Manmohi |
Lajawab | Balkruti | Education | Rehabilitation | Street Children: Without Home |
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Not Without
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Objective The Vatsalya Foundation's Objectives
Children are the future of the nation. Children and youth at our centers are provided with health care, nutrition, counseling, non-formal education, recreation, intensive guided group interaction, vocational training and are also involved in other activities all aimed at increasing their self-esteem and confidence to face life. Each activity is planned keeping their development in view.
Medical Care : Street children usually live in unhygienic conditions, As a result they suffer from a range of diseases: malaria, respiratory problems, diarrhea etc. Owing to lack of money for medical aid, and the absence of proper guidance, many children fall prey to various addictions like narcotics. Vatsalya provides bathing facilities, as bathing is important not only for health but it also improves the child's self-image. We also provide mid-day meals as most children have been diagnosed malnourished by visiting Doctors. This is also linked to their participation in educational programs at the centers. Medical training camps are organized for older boys and youth so that they can later manage minor health problems.First aid kits are kept at Contact Points with persons who volunteer to help street children in medical emergencies. Children requiring medical assistance are referred to nearby Municipal Hospitals and dispensaries. As a preventive measure, regular awareness sessions and programs are held to emphasize good heath and hygiene. First aid camps, health check-ups and camps for early detection and treatmentare an ongoing activity at Vatsalya. Counseling : Mental health and well being of the children and youth are the main focus of our counseling activities. Each child/youth is given due attention in respect of his/her personal needs and helped through participatory problem solving process. The life on the streets takes a huge emotional toll on them. In order to help them cope with their feelings, they are supported through individual and group counseling. Counseling aims at helping children develop relationships, handle responsibilities and discipline their lives. Children are also involved in group activities where they can vent their emotions and energy in a creative way. Education : Most street children are deprived of their right to education. Vatsalya sees education as a prime means of effectively bringing them into mainstream society. Non-Formal education : These classes are conducted at the shelter and centers for those who are unable to attend formal school. Non-formal education utilizes creative aptitude and learning skills through various activities such as discussions, discourses, audio-visual inputs, quizzing, games, story telling, dramatics,art and craft and others. The children are prepared to enter school. Formal Education : Children are enrolled in local corporation schools. The families of the children of pavement dwellers are made to realize the importance of their support in fulfillingthedevelopmental needs of the child. This is done through regular meetings of parents and team members. Skill Training : To let the children and youth realize their in-built potential, we provide them with skill training. They feel gratified to see their own talents and aesthetic skills. This enhances their self-esteem and self-worth. The articles made by these children are put up for sale at exhibitions. To motivate them, a stipend is paid to these children. They save this money at the center's and shelter's saving scheme. The youth are later encouraged to take up regular jobs. All this is done under a project called " Balkruti " . Visits,Camps and Interaction : Camps and visits are organized to expose the children and youth to various experiences.Camps are planned keeping in mind the educational, recreational and developmental needs of the children. This provides an opportunity for them to develop close relations with each other. At camps, sessions related to group living, value inputs, family life and sex education are conducted. Educational and Recreational Visits : These are organized to museums, institutions and other such places. Children and youth participate in fairs, exhibitions and interaction programs organized by other organisations and social clubs. Vatsalya encourages interactive program, where our children get to interact with society at large. Such a program helps the children go through a process of self-awareness, where they see themselves through the eyes of the society. Such interactions not only improve a child's self-image but gives society a chance to understand the potential of street children. Opportunity For Expression: Children are endowed with a rich imagination and creativity that has to be supported to help them grow. To further this goal, our children have started a magazine " Nanhe Likhan " . It provides an avenue for the expression of their views through literary and artistic skills. They feel delighted to know that their work is reaching other people and is appreciated. Darshan Theatre Group is an attempt to reach out to the masses with an issue through the creative medium of play and drama. Child-to-Child Programme : Children and youth not only participate in the activities of the organization but also in the rehabilitation of other street children and youth. They refer other children on the streets to the contact centers and shelters. The ex-street youth share their experiences with the others and become their role models.
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