Eight years after communal riots led to the deaths of over 1,000 people in Gujarat, India, the widows and children of many victims are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Left without a means to support themselves or pursue the opportunities that could improve their quality of life, these women and children have been forced to cope with the psychological trauma caused by the riot with little help or hope.
The Self Employed Women’s Assocation (SEWA) established the Hamare Bachche (“Our Children”) Program to rehabilitate children who lost one or both parents in the 2002 riots and ensure they return to school to finish their education. The program supports the enrollment of children between the ages of 3-18 years in Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.
This project will allow 40 children to participate in the Hamare Bachche Program through the 2010 academic year so they can continue their education, achieve self-reliance, and seek more prosperous opportunities for their families. In addition to sponsoring the 40 students’ tuition and school fees, the project will also provide each of them with necessary books, stationery, school bags, uniforms, counseling, healthcare services, and extra-curricular field trips and other provisions. Each child and family will also be specially monitored and supported by the SEWA program teams to ensure that the children attend school and are progressing in their studies and growth.
This project will provide the necessary funding so that 40 selected students can participate in the Hamare Bachche program throughout 2010. Each student will be able to regularly attend school in addition to receiving the following:
• trauma assessment and counseling
• school fees and supplies
• uniforms
• room and board (if necessary)
• healthcare services
• childcare services for younger children
• vocational guidance and training
• extracurricular activities and field trips
• special programs including summer camps, workshops, and picnics
• exam preparation and tutoring
Many of the children participating in the Hamare Bachche Program struggle with psychological trauma after having witnesses the brutal death of one or both of their parents. In addition, most have lost their fathers and as a result, their main source of financial support. Without the special care and attention they require, these children are unable to afford the price of an education and cannot attend school. Instead, they remain in orphanages or live with distant relatives as they grapple with the memories and legacy of the riots’ violence.
The Hamare Bachche Program is dedicated to creating a faith-building process with selected children so that they are empowered to overcome the memories of the past and pursue brighter futures. Each Hamare Bachche child is assigned to at least one SEWA coordinator who counsels and supports the child and his or her family. Each coordinator visits their assigned children at school every week and regularly meets with teachers and principals to receive reports on and discuss each child’s progress.
In addition, the Hamare Bachche Program facilitates regular meetings between teachers and guardians to monitor the children’s well-being and educations. This project will also facilitate special tutoring and test prep to be given to impoverished Hamare Bachche students to inspire their confidence and improve their academic performances.
San Ramon, CA
Bank of America E. donated to Hamare Bachche Education Program — Ahmedabad City! - 7 months ago visit the project
Gauri K. donated to Hamare Bachche Education Program — Ahmedabad City! - about 1 year ago visit the project
Di Y. donated to Hamare Bachche Education Program — Ahmedabad City! - about 1 year ago visit the project
Gauri K. donated to Hamare Bachche Education Program — Ahmedabad City! - about 1 year ago visit the project
New CP added to Hamare Bachche Education Program — Ahmedabad City! - over 2 years ago visit the project
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