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Sishu Bikash Prakalpa APRIL 2008 to MARCH 2009
The Magdalene Foundation City Dump Crèche project has completed its first year working with Development Action Society (DAS), an Indian non Governmental Organisation. The Development Action Society (DAS) has been working in the fields of education, health, vocational training, and SHG in areas of South East Kolkata since 1995.
DAS currently operates 6 Non-Formal Education Centres, 8 Sikhalaya (alternate Government Schools) 13 Coaching Centers,5 Vocational Training Centres for mothers, 1 Child Labour School and Tracking in 29 KPSC Schools to retain primary school pupils. Other awareness raising programs are also undertaken by DAS including Education, AIDS, Early Marriage, Immunisations and Child Labour in order to enhance the knowledge and meet the needs of the community.
Through the support of the Magdalene Foundation, DAS's targeted area is in Chailabi, located beside the Dhapa-Dumping area (main city dump for Kolkata). This area is a semi rural and devoid of many facilities enjoyed by the Kolkata Municipal Council areas. The total population of the area is 1500, comprised of 350 men, 300 females and 850 children.
There is only 1 primary school for 2 neighbouring areas of Chainabi. There is no high school or health centre, and the nearest market is 3 kms away with limited transport and communication as the nearest bus stop is 5 kms away. The area has no electricity or clean drinking water supply, with a few tube wells supplying contaminated water. The area, and those adjoining, does not have any medical facilities or registered doctors. The nearest hospital being 20-30 kms away, this, because of poor transportation, being inaccessible to the majority of individuals residing there.
The primary occupation for the male inhabitants is fishing or jobs associated with fishing. (A high proportion of men, estimated to be approximately 90%, abuse alcohol resulting in premature death). The only occupation available to women is rag picking on the Municipal Tip and it is estimated that approximately 40% are involved in this type of work. This number increases to about 50% during the pre rainy season (monsoon), and the winter season, for the collection of material for fuel.
When parents are out at work, children are left at home in vulnerable conditions which sometimes lead to fatal accidents. As there are no educational facilities in the area, parents cannot send their children to a school (or crèche) which could offer a protective environment whilst they are away working.
With the financial support of the Magdalene Foundation, DAS established (March 2007) and continues to provide:
· A pre school crèche for children aged between 1½ to 6 years
· A basic Health Clinic for children and mothers
· Needs based community awareness programs
The crèche facility also provides:
· Training on ADL (activities of Daily Living)
· Health and hygiene.
· Monitoring the height and weight of the children.
· A "Toy corner" for the children.
· Pre School education for children aged between 3 to 6yrs, preparing them for mainstreaming.
· Weekly health clinic for the mothers of the community and their children
· Referral services and follows ups for critical diseases.
· Basic Immunisation schedules, including follow up
Regular awareness raising programme are also organised for mothers in the community on issues including:
· Early Marriage,
· Effects of Alcohol misuse
· The importance of Immunization Schedules,
HIV AIDS,
· Tuberculosis,
· Child Rights
· Trafficking.
The following personnel will continue to be funded by Magdalene Foundation:
2 Teachers to prepare children for Government School admission, engage the children through various play and sensory activity to assist their motor and intellectual development.
1 Doctor to run health check ups for children on a part time basis
1 Health Worker to support the doctor and liaise with the government health care system for referrals and emergency cases
1 Cook to prepare low-cost nutritious food for children
1 Helper to assist the cook and the teachers and manage the centre
1 Coordinator responsible to manage the education and health programme
1 Project Director responsible for overall programmes and liaison with the donor organization
Following a successful 1st year funding has been agreed by Magdalene Foundation for the second year. Regular monitoring and evaluation will continue to be key to the success of this project.
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