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Celebrating 10 Years |
Annual Report 07-08: Organization Initiatives - Addressing Issues Holistically
< Kria Administration & Fundraising >
Systems Responsibility & Ownership – Training for Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police
A key stakeholder group at any railway station is the collection of government personnel – particularly the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police personnel. Saathi has been conducting trainings that cover the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000/2006, methodologies for working with vulnerable groups such as women and children, and the systems available for referral of children such as Children’s Home. Over 300 personnel have undergone the training and significant progress has been made in extending the trainings to additional groups including Central Railway RPF.
Education: An Organizational Initiative
Saathi’s work over the past 10+ years has been with children and youth in “difficult circumstances,” living on streets, struggling for their basic survival, and most have never had the opportunity to learn in a formal setting. Yet, life has also been a great teacher to most of them.
Since the needs of every group, and every individual would vary, there was a need to move away from the traditional concept of teaching and learning and design a non-formal curriculum that would benefit every child, irrespective of what his/her educational level is. The review process was undertaken with the intention of understanding and assessing the quality of the education program in the organization.
A need for drastic overhauling was essential in the attitude and approach to education within the organization. Needs assessment of each project and their participants was done to come up with the relevant activities and education process. The National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) was explored for curriculum development of non formal education since most of the projects’ participants are not able to join formal schools. A particular emphasis has been placed on life skills and information on environment surroundings.
Access to Medical Care: Coalitions and Street Theatre
Saathi has been the part of the People’s Health Movement, Mumbai, (Jan Swasthya Abhiyaan (JSA)) for the last two years. Through various programs, the health issue of the vulnerable, especially youth and children living on the streets were highlighted. This year saw two truly significant effects of the campaign and Saathi’s involvement in it:
 | The consultation on health rights of street children among other vulnerable groups, arrived on developing a charter of demands which went for further discussion to the Director General of Health Services to waiver the user fees for street children |
| Saathi has also been an important contributor in the formation of Bal Swasthya Abhityaan, (a children’s health campaign) in Mumbai to focus on the health issues of children and to advocate for child friendly services for this vulnerable group |
Theatre – Modes of Self Expression
Recognizing the diverse background of the project participants, Saathi explores different tools and techniques to gather information about them, to better understand them, and to give them a platform to express themselves. Theatre has proven to be an exceptional tool for these purposes. Led by a professional dramatic artist, well planned exercises are used as a means to loosen them up, build teamwork skills, boost self-confidence, enhance communication skills and express their ideas and emotions. Debates, short plays, and skits based on life, including their own stories, have helped them tremendously to cope with situations.
Regular commitment and interest in Theatre has also led to an initiative taken by the project participants in creating “Rang De Saathi“ (the Colours of Saathi) a monthly magazine. For the first time they have expressed their ideas through writing essays, poems, and articles on issues which affect them and are close to their hearts.