cropping and mix cropping. They are now accessing safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene practices after training, FGD and group meetings.
▪ 5 community groups actively involved in the monitoring and vigilance of social security entitlements related to food security. ▪ 2 to 3 community organizations started taking up preparedness and prevention measures like linkage of crop insurance, Weather Forecast assistance Services, uses of less water consumption, seed in the community to reduce the impact of natural hazards and climate change aspects. ▪ Community groups initiated behavior change action through adoption of community awareness building models through hand wash practices, training and group meeting on water prone diseases water usage and waste management. ▪ 40 to 50% families have increased income through climate resilient land-based interventions like smart farming, multicropping, mix cropping integrated farming and floriculture.
▪ 30 to 40% families have increased income through non land-based interventions like goatery, piggery and poultry farming and linkage with government scheme like FSA, pension scheme and others additional income based government programs. ▪ 2-3 community groups have increased income through the adoption of Floriculture (Marigold and Rajni Gandha) and coming forward for enterprises. ▪ 70 to 80% farmers have engaged in different income generation activities like kitchen garden, multi/ mix cropping, integrated farming, horticulture, floriculture, organic pesticide, seed production etc. Land less community is being linked with livestock rearing and different government scheme like PDS, Ujjawala scheme etc. They are also adopting climate resilience practices for livelihood option.
▪ 10 CBOs formed are functioning well and started making participation in the matters of rural livelihoods and development schemes. They are capacitated and increased awareness on how to availing social security entitlement related to food security, livestock rearing, nutrition garden, safe drinking, sanitation and waste management, hygiene and menstruation, convergence with government and so on.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 6
Photo Some innovative approaches like extension of lift irrigation system and floriculture practices have also been adopted by SSK under the project. The details are as follows:
(a) Lift Irrigation 4 lift Irrigation facilities are provided in Teswar Panchayat of Mohanpur block. It is now benefiting farmers in crop production and providing sustainable livelihood to them. Most of farmers used to grow only one seasonal cash crop (Paddy) due to lack of irrigation facility and provided a new life to the farmers by making regular water sources availability for whole year. As a result, 20% community owned degraded area is rehabilitated by community after Lift extension 60 to 70 Acre of land are irrigated and 70 to 100 households are taking benefits of lift irrigation system.
(b) Floriculture (Marigold and Rajnigandha)
35-40 farmers are practicing flower cultivation with 2.5 acres of lands are engaged under this activity. The farmers are gaining an income of Rs. 7000/- to 8000/- per kattha of land. At the end, floriculture is very profitable compare to other crops. This has become a sustainable innovation model in the project area and instrumental in improving sustainable livelihood option for the project beneficiaries.
(c) Vocational Training in Garment Making The women of selected Teswar and Matihani Panchayats especially SC and BC have poor status. Males often migrate out of state for livelihood and women stay home alone. During focus group discussion CBOS discussed about job enrollment or other employment at village level for SC and BC women for sustainable livelihood. Garments making is good job oriented program to improve the quality of lives of women for making them self- reliant. 30 women have learnt preparing garments through training and 10 women have self-purchased garment machines and started working from their homes and economically strengthened.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 7
(d) Vermin Compost Pit Construction In the project area, 2 vermin compost pits have been constructed by Pharvu Saw, Vill. & Panchayat- Mathiani, Block: Mohanpur, Dist. Gaya and by Raj Kumar Bharti, Vill. Sagarpur, Panchayat-Teaswar, Dist. Gaya.
Case Study
Mamta Devi is a farmer of Teswar village under Bara Panchayat of Barachatti block in Gaya district in Bihar. Most of communities are OBC and Dalit in the village. She lives in a joint family of 8 members and her family status is very poor. In the small plot of the land, she grows Wheat and Paddy along with vegetables but that are not enough for the sustenance of their families. The income is very low rather than investment in crop due to high amount of seeds and fertilizers.
Mamta Devi visited in the training program of SSK on preparation of organic pesticides, manure SRI/SWI cultivation technique with the support of IGSSS, New Delhi. After knowhow from training program, she prepared home- made organic pesticides and produced crops by SRI technique in her small lands of 5 Kattha. There was a massive change in the production of crops increased up to 45 to 50 Kg per Kattha rather than production with general pattern up to 20 to 25 kg. Mamta Devi is very happy now with increased income. She is thankful to SSK for training on SRI and motivating others farmers for adopting SRI techniques in their agriculture lands.
PROGRAM 2: VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM In India, 70% of the population is below 35 years of age coupled with the existing range of dropout, one can only imagine the youth who are in need of skill training to make a living on their own. Vocational training is the only panacea for the unemployed youth to find a proper expression in their life. But, India is yet to take advantage of the demographic advantage of its young population to convert them in fine human capital. There is a need to pay attention to this vast section of the youth in the unorganized sector by empowering
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 8 them through skill training initiative. Skill education and skill diversity need to lay emphasis on linking skill education with the livelihood. Poverty and school dropout are highly prevalent in Barachatti block in Gaya district in Bihar. Here the youth of the Dalit and backward castes are unable to continue education because of poverty and remain unemployed. The school dropout rate of youth is more than 15%. In the changing job market scenario now, it demands only skilled people. Due to poverty and unemployment, the youth of the target blocks and those of the selected villages are frustrated and indulge in playing cards and alcoholism. In the project area, some of the unskilled workforce is in the unorganized sector, where their exploitation is high with no career growth hence the inherent leadership quality of youth is subdued. Women are not economically empowered and their status in the family and society is low.
In 2018-19, SSK was supported by the Functional Vocational Training Forum & Research Society (FVTRS), Bangalore to impart Vocational Training to 130 youth (90 women and 40 men) of the SC and OBC community in Garment Making, Beautician and Electrician & Plumber trades in order to impart them sustainable skill based livelihood opportunities. Till March 31st 2019, quality training was imparted to 65 youth (45 women and 20 men) successfully. Qualified and experienced instructors were recruited for training. Youth were also informed about the schemes/loans through EDP training and also about loan facilities provided by NABARD, DRDA and Banks to start self-employment venture after training.
Photo
Highlights of Accomplishments • Beneficiaries knew about the importance of the training and involved in income generation opportunities after training. Periodic evaluations by SSK have made the project strong. • Emphasis has been made on keeping the motivation of the beneficiaries intact during the training period with improved know how on self-employment opportunities.
PROGRAM 3: AMPLIFY CHANGE PROJECT
The project entitled – “Breaking Barriers to Achieve Results for Children” is being implemented by SSK in partnership with Save the Children in Mohanpur block in Gaya district in Bihar. The project aims to increase access to quality information and appropriate community and state support to adolescents (age group 10-19 years) on SRH issue.
Beneficiary (Direct) Direct reach through our program activities= 12091 (Adolescents girls= 4373; Adolescent boys=627; Parents= 2300; Other community members= 3840; FHWs (ASHA, AWW, LS) = 174; Block level government officials= 14; Panchayat Sewak= 16; Teachers= 26; PRI members=74; CPC members (excluding FHW, teachers & PRI) = 419; VPMC members (excluding FHW &PRI) = 84; SHG members= 58; District level Gov. Officials= 18; Media persons= 14; Project staffs= 6; Resource pool= 15; NGO representative = 8; Child line= 5; Development Partners representatives=12; CWC= 3; JJB=2; and Representatives of homes=3. Beneficiary (In Direct) People from District & block administration (DM, SDO, BDO etc.); People from Health department; Front Line Health workers; People from DCPU; police, CWC, JJB, Child Line Child Protection; ICDS, People from education department; School Teachers; Representatives from likeminded NGO (CSO); SHG members; Members of VO; PRI members and Media persons. Photo Outcomes Achieved Outcome 1: Greater access to SRHR services/ information/ products for marginalized groups Project successfully increased communication skill, negotiation skill, informed decision making in adolescents on matter that concern their lives and SRHR rights. Project built discussion leaders pool to conduct life skill & SRHR session for these purposes. 416 Female DL & 56 male Dl played this important role to educate & support adolescent in their initiatives. Dl were trained & provided mentoring support. All Dl together voluntarily conducted 2118 discussion sessions on Life skill that also incorporate SRH components, 3068 girls & 538 boys participated in 13 different sessions. Apart from these meeting conducted with 627 (15-19) adolescent’s girls on comprehensive reproductive & sexual health CSE. It built the confidence of
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 9 adolescents & Dl to take decision to continue study, join vocational trainings, fight against early marriage & visit to VHSND sites for health services etc. Project has also improved community based monitoring and accountability mechanism by using community score card exercise. Adolescents & FHWs have jointly discussed on adolescent friendly health services & reviewed good, medium and poor status of different services. It helped in. It was further shared in larger forum like public hearing before official level people. It helped improve supplies about adolescent services and more turn out of adolescents at VHSND& at AHD. CHC, Mohanpur established AFHC at separate room to attend regular visitors as well as referral cases. Project provides hand holding support to FHW at VHSND and facilitates organizing ADH to reach target no of adolescent as per plan time frame. More than 1200 adolescents received services. First time referral of adolescents on severe case started due to project intervention. Use of TT, Hepatitis-B, IFA, recipient of anemia screening & counseling is high in intervention panchayat. Outcome 2: More inclusive networks, with partnerships established with non-traditional SRHR allies (including: religious leaders, faith movements, youth groups, social justice / budget tracking / research / media organisations that don’t traditionally work in SRHR) To build enabling environment in favor of adolescents, project worked with parents and CBOs. Sensitized 1688 parents through 64 meetings on ill effect of child marriage need of knowledge on SRH at adolescent age. It helped not only sensitize community about child marriage, legal provisions, SRH related taboos but also in mobilization of adolescents for session on SRH. Project conducted meeting with VPMC, CPC and SHG members on these issues so that it could one of the priority intervention at their level also. Gradually, community is getting aware of ill effect of child marriage, and treating SRH as social taboo. Nukkad Natak at village level was also played for more eye opening. Project advocacy with DCPU & at state helped us to get permission to form WCPC. Project formed & trained 41 WCPC. 191 CPC members were oriented on child marriage issue and specific SRH issues. CPC members come forward to stop child marriage. It helped to stop 9 child marriages. Many adolescents delayed their marriage by convincing their parents also. The effort of adolescents, CPC attracted huge media coverage on children issues and initiatives.
Outcome 3: Increased engagement amongst service providers to actively support SRHR for all populations, including the vulnerable and marginalized The project succeeded in improving SRH services available at VHSND sites. There was hardly turn out of adolescents for service & that was too only for TT. To foster mobilization of adolescent’s project facilitated HSC level convergence meeting that improved coordination among ANM, ASHA and AWW. It helped to promote mobilization of adolescents on VHSND. 15 ANM training conducted on anemia screening & counseling. Project also conducted 32 ANM & 9 ASHA facilitators training on ARSH & referral services as per RKSK guide lines. They were provided with tools also. AFHC was established in separate room after liaise with MOIC. Approx. 600 adolescents received services at VHSND. To accelerate the pace, ADH was organized in coordination with CHC and DHS. 685 adolescent received health services and participated in curricular activities like sports, quiz, debate etc. Adolescent referral card developed that is accepted by CHC- Mohanpur on pilot basis and forwarded to DHS to discuss with State Health Society for use at larger level. ANM started referring severe anemic cases to CHC. Timely supply of vaccine, IFA was ensured along with HR support. Project facilitated training of ASHA & AWW on IPC to improve communication skill and built confidence for counseling. Outcome 4: Increased and more public support for SRHR, and less negative statements, from key influencers. Key influencers are defined as: traditional, community and religious leaders, police, government policy-makers (both national and sub-national), celebrities, political leaders Adolescent girls played very active role in mobilizing community members for their support for SRHR. For this, adolescent girls performed street play at different corners of community and they lead a campaign
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 10 against child marriage using Jan Chetna Rath, a mobile van with display of IEC supported by adolescent girls’ Street Play team. The program joined by more than 30 government officials from district administration, law enforcement departments, district heads from health, education, SSA, Zila Parishad, Media etc. District magistrate appealed all to support the initiative to curb child marriage from Mohanpur and Gaya. Trained VPMC members of ARSH and taboos at community level for which they should come forward in support of girls and boys. Adolescent girls participated in discussion on SRHR module. Adolescent did wall painting of SRHR issues to communicate message to larger community. Child champions were given exposure to AFHC at CHC to develop understanding on such services so that information about AFHC disseminated in the community. Outcome 5: New evidence on SRHR generated, or existing evidence synthesised or major gaps in SRHR knowledge/ attitudes/ behaviour synthesized, which is used for evidence-based advocacy and policy engagement Project has well advocacy plan supported by important data base that reflected on gender norms, child marriage, reproductive health issues & services etc. The base Line study on menstrual hygiene, community score card exercise, gathering case stories on child marriage, data from VHSND support & end line study provided ample evidence & scope to campaign & go for advocacy on child marriage & SRHR issues & services. Save the Children being member of different committee from block to state level convinced the decision makers for improving SRHR services& action against child marriages. It helped to access support from different government level stake holder to improve capacity of FHW, improve adolescent health services & mobile police, Child line, CPC members to act against child marriage & supporting adolescents. Children themselves lead campaign event using UNCRC week, International day of Girl Child troughs Campaign van, cycle rally, foot rally, Street play and painting exhibition. 240 children organized foot rally, 194 cycle rally and 94 adolescents were the part of Street Plays before District magistrate, MLA, SDO, BDO and media personnel. The Govt. officers promised that they all will make Mohanpur block as child marriage free block. The program received very good coverage in newspapers. Interface meetings with duty bearers and adolescents were also organized & witnessed by approx. 478 different stake holders and gaps related to SRH services were put forwarded before health departments and failure to stop child marriage was also discussed with members of District Child Protection Unit and Child Line. As a result, improvements in adolescent health services & action against child marriage have been observed. A district level workshop was also organized through which Adolescents and community stake holders shared their experiences, actions they initiated and expectations from government functionaries. Important dignitaries from concern department also participated.
UNIQUE INITIATIVE A unique initiative was taken under the project to train adolescent girls on performing street plays. In the community, many girls are not allowed to travel outside. But after the initiative taken by SSK, 7 girls from Gharpar Tola of village Bumuar campaigned against child marriage through street plays in adjoining villages. There are 11 active teams who performed to campaign against child marriage. CASE STUDY Photo Suganti Kumari from village Itra of Bumuar panchayat faced extreme pressure from family because of her Lalita and Babu Life Skill module. This module helped her to realize that there should be a goal in life and she decided to face all odds and became self-dependent. Her family was not interested to provide financial support to her for further study. She taught students in private schools to earn money & continue her study and appeared in BA- part-I examination. She is now a role model for other girls who faces continuous challenges in life. CASE STUDY Photo
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 11 Smita Kumari from village Bumuar visualized becoming a teacher in life after participating in different activities under Amplify Change project. She became conscious about her rights and health too. SRH sessions helped her to realize the need of a toilet at home & motivated her to go for it. She had taken this matter to her parents several times & finally succeeded in construction of toilets at home.
CASE STUDY Photo Sabita Devi a house wife and ward member of village Dharhara quoted that “I never thought that she will face this situation”. Being a ward member, she is also the president of WCPC. She attended training & meetings and sensitized about issues of child marriage, legal provision and responsibility of CPC. It was a like shock to her when her husband wants to tie the knot of her daughter who was just 16 years old. She discussed about the issue of child marriage but not unable to convince him. Sabita took bold decision by not only supporting her child but also to lead from the front as a role model being CPC member. She told her husband that she will go to child line or police if you don’t give up. The matter slowly settles down. Sabita is now an inspiration for others. PROGRAM 4: MARRIAGE-NO CHILD PLAY PROJECT The State of Bihar is lagging behind when compared to the child protection system elsewhere. Bihar which is at the bottom of several development indicators also predictably falls behind important child protection indicators. The issues that are central to child protection in Bihar are the large scale of child labor, child marriage and unaccompanied child migration or trafficking to towns and urban areas within the State and the country.
Child marriage is one of the key issues that also deeply rooted in Gaya district in Bihar. It is one of the key obstacles towards adolescent empowerment and poor health. As per (NFHS 2015-16) in Gaya district, child marriage prevalence in the rural area is 40.18%. There is a social acceptance to this menace as well which is harmful to girl children. But this continues unabated as the awareness generation at the village and Panchayat level is low. Also, the elected panchayat representatives do not give priority to these issues.
In Mohanpur block of Gaya district, it is estimated that more than 45% of marriages are before the age of 18. It is a major social concern and a violation of children’s rights – whether it happens to a girl or a boy –as it denies the basic rights to health, nutrition, education, freedom from violence, abuse and exploitation and deprives the child of his/her childhood.
Project entitled – “Marriage-No Child’s Play” is being implemented by SSK in association with Save the Children with an aim to influence young people to decide when to marry and how to pursue their sexual reproductive health rights in a supportive environment. The key stakeholders of the project were Adolescents (10-19) years (Who are at risk), In-laws, Front line health workers (health, education, ICDS, livelihood, birth registration, protection etc), CBOs (SHG, CPC, VPMC), Traditional Leaders, Officials of Department of Education, Representatives of PRI, Media Personnel, Legal Officials, Marriage Registrar and like-minded NGOs and CBOs. KEY HIGHLIGHTS ▪ Discussion leaders facilitated 83 sessions using SRHR module and a total of 1241 adolescents participated among any sessions from I to IV. ▪ Very good mobilization experienced during parents and community meeting. ▪ One case of child marriage came forward but it was well stopped. ▪ Due to project initiatives adolescents are continuously coming to VHSND for health services. Anemia screening is going on. ▪ Showcases strong liaising with block administration and Police. It helped successful campaign led by men’s against child marriage through huge rally even after “ACHAR SANGHITA” ▪ Organised a very successful event “International Woman’s Day” at Mohanpur High School and showcased good coordination with Block Development officer along with Local Police station and other administration personals. ▪ Girls federation lead village level meeting & come up with a chart of demand to advocate for it. For first time Men organised campaign against child marriage. 200 men participated in the rally. ▪ 55% of Girls group completed session-IV of adolescent SRHR module.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 12 Key Activity Briefs
(I) Mentoring of Discussion Leaders / Cluster Meeting: This is an important platform for interaction and capacity building with Discussion Leaders. This time discussion was held on session planning to facilitate SRHR sessions using the SRHR module. Discussion also held on any issues faced by DL and support required. Discussion also held on planning to organize adolescent health day successfully to ensure health
services to planned number of adolescents. 29 cluster meetings held. (II) Meeting of Information Dissemination Centre: Information dissemination centre is an important platform of girl’s engagement. Project is equipping it with IEC, books, and play materials. It gives girls to use as activity centre and a purpose to come out of home for meaningful engagement beyond school hour. The community ownership is important to run the IDC. So one meeting held in Ladu Panchayat at IDC in which 28 participants were parents that includes IDC committee members & selective girls. The purpose was twofold: Discussion on maintenance of IDC and planning for purchase the belongings of IDC. One training was organized at Mattihani Panchayat, total 33 participants participated which includes 1 AWW. Adolescents also exchanged their experiences that IDC has provided them a healthy and safer platform to engage them in playing games and other activities. (III) Discussion Sessions on Adolescent SRHR Module: It is one of the important initiatives of girls’ engagement. The purpose is to aware adolescents on SRHR, technical knowhow, improve access to health service and inculcate positive sexual & reproductive health behavior. In the module, there is 9 sessions and DLs facilitate these sessions. On an average, 15 adolescents participated in different sessions which reflect good mobilization. (IV) Dialog with Adolescents: One dialog organized with adolescents in Ladu Panchayat in which15 adolescents participated. Dialogues were held on following topics:
▪ Importance of education and continuation of schooling. ▪ Ensuring weather, the adolescents are going to school regularly or not. ▪ Identify drop out/left out adolescents plan for counseling of parents. ▪ Re-admission to school dropouts. (V) Meeting of Meena Manch: Meeting organized with Mena Manch in Ladu and Mattihani panchayat Panchayat and total 53 participants were present. The committee discussed about the re-admission, dropout and left out students along with those students who have not enrolled in school and the discussion also held on the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the schools. (VI) Dialog with Parents & Teachers: Dialog conducted with parents and teachers. 02 such meetings held in which 36 parents & 8 teachers participated In these meetings, discussion on total number of students, number of school dropout students & work plan on taking back them to school and planning for sending adolescents to school & re-enrolment on case basis was made.
(VII) Meeting of Bal Sansad: Meetings with 2 Bal Sansad was organized in which 20 Bal Sansad members and 02 teachers participated. Discussions held on review of last meeting, planning for playing street plays for importance of education and planning for listing of students for admission.
(VIII) Meeting of School Management Committee: Meetings organized with 02 School Management Committees in which 22 members participated. Good turnout of SMC members observed. Discussion held on benefits of such society where child marriage is not happening, discussion on how to prevent child marriage, Discussion about available legal law of child marriage and Discussion on the improvement of quality of education. (IX) CPC Meeting: Meetings of Ward Level Child Protection Committee for capacity building of CPC members organized. In the meetings, CPC meeting register has been introduced and oriented on the use of the register. Meeting register was also developed to record meeting proceedings and actions of CPC. Child marriage issue was discussed to raise the sensitivity level. CPC agreed to take note of any case of child marriage and act accordingly with immediate effect. Decisions also taken for organizing regular meetings to discuss on observations and need of action plan. 04 CPC meeting was facilitated.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 13 (X) Meeting with Village Planning & Monitoring Committee (VPMC): Meetings organized with 02 Village Planning and Monitoring Committee. Out of 10 members (M=4, F=6) participated in their respective committee meeting. This committee is responsible to strengthen health services at village level. Meetings started with review of discussion held in previous meeting. The focus of this meeting was to develop understanding on VHSNC untied fund, challenges in utilization of the fund, need of coordination with ANM & Mukhiya and conduct survey to understand the need from client perspective to add to the health plan.
(XI) Strengthening Arogya Diwas/VHSND: 15 VHSND supported at Mohanpur block based on govt. micro plan. 247 beneficiaries went through Anemia check up and counseling comprising 141 adolescents, 62 lactating women and 44 pregnant women. 68% people found anemic. 3 cases were referred to Yuva Clinic. 55 received TT and 87 received IFA. (XII) Convergence Meetings at HSC level: Convergence meetings organized at Health Sub-Center Level. ANM lead the convergence meetings at Lakhaipur Panchayat in which ANM and ASHA workers and 17 Front Line Health Workers participated. Discussions were held on ensuring the quality of tests at VHSND site and providing referral card according to their requirements. (XIII) Village level Community Meeting: Meetings with general community apart from parents of adolescents held to build an environment in favor of continuation of education and sensitization against child marriage.
(XIV) Parent’s Meeting: Sensitization of parents is a need in the remote area where education is not important for them. Meetings were conducted with parents to discuss issues of Right to education, school dropout, process of enrolment, effect of child marriage on education of individual and its ripple effect and need to take stands for child marriage free society. A total of 18 parents meeting held in which 279 parents participated. (XV) Peer support network meeting: Conducted at Mattihani Panchayat in 02 locations and total 49 participants were participated in the meeting. During this meeting assessment of child marriage has done as well as listing of those adolescents who are in the danger of child marriage. (XVI) Human Rally: A rally by men at Lakhaipur panchayat was organized. The rally conveyed a very strong message against child marriage. 200 men participated in this rally.
Case Study
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Rinki Kumari is a teacher in Government Middle School in Matihani Panchayat. She is very active, sensitive & punctual in her duty. From the very beginning of her schooling at young age, she observed that girls often got married before completion of her studies. She believes since then that child marriage is not good & should not be done at any cost and girls have to provide education like boys. But the biggest problem was the mindset of the society and there was no one who helped her. When she got job in a Middle School as a teacher she started witnessing child marriage very closely. As she came to know that most students (Adolescent girls) of her class got married. It was very difficult for her to convince parents as their mind are also rigid on the issue of child marriage. Now, she finds hope to fight against child marriage after being elected as a member of WCPC in Ward No-12 of Matihani village to represent education department. PROGRAM 5: EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS PROJECT Adolescence – the age of opportunity (0-19 years) – is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood when many critical factors influence the foundation for adult life. India has the largest population of adolescents in the world with 253 million (133 million boys and 120 million girls) individuals. In order to realise their potential to the fullest, adolescents must be healthy, educated and equipped with information skills and confidence that would enable and empower them to voice their own issues but also contribute to their communities and the country’s socio-economic growth. However, in most of the poor states in India, the transition of adolescents to adulthood is not smooth due to poverty, poor access to social services (education, health, nutrition, skilling, social protection) and age-old harmful social and gender-based norms. Adolescent Girls are especially disadvantaged due to a patriarchal set up, forcing them to drop out of schools and get married and bear children at an early age. “They are among the most economically vulnerable groups who typically lack access to financial capital and have more limited opportunities to gain the education, knowledge, and skills that can lead to economic advancement,” as per a report by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India. SSK is supported by “Save the Children”, UK under the empowering adolescent project with an objective to contribute towards improving the wellbeing of adolescents by ensuring their smooth transition to adulthood through enhanced capacities and enabling environment. The project covered 41 revenue villages of 4 GPs (Bagula, Bumuar, Sinduar & Dharhara) of the Mohanpur and Barachatti blocks in Gaya district in Bihar. The project target adolescents (10-19 years age group).
Photo Programs Highlights 2 events at Dharahara M.E. School Ground in Dharahara and Bumuar Panchayats were organized to launch the program. The events were meant to provide comprehensive information about the said program as well as to generate awareness among the local population of the intervention area on the evil impacts of the child marriage. The program lunch event addressed several socio-cultural and health issues faced by adolescents due to child marriage and early age marriage, the magnitude of which is still very high in the vicinity. In both the places the event was inaugurated by Chhedi Prasad, Secretary of SSK and each event was attended by more than 500 people from all 4 GPs. 2 day orientation of project staff was organized 6-8 March, 2019. Mr. Brajeshwar Mishra oriented the project staff about the project. A cluster plan with the help of cluster coordinators was prepared.
Out of total 20 candidates, as many as 10 master trainers were selected for the Lalita Babu training module after closely interviewing them.
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 15 On 29.03.2019 training was imparted to all the project staff on MIS by Mr. Sourav Kumar on effective data collection and data management. A coordination meeting with various govt. officials viz. Mohanpur BDO, Inspector in-charge, Mohanpur, BRC, PHC officials and other PRI members were organized seeking their co-operation to make the project successful in the area. A roll out meeting held at Bodh Gaya by the Core Team members of Save the children. Project related objectives were discussed that includes Base Line/KAP process-TOR discussion, Reporting Mandates/timelines, Financial guidelines, Work Plan etc. Data collection and listing of Bal Sansad and Meena Manch was also done.
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SSK Annual Report 2018-19 16 FINANCIAL DETAILS
Receipt and Payment 2018-19
SSK Annual Report 2018-19 17