The Self Employed Women’s Assocation (SEWA), Citizen Effect's field partner in India, started the Hamare Bachche (“Our Children”) Program aimed at rehabilitating children who lost one or both parents in the 2002 Gujarat 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 riots after witnessing their parents being burnt alive by mobs.
Jeff has partnered with the Hamare Bachche families in Mehsana district to support the education of 32 child victims of the riots. In addition to sponsoring their tuition and school fees for the 2010 school year, 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. Regular meetings with teachers and guardians are held to monitor the children’s well-being and education; teachers were instructed to deal these children with patience and utmost care. Special tutoring and test prep are also given to needy Hamare Bachche students to inspire confidence and improve performance. Beginning with admission in the schools and hostels, their every need as students was taken care of by SEWA.
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 co-ordinate with schoolteachers regularly and especially during the examination time to inspire confidence and increase marks.
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Citizen Philanthropist Online Resources - over 2 years ago read more
Neel P. donated to Hamare Bachche Education — Mehsana District! - about 1 year ago visit the project
New CP added to Jeff's Education Project — Hamare Bachche Mehsana! - over 2 years ago visit the project
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