Children Participation
Child groups
The formation of children’s groups provides a platform for children to come together, express their ideas, and actively participate in decision-making processes that affect them. Through these groups, children learn valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Moreover, they gain a sense of belonging and confidence, which fosters their overall personal development and prepares them to become responsible and engaged members of society. At Dhruv we have made many child groups through which many children have received bridge education, dropout students have been enrolled to schools again and regularized irregular students to school.
Bal Mela
Bal Mela is a children’s fair that is organized by Dhruv-Child Rights Organisation on a regular basis every year. The mela is open to all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status and is funded by individual donations.
Bal Mela offers a variety of engaging activities, including artwork sessions, interactive demonstrations on human body parts, fun games, and a “Best out of Waste” activity where children learned about recycling and reusing materials creatively. Discussions and informative sessions were held to educate the children about their fundamental rights. Through Bal Mela we aimed to raise awareness about children’s rights.
Anti child labour day Celebration
Every year on 12th June Dhruv celebrates World day against Child labour.Ourmain aim is to raise awareness about the grave consequences of child labour and highlight its illegality as a punishable offense. Through various initiatives and campaigns, we sensitize communities about the importance of education as a fundamental right for every child. We emphasize that schools provide a safe and conducive environment for learning and personal growth, far superior to the hazards and exploitation that child labour entails.
Children’s day celebration
Children’s Day Celebration is a cherished occasion for us, where every year our team extends its reach to the most vulnerable areas in villages. We engage in festivities with the children, organizing a range of enjoyable and educational activities. Through these interactions, we take the opportunity to raise awareness about the fundamental rights that every child deserves. Additionally, we provide valuable information about the various benefits available through government schemes, ensuring that families are informed and empowered to access these resources for the betterment of their children’s futures.
Inclusive education
Mass mobilization for enrollment of children
We do extensive community outreach efforts to ensure that every child, irrespective of their background, is enrolled in school. It entails raising awareness about the importance of education, addressing barriers to enrollment, and actively engaging with parents and community members to prioritize education for all children. Children ate also provided admission through RTE.
146 children enrolled to school
SMC Training Programme:
1031 Comprehensive training sessions are organized for SMC members, equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills. These sessions cover a range of critical areas, including their specific roles and responsibilities within the committee and the crucial task of formulating a robust school development plan. By empowering SMC members through targeted training, we lay the foundation for a more inclusive, accountable, and high-quality education system that benefits every child.
Capacity Building of Parents, Teachers, and Anganwadi Workers:
Through comprehensive capacity-building programs, we equip parents with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as responsible citizens, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in shaping their child’s future. By fostering a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and the community, we aim to create an environment where every child has the support and resources they need to thrive. More than 2170 meetings were conducted with the community to ensure a collective commitment to the well-being and development of our children.
Teachers received specialized training from Dhruv in utilizing multi-lingual materials, including Bhilli and Gujarati languages. This equips them to effectively teach children in their local dialect, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience. Materials have been prepared in collaboration with retired teachers to provide syllabus in Bhilli Language.934 Teachers have been trained so far.
Dhruv Team conducts training workshops for Anganwadi workers, focusing on engaging activities such as action songs, educational activities etc. 362 workshops have been conducted to equip them with creative tools to effectively engage and educate children under their care, fostering a stimulating learning environment.
Campaign on enrollment in school
The month of June marks a crucial period for our campaign on school enrollment. Our primary objective during this time is to ensure that every child is not only enrolled in school but also receives the education they deserve. We particularly focus on re-enrolling children who may have dropped out, providing them with a second chance at education. 23 Campaigns were conducted to engage with parents to sensitize them about importance of education in their child’s development and future prospects.
Building Library
Establishing a library is crucial for enhancing access to knowledge and promoting a culture of reading within the community. We have Library facility at our campus in Jadisembal where children from nearby areas visit often. It has resources for both children and adults, fostering a love for learning, improving literacy, and enabling individuals to explore a diverse range of topics.
Formation of village committees to monitor the functioning of Anganwadi and schools
Village committees play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of Anganwadi centers and schools. These committees comprise local stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and educators, who collaborate to oversee the quality of services provided. We have facilitated in formation of Child protection committee at more than 5250 villages in Sabarkantha, Dahod and Panchmahal districts.
Lifeskill and Vocational training for young persons
This initiative focuses on equipping young individuals with practical life skills and vocational training to enhance their employability and overall well-being. It encompasses a range of activities and workshops designed to develop crucial skills such as communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, and specific vocational abilities that empower them for a successful transition into adulthood and the workforce.
Adolescent girl’s life skill training programme
Dhruv envisions the adolescent girls’ training program as a pivotal step towards realizing gender equality in the society. By nurturing and empowering young women through this initiative, we aspire to cultivate a group of future leaders who will actively engage in public initiatives, champion meaningful causes, and drive positive societal transformations.
We are conducting training programme with adolescent girls of three districts in Gujarat. Total girls attending :451
Vocational training programmes for girls
Adolescent girls are taught sewing. These girls are given knowledge about basic sewing of blouse, Kurti, Pillow cases etc. After completion of course these girls can start their own venture and be able to earn. Total 585 girls completed the course
Preventive Health
Health camps for Children
Dhruv organises health camps specifically tailored for children. This is a proactive approach to safeguarding their well-being. The camps provide monitoring of height, weight, and anemia, as well as other important health indicators. Dhruv coordinates with health workers to facilitate medication and inform them about malnourished and stunted children. Additionally, Dhruv also sensitizes parents and caregivers about proper healthcare and hygiene practices for children.
Monitoring MDM and Poshan
Monitoring the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal and Poshan programs is crucial for ensuring that children receive nutritious meals, contributing to their overall health and well-being. We regularly assess the quality and adequacy of meals provided, as well as tracking the nutritional content to promote healthy growth and development among children. Additionally, we address any gaps or challenges in the program for continuous improvement and the well-being of the children.
Care and Protection
Formation and strengthening of village-level child protection committees
Establishing and reinforcing child protection committees at the village level is a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the community. These committees serve as a local support system that identifies and addresses issues related to child protection, including child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to create a protective environment for children. We have facilitated various capacity building workshops and training for Strengethening Village level Child protection committees.
Sponsorship for education of girl students
This initiative aims to empower and support girl child of widow or single mother with financially weak background in their pursuit of education. By providing sponsorship, girls are given the opportunity to access quality education, covering expenses such as tuition fees, books, uniforms, and other educational essentials. This support not only encourages girls to continue their higher studies but also plays a significant role in breaking down barriers to their academic success and future prospects.
Support to covid affected Children
At Dhruv, we understand the devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on families, especially children who have lost their parents. We strive to provide these vulnerable children safety net and link them with government programs designed to provide them with essential financial support.
Through a comprehensive Case Management Approach, we ensure that these vulnerable children receive the necessary support, from financial assistance to psychosocial support, as they navigate these trying times. Our aim is to stand by them, offering a helping hand in their journey towards recovery and stability.
Psychosocial Support
Dhruv Team, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, initiated comprehensive psychosocial support activities for children facing physical, psychological, and educational challenges. Volunteers were identified to offer educational assistance to children in underserved families with limited access to online learning. Additionally, the team engaged in dialogue with parents to address psychological issues, providing counselling and introducing therapeutic activities for children. Furthermore, workshops on psychosocial support were conducted for allied system professionals, enhancing their capacity to support children’s mental and emotional well-being. A total of 39 staff members from various allied systems received training. Additionally, 326 children received psychosocial support through activities, including discussions on pandemic-related concerns, educational guidance, and recreational exercises. For orphan children, specialized interventions were designed to address emotional and behavioral challenges arising from the loss of their parents to COVID-19, offering them much-needed emotional support during this difficult time.
Campaign on Child marriage
In the month of April every year, we launch a targeted campaign against child marriage, recognizing the concerning trend of young children being married off, particularly on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. Through our efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the severe legal consequences associated with child marriage, emphasizing that it is a punishable offense. Additionally, we educate communities about the detrimental effects that child marriage can have on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of young individuals.