The Self Employed Women’s Assocation (SEWA) started the Hamare Bachche (“Our Children”) Program aimed at rehabilitating children who lost one or both parents in the riots and placing them back in school to finish their education. Children between the ages of 3-18 years are enrolled in Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools. Many had become orphans and many were traumatized by the brutality of the 2002 Gujarat riots after witnessing their parents being burnt alive by mobs.
Ed has partnered with the Hamare Bachche families in Anand and Kheda districts to support the education of 32 child victims of the riots. In addition to sponsoring their tuition and school fees, the project will also provide the necessary books, stationery, school bags, uniform, and other supplies for each student. Each child and family will also receive continuous monitoring by the SEWA program teams to ensure that the children regularly go to school, and regular meetings will be conducted with the teachers and principals to assess the progress of the children.
This program covers the costs of education for the Hamare Bachche children, in addition to:
-Trauma Assessment and Counseling
-School fees and supplies
-Uniforms
-Room and Board (if necessary)
-Health Care Services
-Childcare Services for Younger Children
-Vocational Guidance and Trainings
-Extra-curricular Activities and Field Trips
-Organizing special programs like Summer Camps, Workshops, and picnics
-Exam Preparation and Tutoring
The psychological trauma faced by the children requires special care and attention, as many of the children witnessed the death of one or both parents in the brutality of the communal riots. The violence and its aftermath greatly disrupted the lives of entire communities; families who lost their sole breadwinner struggled to make ends meet and children who lost both parents were placed in orphanages or with distant relatives. As a result, children were left out of school and unable to pay for their education costs.
The primary aim of the rehabilitation of the children after the horrible events of 2002 is to divert their minds from the tragic incident. As education should be the main priority for any child, it is crucial for the children to go back to school and attend it regularly. SEWA started the Hamare Bachche program to sponsor and encourage the children to continue their education. However, the children were afraid to leave their homes as they were still haunted by the past. Their mothers were also reluctant to send their children to school out of fear.
SEWA initiated a faith-building process with its grassroots researchers acting as hand-holders. The SEWA team frequently visited and spent more time with the children and their mothers giving solace and encouragement, supporting their return to school and regular activities.
In addition, special teams visit the children at school every week. The team meets the class teachers, principals and gets the report of the child’s progress. Regular meetings with parents are held to help counsel parents on how to provide quality education for their children at home. The team members also tutor the weak students and coordinate with schoolteachers regularly and especially during the examination time to inspire confidence and improve academic performance.
Edgewater, MD
Hamare Bachche Education — Anand & Kheda Districts completed! - about 1 year ago visit the project
New CP added to Ed's Hamare Bachche Project — Anand & Kheda Districts! - over 2 years ago visit the project
Udaan Girls Education Program — India
For every 100 girls in rural India, only 18 will reach 8th grade, and only 1 ... visit project
After School Assembly Program — Gulf Coast
Since the April 20th Deepwater Horizon explosion, the families of Louisiana’s... visit project
Podo Treatment Program (Phase II) — Debasso
The village of Debasso is currently threatened by one of the world’s most neg... visit project
Girls' Summer Engineering Program - Detroit Mercy
The Summer Engineering Experience for Detroit Area Youth is a powerful progra... visit project
Podo Treatment Program (Phase II) — Debasso
The village of Debasso is currently threatened by one of the world’s most neg... visit project
Turkish Americans for Haiti Relief Fund
On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced the worst earthquake in the country’s ... visit project
Claire L's 30-Day Yoga Challenge Project
From an early age, children in Cloetesville, South Africa are forced to strug... visit project
After School Assembly Program — Gulf Coast
Since the April 20th Deepwater Horizon explosion, the families of Louisiana’s... visit project
Well & Sanitation Construction — Masindi District District
Small communities in Western Uganda's Masindi district struggle to meet their... visit project
Roof Rainwater Water System — Katiya Village
Water shortages have created critical health and development problems in Kati... visit project