SUMMER CAMPS 2019

8
SUMMER CAMPS 2019 Every year, in July, when the children have summer vacaons, they are taken to places away from Guwaha and camps are organized in rural areas under the supervision of the authories. The children get a break and get engaged in group acvies like helping the cooks by cleaning the vegetables, cleaning house, paddy culvaon, fishing and other playful acvies like telling stories etc. The summer camps which consist of short term stay in a different place away from their usual residence provide a rejuvenang experience. The acvies in which they are engaged in during the camp have a long lasng effect. The staff members animate them on various aspects like cleanliness, hygiene, self discipline, life skills etc. They are escorted to the nearby villages and the neighbourhood to give an insight to the children about the rural life. All the acvies were carried out under the supervision of the staff members. It needs to be menoned here that the summer camps were organized aſter obtaining permission from Child Welfare Commiee, Kamrup Metro. The details of the summer camp – • Auxilium Snehalaya, Noonma – The children of Auxilium Snehalaya were taken for numerous oungs in July. On July 20, 2019 the staff accompanied the children for a study tour to different places. They visited the Assam State Zoo in Guwaha. The children were excited to see the different animals, variees of birds and reples, which they have never seen. Aſter the zoo visit was over, they proceeded towards Sonapur to have lunch in a dhaba. There was a flower nursery near the dhaba. The children went inside the nursery to have a view of different flowers and saplings. Aſter the lunch they visited the Regional Science Museum, Khanapara. The children enjoyed understanding the scienfic instruments. Aſter all the wonderful oungs, they returned to Auxilium. The following week, the children visited Tangla, Udalguri and Tezpur accompanied by the staff. • ILA Snehalaya, Betkuchi– The summer camp for the children of ILA Snehalaya was organized from July 10 to July 16, 2019. The staff members along with 21 children reached the venue, Nirmala Convent, Baganpara at 11.30 AM. The community members of the convent welcomed them. In the evening the children were made aware about the me table. The next day as it was raining, the children remained occupied with indoor games. The following day the children parcipated in a football match and then in a drawing compeon. Sr. Jyo of Nirmala Convent taught them acon songs and the children were fast in picking up. They took part in a friendly Kabbadi match. They were taught folk and modern dances as well. They were taken for oungs to the nearby places too. Accompanied by the staff, the children were transported in the Snehalaya bus to the venue. Various acvies were organized among the children like football match, drawing, singing and kabbadi compeons. On July 16, 2019 they returned to their home, ILA Snehalaya. The inmates of Auxilium Snehalaya during an oung Children of ILA Snehalaya during summer camp

Transcript of SUMMER CAMPS 2019

SUMMER CAMPS 2019Every year, in July, when the children have summer vacations, they are taken to places away from Guwahati and camps are organized in rural areas under the supervision of the authorities. The children get a break and get engaged in group activities like helping the cooks by cleaning the vegetables, cleaning house, paddy cultivation, fishing and other playful activities like telling stories etc. The summer camps which consist of short term stay in a different place away from their usual residence provide a rejuvenating experience. The activities in which they are engaged in during the camp have a long lasting effect. The staff members animate them on various aspects like cleanliness, hygiene, self discipline, life skills etc. They are escorted to the nearby villages and the neighbourhood to give an insight to the children about the rural life. All the activities were carried out under the supervision of the staff members.It needs to be mentioned here that the summer camps were organized after obtaining permission from Child Welfare Committee, Kamrup Metro.The details of the summer camp –

• Auxilium Snehalaya, Noonmati – The children of Auxilium Snehalaya were taken for numerous outings in July. On July 20, 2019 the staff accompanied the children for a study tour to different places. They visited the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati. The children were excited to see the different animals, varieties of birds and reptiles, which they have never seen. After the zoo visit was over, they proceeded towards Sonapur to have lunch in a dhaba. There was a flower nursery near the dhaba. The children went inside the nursery to have a view of different flowers and saplings. After the lunch they visited the Regional Science Museum, Khanapara. The children enjoyed understanding the scientific instruments. After all the wonderful outings, they returned to Auxilium. The following week, the children visited Tangla, Udalguri and Tezpur accompanied by the staff.

• ILA Snehalaya, Betkuchi– The summer camp for the children of ILA Snehalaya was organized from July 10 to July 16, 2019. The staff members along with 21 children reached the venue, Nirmala Convent, Baganpara at 11.30 AM. The community members of the convent welcomed them. In the evening the children were made aware about the time table. The next day as it was raining, the children remained occupied with indoor games. The following day the children participated in a football match and then in a drawing competition.Sr. Jyoti of Nirmala Convent taught them action songs and the children were fast in picking up. They took part in a friendly Kabbadi match. They were taught folk and modern dances as well. They were taken for outings to the nearby places too. Accompanied by the staff, the children were transported in the Snehalaya bus to the venue. Various activities were organized among the children like football match, drawing, singing and kabbadi competitions. On July 16, 2019 they returned to their home, ILA Snehalaya.

The inmates of Auxilium Snehalaya during an outing

Children of ILA Snehalaya during summer camp

2

• Jyoti Snehalaya, Beltola – The inmates of Jyoti Snehalaya were taken to Satgaon, West Karbi Anglong on July 5, 2019. There were 31 children and 5 staff members. The accomodation was done in Don Bosco School. Due to the incessant rains those days no outings or outdoor activities could be conducted. On pleasant weather the children were taken to visit the School and Institutions in Sojong. Another visit was made to Tumpreng Park where children had a wonderful time. They visited Don Bosco, Hojai as well. The children remained mostly indoors occupying themselves with indoor games like ludo, carrom etc. After spending splendid days in Karbi Anglong, they returned to Guwahati on July 10, 2019.

• Snehalaya Boys’ Home, Dhirenpara – The children of Snehalaya Boys’ Home had the privilege of enjoying summer vacation in Don Bosco School, Doomni from July 15-July 25, 2019. They were very enthusiastic for the camp. They set out for Doomni along with the staff members on July 15, 2019 in the morning. When they reached their destination, they were served delicious lunch by the cooks there. As the next two days were raining the children could not have

any outdoor activities.The next day a friendly football match was organized between the staff members and the children. Surprisingly, the children turned out to be better players, and won the match. An interesting activity for the children, fishing was carried out in the nearby stream by the staff and the children which was too enjoyable. They managed to catch large numbers of fishes than the staff. They cooked it for dinner and savoured them. Paddy cultivation in the nearby village paddy fields were taught to them so that children learn the most important sector of India’s economy i.e Agriculture. The children enjoyed planting paddy. This was a memorable experience for

them. An outing was organized to the nearby tea factory. The entire

process of tea production right after tea leaves are plucked was explained to the children. They listened very patiently. The team visited Bhutan and Manas National Park as well. In a nutshell, the children had wonderful moments in the camp. On July 25, 2019 they returned to Guwahati.

• Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights, Paltna Bazar – The summer camp for the children of Snehalaya centre for Child Rights was organized in Don Bosco School, Bhutiachang, Tangla from July 10-July 27, 2019. On July 10, 2019 the children along with the staff started their journey towards Bhutiachang in the early morning hours in a bus. The children sang and danced during the entire journey. After they reached Don Bosco, they were shown the lodging places, cooking and study rooms. In the evening everyone sat together to discuss the schedule of activities in the camp. The main activities carried out during the camp were football matches, fishing and various indoor games. During this camp the children had the advantage of visiting nearby villages which provided a detailed picture of the village life. They visited tea gardens too. Singing competition and friendly football matches were organized among the children. The Sisters who are in charge of Don Bosco School animated the children on values of life like sincerity, morality etc. The team returned to Guwahati on July 27, 2019.

OPEN DISCUSSION ORGANISED BY RISE ORGANISATION INCOLLABORATION WITH SNEHALAYA An open discussion was organized by Rise, an NGO of Assam in collaboration with Snehalaya in the conference hall of St. Joseph Church, Panbazar on August 3, 2019. Chandan Kumar Singh is a promising youth who has founded

Children of Jyoti Snehalaya along with the staff during the camp

The children of Snehalaya Boys’ Home having a good time

The inmates and staff of Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights during a visit to a tea garden

3

INDEPENDENCE DAYIndependence Day was celebrated in Snehalaya on August 15, 2019 in all the homes. The children got ready in the morning for the programme. In Auxilium Snehalaya, the children wore costumes depicting the three colours of our national flag. They participated in the Independence Day celebration of Guwahati Refinery.In ILA Snehalaya, the tricolor was hoisted by Fr. John Crasto. He urged the children to follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi and non-violence. Children listened to his speech enthusiastically. The children of Jyoti Snehalaya were invited to the office of Assam State Commission of Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) for the celebration. Dr Sunita Changkakati, the Chairperson of ASCPCR hoisted the national flag.In Snehalaya Boys’ Home, the flag was hoisted by Fr. Martin R Marak, the Superintendent of the home. In his speech, he spoke about the freedom fighters’ fight against the oppression of the British. The teacher and students of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Centre (SSA), Dhirenpara and Marwari Sanstha members of Machkhowa, Guwahati participated in the programme as well. In Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights, Fr. Thomas John, Administrator of Snehalaya hoisted the flag and he spoke about truthfulness, sincerity and non violence. He asked the children to follow these principles. The teacher and students of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Centre (SSA), Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights participated.The festival of Raksha Bandhan coincided with the Independence Day. It was celebrated in Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights. The teacher of Sarva Siksha Centre tied raakhis or the protective band on the wrist of Fr. Thomas John and the other staff members and prayed for their well being.

the organization, Rise. It aims to work in the field of educational development for the poor children. In addition to this the organization prepares ground zero video reports on various social issues. The teachers of government schools of Guwahati and the students were invited to participate. The inmates of Snehalaya were invited as well. The topics for discussion were – Water crisis, Environment Destruction and Climate Change, Problems in Indian Educational System and An increase in incidents of student suicides. Dr Narayan Sharma, Assistant Professor of Department of Environmental Biology and Wildlife Sciences of Cotton University was the chief guest and chief speaker of the programme. He spoke about climate changes. Global warming is affecting the whole planet Earth. The children expressed their views and concerns in the discussion. The teachers expressed their views too.

JYOTI CHILDREN WIN PRIZES IN ART COMPETITION On August 20, 2019 the children of Jyoti Snehalaya received prizes in a programme organised by Sankardeva Nethralaya for winning drawing competition organised by Nethralaya. Snehalaya hails their achievement. Anita Borgohain won the 2nd Prize and Anjana Tati won the 3rd Prize respectively.

The guests and the participants of theprogramme

Chairperson of ASCPCR hoisting the flag

Independence Day celebration in Auxilium Snehalaya

The prize distribution ceremony

4

PARTICIPATION IN FASHION SHOWThe inmates of Jyoti Snehalaya had an amazing opportunity of participating on invitation in a fashion show organised by Style magazine in ITA Pragjyoti, Machkhowa on September 3, 2019. The girls were so excited to take part in this programme. They are so thankful to the organisers.

TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONTeachers’ Day was celebrated by Snehalaya with gaiety on September 5,2019. All the teachers who are from Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Centres associated with Snehalaya and the teachers tutoring Snehalaya children were invited for the celebration. It was a very small programme. Anamika Baruah while hosting the programme spoke about the importance of the day. Teachers’ Day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and the second president of India. He was a teacher by profession. He taught in many universities of South India. He had a great love for teaching and loved

his students. Teachers’ Day is celebrated in his remembrance.All the teachers were felicitated by the children of Snehalaya and presented gifts as token of respect and appreciation. Fr. Thadeus Kujur remarked about the noble side of teaching. He mentioned that the teachers are the torchbearers and it is they who show the path of truth, honesty and sincerity to the children. The teachers expressed their happiness and satisfaction while working with Snehalaya. Fr. Thomas John spoke about the influence teachers have on their students which is long lasting. He further appreciated the teachers for their commitment in their work.The junior members of Lions Club, Guwahati participated in the programme and felicitated the teachers. All were served a sumptuous lunch thereafter.

DURGA PUJA OUTINGThe children of all the homes had a wonderful outing during the Durga Puja from Oct 5 to Oct 8, 2019. The children wore colourful dresses and went for different pandal hopping accompanied by the staff. They visited many Durga Puja pandals and enjoyed the innovative structure of the pandals. They savoured the delicacies especially jalebis available in and around the pandals.

HEALTH CHECK UPNational Health Mission (NHM) carried out a health mission drive for the Child Care Institutions (CCIs). Health experts in various disciplines like Medicine, ENT, Dental etc. visited the CCIs and examined the children. On October 10, 2019 the NHM team visited Jyoti Snehalaya and examined the inmates. All of them were found to be in good health. Some free medicines were distributed among the children.

The children of Jyoti Snehalaya participating in the show

Teacher’s Day celebration in Snehalaya, Paltan Bazar

The children of Jyoti Snehalaya in front of a puja pandal along with the staff

Health check up of the children by NHM in Jyoti Snehalaya

5

CROATIAN FOOTBALLER VISITED SNEHALAYACroatian football player, Mislav Komorski who was playing for Indian club Northeast United FC visited all the homes of Snehalaya. He was delighted to meet the lovely children of the homes. He was impressed with the infrastructure of Snehalaya besides the service provided to the children in need of care and protection.

CHILDREN RECEIVE BANK PASSBOOKSAccording to the rules of Grievance Redressal Committee, all the inmates of a Child Care Institution need to have bank accounts. Hence, bank accounts were opened in Nagarik Samabay Bank Ltd. for all the children of Snehalaya.

Mislav Komorski (in black) along with the children in Snehalaya Boys’ Home

Children of ILA Snehalaya receiving bank passbooks. Prity Jyoti Lakra(right), staff of Snehalaya is present with them

Children of Jyoti Snehalaya receiving the bank passbooks

6

The inmates of Jyoti Snehalaya performed a dance based on Christmas and the children of Auxilium Snehalaya presented an Assamese carol song much to the delight of everyone. The children of ILA Snehalaya enacted the Nativity. The boys dressed up as Joseph, Mary, Angels and as Magi. The children of Snehalaya Boys’ Home and Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights performed modern dances. In this programme, under the CSR initiative, Federal Bank donated 2 almirahs, 2 tables and 2 chairs to Snehalaya. Fr. Thadeus Kujur in his speech presented a note of acknowledgement and thankfulness to Federal Bank for their kindness. The Nativity scene presented by ILA Snehalaya

Distribution of gifts to childrenThe participants of the celebration

Santa Claus arrived on a bike and amused the children. He distributed chocolates among them. Fr. Thadeus Kujur and Santa Claus distributed Christmas gifts to the children and the staff members. A Christmas cake was cut to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. A delicious lunch was served to everyone. The programme was a short and sweet one.

PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONSPre-Christmas celebration, one of the most awaited events of Snehalaya was celebrated in ILA Snehalaya on December 21, 2019. All the children and the staff of Snehalaya gathered in ILA Snehalaya at 10 AM. Immediately after gathering, all were served breakfast which was sponsored by Robin Hood Army, an NGO of Guwahati. Just after the delicious breakfast, the Crib was unveiled and blessed by Fr. Thadeus Kujur. The programme which was anchored by the staff members Manuel Minj and Prity Jyoti Lakra started. Fr. Martin R Marak welcomed everyone through his speech.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONSDiwali, the festival of lights was celebrated in all the homes of Snehalaya. The children love to light the earthen lamps (diyas), and burn crackers under the observation of the staff. Diwali, was celebrated collectively in ILA Snehalaya on October 26, 2019. The members of Childaid Network, Germany participated and celebrated Diwali with the children and the staff. Children presented cultural items as well.

Diwali Celebration in ILA Snehalaya

7

AFTER CARE PROJECT REPORTDuring this term, the After care Coordinator for boys, Richard Johnson Claridge coordinated with Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights and Snehalaya Boys’ Home and organised different motivational sessions on career guidance, money management, awareness on various harmful effects of addictions etc. He encouraged the young boys to continue their studies and guided them to identify their future plans. Similarly, Coordinator for girls, Julie Steinherr Borah on several occasions, visited the inmates of Jyoti Snehalaya and took motivational session for the young girls and guided them in various aspects like career guidance, health and hygiene, menstruation, demerits of early marriage, school dropout, mental status, sexual abuse etc.On July 26, 2019 Robert Ewers and the team of Childaid Network visited Jyoti Snehalaya where all the Aftercare beneficiaries residing in Guwahati came for the short meeting with the Childaid Network Team. The team members were accorded warm welcome by Snehalaya family. The main objective of the meeting was to introduce our Aftercare beneficiaries with the Childaid Network team and to know their future plan. The boys and girls gave self introduction along with their personal care plan for future. Motivational talk was delivered by Jonas based on his childhood experience and it was really encouraging for the beneficiaries. After care Coordinators expressed their gratitude to Childaid Network team, Germany for being so much supportive and sparing their valuable time with After care beneficiaries. The beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude towards the entire team. The meeting concluded with refreshment served to everyone. The tasks undertaken in the Aftercare project –• Closing of the new beneficiaries’ files in CWC (Child Welfare Committee).• Enrollment of beneficiaries for the 7th batch in the Aftercare program for the next 3 years.• Career guidance and motivation sessions were organized.• Shifting of the Aftercare youths to rent houses & hostels.• Documents like Pan Card and Aadhar Card were made for the youths. Bank accounts were opened as well.• Enrollment of the children in colleges, vocational training centers and other professional courses.• Furniture, utensils, and clothes were purchased for those staying in rent house and hostel.• Medical and counseling assistance were provided according to their needs.• Visits were made to the rent house, hostel, work place, vocational training centers by the Coordinators for all the beneficiaries to check their attendance and progress.• Financial monitoring is done every month – monthly stipend and rent were transferred to the bank accounts of all the beneficiaries. Passbooks were updated and monitored.• Education fees of colleges and vocational centers where the Aftercare youths are studying, were paid.

SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATIONA new project was initiated by Snehalaya in the month of August, 2019 named “Support to victims of trafficking and exploitation” in collaboration with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), an NGO founded by Nobel Peace Laureate of India, Kailash Satyarthi. The project envisions a society where no children are engaged in forced labour and are able to enjoy their fundamental rights to survive and thrive in an environment, free from fear of exploitation and abuse. The project shall make a comprehensive intervention at the grassroots to enjoin efforts of all concerned state and non-state actors for child protection. This strategy would essentially involve effective enforcement of the relevant laws and other mandates to remove children under distress from exploitative situations; and enable these children towards their holistic rehabilitation. This proposed intervention shall also contribute to the larger vision of Snehalaya

The Aftercare beneficiaries with the Childaid Network Teamand the Coordinators

Snehalaya Centre for Child RightsK.B. Road, Paltan Bazar, Near Meghdoot Cinema Hall, Guwahati-781 008, Assam, India

+91 361 2960089(O), +91 9859938434(M), +91 7002063011(M), + 91 9592639451(M), + 91 7005597336 (M)E-mail: [email protected], [email protected],[email protected]

Website: www.snehalayaghy.org

REPORT FROM CHILD FRIENDLY GUWAHATI (CFG) PROJECTIn keeping with the tradition of the Vocational Department of Child Friendly Guwahati, a Certification Program was held for the youth pursuing three months or six months courses in the CFG Tailoring or Computer centers. A total no of 40 youths were certified with successful course completion certificates. The program started with a prayer song performed by Fr. Thadeus Kujur, Rector and Director of Snehalaya-Child Friendly Guwahati. It was followed by felicitation of Fr Thadeus Kujur, and Mr. Deba Kumar Dutta, Sr Program Coordinator of CFG with Gamosa by CFG Vocational youths.Dances were performed by CFG Vocational youth showcasing their talent.In his encouraging speech Fr Thadeus, introduced the Vocational Team and faculties of the CFG Vocational training centers to all who were present. Fr Thadeus addressed the youth and asked them to believe in team effort and said that they should not be lazy. He urged that we should all learn and utilize our learning for future benefit of others. The youths of Vocational Centers with the dignitaries

Total data from September to December 2019 Months Child Labour FIR Loged Missing, Abuse etc. Sep 2 2 0 Oct 10 7 0 Nov 3 2 3 Dec 5 3 0 Total 20 14 3

A legal awareness camp organised by Snehalaya and BBA

to create a child friendly society committed to providing a nurturing environment for their development and growth. From August to December 2019, 4 legal awareness programmes were organised by Snehalaya in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) and Retired Gauhati High Court Judge, Khagen Dohotia in Chandrapur, Kalapani, Milanpur, Gandhibasti areas of Guwahati. Jyotsna Das represented DLSA.

A brief report of the project from August – December 2019

Months Identified Rescued September 8 2 October 16 10 November 52 6 December 5 5 Total 81 23