Greetings

Dear Mr. Daniel and all the members of “Ensemble Agissons”.

Greetings of Peace and Joy from Fr. Sathish and the entire Vimukti staff at Pothnal.

Glad to know that you all will be coming together to celebrate the General Body Meeting of “Ensemble Agissons”. On this great occasion we take the privilege to express our heartfelt gratitude for what ‘Ensemble Agissons’ has been to us and to the blooming buds (little children) of 14 backward villages. Charity meets no boundaries, so also your good will, sacrifice and above all your love for the fellow human being has all the way brought you to Pothnal. It is because of your commitment and generosity you have been a ray of hope in the lives of nearly 835 children in our 14 villages. The continual support from you for the past four years is really commendable. Your timely loving visits, motivation and guidance to the project area has been a source of great inspiration to us in realizing our dreams. We are also grateful to you for your timely corrections and encouragement in various ways.

We are really indebted to all the 32 sponsors from ‘Ensemble Agissons’ who are helping our children to have a brighter future. Just as you don’t leave no stone unturned at this great cause may all your plans and projects may be turned to a great success. We implore God’s choicest blessings from above on each member and their families of ‘Ensemble Agissons’. May all your dreams, aspirations and heart’s desires come true and may you find fulfillment and happiness in life. May your service to humanity not only be a ray of hope but also a burning light in the lives of many little children and their families.

As we remain grateful to each one of you, we thank you sincerely for your generosity and solidarity, your kindness and goodness; we also remember gratefully our brothers Fr. Alwyn Dias, Fr. Santa Lopes, Fr. Robin Victor and Fr. Arun Lobo for bringing and keeping us together. Once again renewing our gratitude towards you all, we wish you all a fruitful meeting.

Thanking you with best wishes,      

Sathish Fernandes

Annual Report 2011

Introduction

Dear friends,

By entering into a partnership with ‘Ensemble Agissons’ from France, the Trust has begun to realize a new dream and to foster a new vision, all with a view to bringing sweet smiles on the sad and depressed faces of poor children. Especially when Vimukti was all set to face fresh challenges in the sector of ‘liberating children’, it saw a new dawn. The summary report you have in your hands is all about the initiatives undertaken through various activities by VCT in the past one year. The report is brief; however the difference and the impact made by VCT are actually more than the records could tell. I am glad to present the activities of Vimukti at Pothnal for the past twelve months.

This is how we went about…

CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION:

Vimukti Charitable Trust is indeed widening its horizons and scope to look out for a radical change in the society, by giving apt opportunities to the budding children so as to show them a way for a bright future. Due to some unavoidable and unforeseen events and programmes, it wasn’t possible for Vimukti staff to organize and celebrate the children’s day on 14^th November itself. It was therefore postponed to 27th November. To make the day   meaningful &     participatory for the children the programmes were organized in Vimukti premises.  About 850 children participated and profited by the programmes. All the Vimukti Para teachers and government school teachers even as Government officials like Dathappa BRC,  Happan Gowda the Regional coordinator of Education Board of Manvi taluka , local leaders,  SDMS presidents, VDC presidents and others were present  at this function. To mark the event Vimukti distributed ‘notice boards’ to 14 Government schools so that children could use and display their talents by the way of writing short articles, drawings, and other educational activities. It could also provide an opportunity to improve and to develop their skills. This venture of Vimukti was well appreciated as it initiated children to various activities and made their participation livelier. Additionally there were some input-sessions to help children to know their rights and make them aware of the existing condition of our society. Questions such as: what is their role? How they are to go about it? How to be better citizens? etc were answered, reminding them at the same time that they must bloom where ever they are planted.

RIGHT TO FOOD CAMPAIGN:

Another important achievement of Vimukti was to inform people about their right to Food. Qualified NGO’S had come to Raichur to animate social activists on various schemes of the government for the benefit of thousands of people who are deprived of the benefits of Right to food act. Two staff members of Vimukti attended this programme. It was a helpful initiative especially to know and uncover the lacunas even as the failure to make the right use of it for the benefit of the poor people. Justice to the Act would only be done when local people benefited from the scheme. But right away it is still a far distant dream.   Wall posters highlighting the programmes to be implemented, as directed by the Supreme Court regarding the “Right Food Campaign”, banners and other postcards as means to make the message reach far and wide to different villages, were available. Since there was co-operation on the part of the people who came forward to ask and claim for the Right to food act and maintain the level of subsistence in their families, Vimukti took up this project to fight against injustices and malpractices done to the poor especially by the intermediaries involved in the line of distribution of food stuff.

TRAINING TO BE IN THE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (VDC):

Self-help as we know is the best help. If villages are to be developed, the villagers should themselves take the lead to do so. It is from this point of view, ‘that Village development committees’ were constituted by Vimukti and were looked upon as strong instruments of Development. They could indeed play a great role in identifying the problem and beneficiaries in the village and bring it to the notice of VCT, and thus work together for the solutions of many a problem. Accordingly, Vimukti has now 15 VDCs in 28 Villages. People are happy about the progress within the villages as good many persons have availed themselves of the government benefits through the help of VCD.

So that the VDC members in the villages to know their rights and duties as members, and also know how to tap the Government schemes,  the methods they have to follow, the way to support and strengthen each others,  while  working for the growth of village, Vimukti organized one day training progamme for 15 VDC members. The training was held in the Vimukti premises. The resource person for the training was Fr. Blaize from Chikkodi and he did succeed in making the VDC members to realize their prime duty and work for their own growth.

VISIT OF DONORS! WE EXTEND A WARM WELCOME:

1^st February was a joyful day as we welcomed the arrival of our loving friends from France; Deniel, Bernadette, Guy, Isabel, and Lily.  They are all the members of the funding Agency ‘Ensemble Agissons’ (Let’s get going together). They were accompanied by our Capuchin friar Fr. Santa. Indeed, it was a rare occasion of joy to have them amidst us and to share and experience the joy of friendliness and togetherness. The visit lasted from 1^st to 20th February2011. It was their second visit to our project area. They visited all the Sponsored Children, their families and villages and participated in all the programmes. As they themselves said, to them it was a fruitful visit as they could come to know the area and people they were supporting. To us it was a good interaction with the donors to know their vision and objectives regarding our project.

INAUGURATIONS OF REGIONAL CHILDREN CLUBS:

6^th February dawned with a package of lot of activities for the children as Vimukti hosted the inauguration of the Children’s club. There are now 34 Children clubs in 14 villages. We invited the village officials and other eminent leaders of the locality to make the day memorable. Our Guests from France too were the important guests of the day.

All the 34 clubs with a strength of 750 children with their respective club leaders joined to inaugurate the children’s club. The programme began at 10.00 am in full swing, first with singing competition of patriotic songs; they were assessed by our local judges; then followed the drawing competition; mono act, dances and other activities continued throughout the day. In the evening after the initial ceremony of the lighting of the lamp, the officials and the dignitaries were felicitated. The programme came to close with the distribution of prizes to all the winners.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE  REGIONAL CLUB LEADERS:

On April 1^st 2011 we organized one day training for our Children club leaders. 34 club leaders were present to acquaint themselves of their role as leaders in the club. Our staff members were the resources persons. Many issues were discussed and guidelines given in order to improve their task in the club. We see Children’s clubs as the principal instruments of motivating the children toward education.  It is a forum to share their talents and views.

HEALTH-CAMP CONDUCTED in collaboration with the Manipal Group

As the age old saying goes ‘Health is wealth’. Of the many projects undertaken by VCT (Vimukti Charitable Trust) for the welfare and up-lift of the people in Raichur region, ‘Health’ has been one of its primary focus, as it touches directly people’s need.  It is one of the ways, VCT is efficiently working to reach out to thousands of people, seeking relief in the vital human aspect of illness and thereby bring about a drastic change in the lives of people. It has instilled a ray of hope, we must say, in the lives of people who were helpless and depressed.

Modern diagnostic techniques, qualified doctors and surgeons and other advanced medical facilities are obviously beyond the reach of these impoverished people. With all these inconveniences and difficulties it would be very difficult for the indigenous people to have access to various medical check-ups and other medical facilities.

After having contacted the reputed Manipal Group, VCT personnel went around more than 45 villages creating an awareness to take some precautionary measures and avoid taking any health risks, especially by people with heart ailments. Banners and placards were made use of as educational and informative means to make the message clear to all people. As per the survey it was noted that the majority of the people suffered from poor health and quite a few were heart patients. VCT worked hard to convey the message to all the people of different villages, to make them understand the various causes and reasons for the deterioration of health. It also took up the task of advising them to take up self-preventive ways to maintain a sound health, to have timely check-ups and to avail the government schemes that provide free treatments.

VCT organized two-day health camp for all people belonging to different villages. We acknowledge our profound gratitude to Fr. Veerus, who was instrumental in getting the doctors from Manipal Institute of Science and Technology (Bangalore). The team included 2 heart surgeons and a social worker. They worked round the clock for two days. The team was headed by an eminent person Dr. Bhaskar Semitha by name

To our surprise, altogether 280 patients from various places attended the camp; it gave a real trigger to the job of all the team members, since this great number was never expected. While doing the check-up the doctors diagnosed nearly 57 patients whose condition was rather serious and fell in the category of imminent cardiac arrest. The doctors did their best to attend to all the patients without putting the patients to any great inconvenience.

Manipal Institute was truly magnanimous in assuring to carry out free surgeries for all the 57 patients in case their condition aggravates and need immediate medical attention. 5 patients were immediately advised operation in the following week itself. Thanks to Dr. Bhaskar, who along with his team, personally carried out the surgery and restored dying people to life.

This concern for health was indeed a fruitful healing ministry taken up by VCT-Pothnal. It was the hard work and great effort of VCT personnel of Pothnal and the generous service of doctors that helped people to have access to proper medical treatment despite their poor economic condition.  Vimukti Charitable Trust cannot but take the opportunity and put on record it debt of gratitude to everybody for the cooperation in making the program a great success.

INAUGURATION OF TAILORING CENTRE:        

The VCT which had been thinking of some remunerative programme for the employment the women of the locality, hit upon the idea of starting a tailoring centre which cold be beneficial to the women and advantageous to the people of the surrounding areas. This new venture would thus serve a double purpose. First, it would provide employment to the unemployed girls and women irrespective of their religion, cast or creed and were seeking even if it is a part time job; second, the tailoring centre, specifically undertaking to stitch school uniforms of children at a low and reasonable price, help immensely the people to get the best benefit out of it. The centre in fact is undertaking the stitching of the school uniforms of all the school children who are not only in the vicinity but even far off.  As per the survey, the number of men tailors outnumbers that of women in the region of Pothnal and the tailoring charges too are quite high. Vimukti, thus coming to the assistance of all girls and women who are jobless has indeed turned out to be a source of solace and support to many through this new project.

ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION:

Any organization to run efficiently needs efficient staff, VCT does have a staff no doubt but there was a certain lack of efficiency in the sector of filed work and in the organization of activities. Therefore we thought of having an Evaluation of the staff The Director met personally every staff member to valuate the work done and instructed each and every one of them how to go about the project activities. Staff too evaluated themselves and came to know certain draw backs and inefficiency in the work entrusted to them.  The whole process of evaluation and suggestion for improvement was a source of enlightenment to the staff. We hope for an improved and better functioning of the office.

SNEHA JYOTHI HOSTEL:

V imukti Charitable Trust conducts a Hostel for boys with 50 students on the roll.  Its main purpose is to see to the education of poor boys unable to travel daily to the school from their respective villages. It may be said to be one of the most humanitarian work done by Vimukti as it provides not only board and lodge but also  looks after the all round formation of the boys in  the Sneha Jyothi Boarding. The intention is to see that the various needs of the children are met and they are enabled to bloom and prosper in future. The VCT as well helps these budding children to cope up with their education and academically produce better results.  It makes use of the opportunity to shape these children as future leaders and role models; by instilling into them good values, making them realize the importance of self-discipline and urging them to make a difference in the society. The things have been looking quite positive despite the lack of finance at times; the children are seen to climb higher, grow tougher and to be successful achievers.

PROTEST  AGAINST CHILD LABOUR:

“Child labour” is often defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

The literacy rate in Raichur district stands at a dismally low level of about 55%. But if one were to look at literacy rate of SC/STs and women the situation is far worse. Most of the SC/ST children drop out of the school and start working as child and bonded laborers. After getting socially involved in fourteen villages of Manvi & Sindhnoor Talukas, Vimukti believes that every child has a fundamental right to education and education is critical thinking, questioning and conscientization in all sectors of human development. Vimukti therefore views its work towards literacy and education as a part of a larger and integrated process of social, economic and political change and empowerment

As an initial effort it was decided to launch a campaign, though only as a small beginning, to reach out to people with a view to educating them about the evil of child labour and to motivate the parents to send their children back to school. On 19^th June 2011 Vimukti organized a rally against child labour. In this all our 750 odd club-children were present. Rally began with a small in-put session and carrying of placards as all marched through the main roads of Pothnal. The Programme proper was held at Primary health center premises. Fr. Robin Lopez and chief guests Shri Shrbuddin, Sr.Irine Martis were the speakers of the day and said that undoing the practice of child-labour  is must, especially in an area where many children are deprived of the basic education. Vimukti has taken upon itself the task of bringing back children who are deprived of the basic education to school once again. The programme ended with the positive message “akshara Kalisi, shale serisi” (Educate the children enroll them in the school).

INAUGURATION OF THE CHILD RESOURCE CENTER AT POTHNAL

On April 25^th 2011 Vimukti Charitable Trust, widening its scope of activities, inaugurated at Pothnal a Child-Resource Centre, meant for activities, which were not available to children earlier. Every new born child is endowed with a special gift from God and this gift has to be nurtured and developed.   When we looked around we come across many unfortunate children viz., rag pickers, children working in the factory, homes etc who are not only denied the opportunity to nurture and develop their talents. They are also denied and robbed of their precious childhood.  Those children are in many ways unfortunate solely due to their poor economic conditions. Their talents lie either dormant or just left unused.  Vimukti wanted to concentrate on these unfortunate children and provide space for them to develop their talents. Therefore it planned to establish a Child Resource Centre to give training to these children.  The Child Resource Centre provides many opportunities to nurture their talents and also gives scope to make use of their talents. In the Centre there is facility to learn musical instruments, computer, develop the art of drawing, read books, use sports materials etc. A tutor will give basic training and monitor each child’s progress. Special attention will of course be paid to less fortunate children. Children are very much attracted towards the centre and are already utilizing it fully.

REMEDIAL TEACHING (Tuition Classes):

VCT considers the task of children’s education as the primary and fundament task, considering the fact that number of illiterate children is soaring high, as good many children are forced to work in fields due to one or other reason.  If timely attention is not given to them their future could be jeopardized. Therefore VCT has thought of providing tuitions to children in 14 Villages, taking into account as well the right to Education. The intention is no other than helping the students to make their future bright and prosperous.

VCT has appointed new Remedial teachers in 14 villages and has been now targeting to eliminate child-labour and prioritize the need of education.

TRAINING FOR HEALTH (Jana Arogya andolana):

As per the survey the death rate is higher in Northern Karnataka than the rest of the places due to sheer negligence for health and inefficient workings of the Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the district.  VCT and like minded NGOs therefore came together to plan how we may improve the PHCs in our place. There are a lot of facilities that can be availed from the Government but common people do not know how to have recourse to them because of the lack of awareness. Therefore on 18^th and 19^th of October a course was organized in Pothnal to train people in health-awareness and two of our staff members attended this training. The course included as well a survey of 5 Primary Health Centre in our Talukas. To cater to the primary health care of the poor people VCT has now put up a small structure...

THRUST AREAS COMITTEES:

All the Catholic NGOs, working in the Diocese of Bellary came together to form a committee, known as, Thrust area committee. VCT has always actively involved itself in the committee being also a member the committee. On 25^th June 2011 the Committee organized a work-shop on Integrated Development through empowering action. Rev. Fr. Faustine, the Secretary of KRPPC came from Bangalore to conduct this workshop. Development, he said is “a planned change to improve people”. It should take place “of all, in all areas and by all”. The work shop was a great boost to the participants to go ahead with their work of development in the area. Thrust area committee has taken a step forward in erecting at least one ration shop that works according to the norms given by the Supreme Court of India.

AFFORESTATION CAMPAIGN

Deforestation means felling of trees whereas Afforestation is the delicate art of planting new trees. A tree is, perhaps, the most valuable gift provided to mankind by Mother Nature. It gives us what is required for living human life. Their very birth starts with the process of providing wood, shade, fruits and oxygen. In cutting down trees, humans fail to see their purpose and by destroying trees they destroy the land itself.

A campaign was organized at Jeenoor camp of Raichur district by the Vimukti Charitable Trust to create awareness against the growing amputation of trees and of the need to preserve trees. Raichur being an area that faces scarcity of rain is prone to face extinction of trees. Besides, people cut trees as it serve them as firewood material.

“Today’s wastage is tomorrow’s shortage’’ was the main message of the campaign. Many campaigners had the joy of planting small saplings. Each campaigner planted two saplings on the banks of the canal as a call to protecting the environment as well. Children expressed their views through creative paintings.

MEETING OF PARENTS

One of the biggest blessings in the world is to have parents. They are the most important person of the society. In the words of W.H Thackray, “a parent is the name for God on the lips and in the hearts of little children. Our history has evidence that prove the significance and the role of the parents. Shivaji, M.K Gandhi etc., were what their parents made them. Abraham Lincoln wrote about his mother. All that I am and hope to be I owe to my mother”. Being conscious of the importance of parents and their role in the life of the children VCT on 12^th of September organized a meeting of parents of our sponsored children. All the parents of twenty six children were present. VCT Director Fr. Sathish informed them that Family is the first school of a child and a parent is a clear vision of the true welfare of the family. Parents in India are often referred to as God’s representatives on earth. They are here to care and nurture the children because God himself couldn’t be there. These are the two human beings with whom their children feel close at all times irrespective of their age. He explained to the participants that they have to follow the rules and regulations of the sponsors very meticulously, which will be a help in working out purpose of sponsorship efficiently in the given situation. He concluded saying. “Give us good parents we will have a great civilization” Give us good parents; we will have a great nation”.

SOCIAL ACTION SEMINAR “Rights Based Approach To Empower The Powerless”

Commission for justice peace and ecology and social action together with VCT organized a Seminar on the theme of “Right based approach to empower the powerless.” In the Key note address Fr. Chetan Lobo clarified that ‘Right based approach is not fighting with government but developing an attitude of respect for the dignity of every person. It affirms the infinite worth of human beings and tries to break the chains that fetter human development. God has created us in his own image and likeness. But we have categorized people into rich and poor. Poverty is considered as powerlessness. Therefore our role will be empowering the powerless by mobilizing them to fight for their rights. We cannot mobilize and empower people unless and until we make some sacrifice to be with the people. Speaking next, Dr. Ruth Manorama, the famous social activist, said that Social action is the action which we do not know what action it would take. We can make the people powerful only by mobilizing them to fight for their rights. Our approach should be bottom-up rather than top-down approach. In social action we do not have any agenda but the people themselves are the agenda. We fight with the people for their rights and not for their needs...

VIMUKTI STAFF’S DAY OUT

Vimukti staff has always a busy schedule because of the various assignments they undertake each time. They have great love and dedication for their work and see that the task given is completed. To have a small break and relax a day-out programme was fixed for the 10^th of October.  The staffs were extremely happy as the sun too shined brightly on that day as they together as a group visited various places like T.B.Dam, Hampi,  Kishkinda water resort, etc., and had a lot of fun.. They had the joy of sharing the food which each one had prepared and brought along. It was truly a bit of “vimukti’ as well for the staff.

SPORTS AND GAMES FOR CHILDREN

‘All study and no play makes life dull, not gay’. The sports and games are important to every child to grow physically as well as psychologically. The principle of “sound mind in a sound body” is rightly applicable, if due importance is given to the sports and games as well. Accordingly a sport’s day’ was organized by VCT for children at its premises.  On this day, various games were conducted in which most of our 750 children took part and won lovely prizes. Enthusiasm and Zeal of these students was reflected on their faces.

CULTURAL DAY FOR THE CHILDREN

A cultural day for the children was organized in its premises by VCT to promote the display of their talents and inspire other children to come forward to do the same, overcoming stage fear. Children were given time to prepare and to show their various talents. There was a lot of enthusiasm and one could only admire the way they went about performing on the stage. They sang songs, danced with full vigor, shared jokes and stories, and performed mimicry. It was a successful event, organized systematically by Vimukti staff under the direction of the Fr.Sathish.

Conclusion: 

Whole world is before those who dream to achieve. Vimukti animators have almost the same feelings as we submit this report. We don’t boast of changes and growth in all levels but are happy to have done a little of developmental work. We desire to do more for when the desire ends development will end as well; but we know for ages the desire has never seen an end. VCT in Pothnal has created an impact among the children in the fields of Welfare and Social Development. With eight staff working in 14 villages are spreading our identity through works of interventions for development. While we have a long way to go, we feel confident that with the support of Ensemble Agissons we can achieve our goals. I sincerely thank the President, Mr. Daniel Helbert and all Trustees without whose support and encouragement the achievement would not have borne expected fruits. As I present this short report I naturally expect their continued assistance in future as well.     

We successfully complete two years of work, we remain grateful to Fr. Alwyn Dias, Fr. Santa Lopes for their wholehearted support and encouragement. God loves the Cheerful giver. Vimukti is blessed with good donors and well-wishers to whom we remain ever grateful. The financial support and timely guidance has helped us to reach our goal.

Director

Fr. Sathish Fernandes

Vimukti Pothnal.

Talk by Daniel, November 11th

Dear Friends,

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak to american students, but be indulgent with my french accent and be understanding because of my mistakes. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude towards Arun Lobo for welcome us in New-York and towards Nirav for welcome us at Fordham University.

By the way, we carry in our heart a project, an idea, a journey. A lot of dreams which give sense in our life. And as far as we look through the past, we can observe that anything comes by chance, that Providence is always doing its work and that's why we are together today.

For me, India was an unexpected encounter. My personal experience of sharing started in 2004 when I decided to sponsor a child in India. Vishalakshi, a little girl, was eight and she was living in Ugire, a small village in the southwest of Karnataka, between the Ghats along the coast of Mangalore and the plain of Bangalore. For three years, we exchanged letters translated in kannada, the local dialect, by the Indian association which was our link in this country.

When I decided, in April 2007, to visiting her and her family, I couldn't imagine that I would enter into such a nourishing and fruitful world and that my life would be changed. As soon I landed, I had the feeling of being at home, that this country invited me to discover it step by step. On this occasion, we were particularly touched by the good work of the Capucin Krishik Seva Kendra overseeing the Ugire Project. "You have seen the Project with your own eyes and you can share what you have seen", my friend Alwyn said, when I met him in Paris, a few months later.

After this unique experience and encouraged by the leaders od the Indian association, we wanted to become more involved in this special adventure of sharing. In creating the association "ensemble, agissons", in 2007, ( a non-profit and a non religious association, developing an humanitarian project for families in the respect of differences, independently of race, beliefs, culture, to find a better way of sharing within the human race) we wanted to pool our respective resources, to launch and to support educational and health programme for the sake of the children in and around Pothnal.

Pothnal is located in a very poor area in the North of Karnataka, a territory where the disparities between the rich and the poor are very flagrant. The Dalits, a part of Untouchables, earn less than 50 rupees a day (lees than 1 dollar). In this part of the world, which was partly destroyed by the floods in 2009, most of the people have no drinking water, no electricity and the children are usually considered as a burden as long as they are not able to earn money.

With the members of Vimukti association (the social part of the Capucin community) we have developed a programme organized around: sponsoring children, family and educational support, sessions on healthcare and medical check ups, creating clubs for children and teen-agers, cultural programs and libraries... Our ambition, our commitment is to contribute as much as we can and with our skills, to carry out micro-projects initiated by the local partners for the welfare of the disadvantaged, underprivileged and marginalized people.

Every year we go to India for a month, to meet the social workers and the educators who are responsible on the field. To day more than 700 children are supported thanks to the help of "ensemble, agissons" and 30 children are directly sponsored by the members of the association. We have developed a very intense relationship with these men and women who are now as a part of our family.

In France we collect funds through a diverse programme of activities, partnerships and events. All the members are volunteers and the totality of the funds are given to the Pothnal project. Assessments are communicated every year to all the supporters. I am a very lucky President because the french association is regularly growing thanks to the generous attitude of his members. As you know, a very single drop of water makes a mighty ocean.

RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1961,Documentary) - by Satyajit Ray

Swamiji Apolinaries

He is a hundred years old today. He is Fr Apolinaries, a member of the Capucin community. He was born on 22nd may 1911 in the city of Mangalore, a small town on the west coast of Karnataka. We met him last february and we were vey touched by the simplicity of this wise man always dressed up with a orange habit. When we met him at "Dayalbagh Ashram" in Ugire, he said, with a real sense of humour, that he could shave his beard and wear jeans before coming to Paris.

Santa Lopes was one of this students. He tells:

"On this great day let us offer our Congratulation may he lives long. Long life Swamiji and score his double century. As young and handsome he was always a man for others, a man specially for the poor , needy and  marginalized.  He is a model for the life of generosity and from this emerged his life of deep commitment and life of virtues. As saying goes a virtuous person is a wise person and wise person is a humble person.

He knows the art of combining humility with simplicity.  He lives a simple life. He does not multiply his needs but voluntarily reduce it.  From his simplicity of life, springs forth his honesty.  Honest persons speak truth and create trust in the minds of others. When he was young and energetic people used to flock to him far and wide to take his advice and guidance for their day to day problems. He thinks twice before acting.  As a result he has an effective language to capture the hearts and minds of the people.  

Man for others is a man of communication.  He has an extraordinary talent to unite people.  At the same time he has a deep sense of beauty and goodness which he expresses in various ways.  At this age he still maintains a small garden, waters it and enjoys it.  In beautiful things Swamiji sees the grace of Divine.  He is a very generous person.  Though he doesn’t have much nevertheless he shares with others whatever he has.  He never sends away empty handed those who knocks at his door.  He gives whatever he has.  When he does not have anything he knocks at the door of generous friends, relatives or benefactors.  What he gives to others he gives it in secret. 

Swamiji is a role model for the people who think life is ‘meaningless’.  Ask him what is the secret of his life and we have this answer.  “Joy and Contentment”.  One who lives in joy and contentment life makes one’s life meaningful and joyful. Yes this is the inspiring life of swamiji. When a cricketer hits his century he lifts his bat and looks up to the sky.  So now as dear swamiji hits his century of life, let us all lift our hands and sing the song of jubilation."

Fr Santa Lopes 

Annual report

“There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow neighbor. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak and the needy. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well”.

Dear Friends, with these words from Walter Reuther I present Vimukti at Pothnal in the past twelve months. With the emergence of a New Project with the partnership of "ensemble, agissons from France", we have a new phase to start, a new dream to realize and a new vision to look upon, and all these in purview of ‘bringing smiles on the faces of children’. Vimukti was all set to face these challenges all a new and the new rays of the Dawn of Vimukti would emerge to glow into full light. This is how we went about.

CHILD WELFARE PROJECT:

"Ensemble, agissons": Lets’ get going together

As translated from French is a Lay association of good hearted people who are supporting our Child Development Project at Pothnal. Though the process stated in France in the month of May 2009, it’s only in November 2009 that it got concretely established in Pothnal and that we appointed the staff. From then on we have worked vigorously concentrating on child, in the areas of family, school, community where the child receives support for growth. The Project at France is represented by the Governing Body members of "ensemble, agissons" in which Br. Alwyn Dias and Santa Lopes are also members. The Projects main aim is Education of Poor children. Sponsorship is another program where directly a child would be profiting for her/his overall growth.

Health Awareness Programs: Street Plays. 13-11-2009

Immediately after the floods the fear of epidemic was causing trouble in the villages. The Children would be the worse victims if this would take place. The health department and NGO were also active in planning remedial measures. Vimukti took up 25 flood affected villages and arranged Health awareness program through street play. Beginning of November for ten days we visited these villages and gave health and hygiene instructions. A team of street artists from Raichur were the resource team to conduct the street play while the staff visited houses and spoke on the theme.

Exposure Visit to Hangal and Chikkodi:

When the Projects started most of the staff were new and were inexperienced in Social Developmental Field. Hence we organized an exposure visit to Vimukti Chikkodi to learn about Children Clubs, VDCs and NREGA Programs in that Project. We were welcomed heartily and introduced to the work. On the way back we visited Roshni Social Service Center at Hangal to learn about Children clubs and Right to Food act. Both the visits helped our Staff to get initiated into Social work.

Tailoring Unit:

Considering the poor condition of adolescent girls in the villages, VCT started tailoring centers in two villages, Devipura and Utakannor. At the former 14 girls were trained in tailoring and at Utakanoor 18 girls benefitted from this program. The two main objectives were, first, to help the young girls earn additional income to the family wherever possible; second, to educate the girls to face their future confidently with the knowledge of a job.

Children Clubs:

One of the main programs of Child Friendly Project is formation of Children Clubs. In all the fourteen villages we have children clubs functioning fortnightly. Four animators are handling the project helping out the children in clubs and other child related programs in schools and community. Children clubs are the instruments of motivating the children for education and creating awareness among children for education. Children also play and recreate in the clubs. It is also a forum to share their talents and views.

Visit of the Donors: (17-2-2010)

Daniel, Bernadette, Guy and Isabelle were the four members of the Funding Agency "ensemble, agissons" from France who visited our Project from 14^th to 28^th 2010. It was a fruitful visit for them to know about the area and people whom they will be supporting. For us in return it was a good interaction with the donors to know their vision and objective regarding our project. At the end of their visit the team was very impressed and has assured a long term partnership with us.

Inauguration of Child friendly Programs: (21-2-2010)

On February 21^st the new program based on the development of children was inaugurated by Helbert Daniel of "ensemble, agissons" Association. Children from 14 villages were present at Vimukti, participating in various cultural competitions. Afternoon was the official inauguration where members from other leading NGOs of the District were present. The NGOs which are working with the children were also invited. A cultural program added charm to the program.

Village Library: 21-02-2010

The children and Youth were seen to have little access to books and reading. Sad to say, even schools do not have proper libraries. Vimukti therefore took the initiative to start a ‘Village Library’ where every Saturday and Sunday books were taken and made available to children and youth, the whole day. Lot of children came to the school or community hall to read books or to take them home and return in the evening. This initiative not only enhanced the knowledge but also created a reading culture among children and finally helped them academically.

Computer Training: 01-04-2010

The term Computer illiteracy is now fashionable, coined as it is for those who do not have computer knowledge. Pothnal and its surrounding villages actually do not have access to computers. However, it was introduced as a challenge and to the rural youth it helped to compete with the urban youth. Vimukti arranged Computer courses free of cost since the children who come to learn could not afford the fees. 28 students completed the course and were happy to learn the basics of computer.

Holiday Camp in the village: 09-04-2010 to 13-04-2010

During Summer Holidays VCT organised one day camp for children in the villages. Short in put sessions on health, hygiene, education, and personality development topics were dealt with. Apart from these the children enjoyed sports and cultural programs too. The open library was of great use to the children and the local youth. We organised this camp only in five villages. Sports, library and cultural programs were the part of the day.

Awareness to Adolescent Girls: 22-04-2010

People who lack education suffer from other problems as well. Superstition and ignorance are the causes for most of the problems found among girls and adolescents. VCT organized therefore awareness Programmes for 40 adolescent girls at Vimukti Center, Pothnal. Such topics as reproduction and childcare, physical and emotional changes during Adolescence, Women health and hygiene etc. were dealt with. As the resource-persons were all women and could deal with the issues fluently, it was a fruitful experience for the girls.

Child Personality Development Camp: (26-4-2010 to 28-4-2010)

Vimukti organised Children Personality Development Camp for 235 children at Vimukti Premises. It was a talent promotion camp for the children who got involved in dance, drama, painting, clay modeling, crafts and sports. The smiles on the face of the children spoke more than the words. Resource persons were invited to conduct the camp. The three day camp was helpful for the children to identify their talents and promote them. Local people and the school teachers appreciated our work in promoting children talents.

COMMUNITY/RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: (Child Related)

Public Hearing on Health Program: 02-06-2010

Reviewing the services rendered in Primary Health Centers and Taluka Hospitals, VCT along with other likeminded NGOs made a survey in preparation to Public Hearing regarding health at Raichur. VCT visited all the Primary Health Centers and Taluka Hospitals to collect information regarding medical services provided by them. What in fact we heard was nothing but the shocking data of the way the Health institutions functioned. We resolved to present the information to the District Health Officials so that services could be improved. People’s Health Movement – Karnataka (Janaarogya Andholana) too made a similar survey and took a lead in the Public Hearing Program. The people were happy to notice the quality of health service being thus improved in the Government Hospitals.

Public Hearing on Right To Education Bill: 28-06-2010

Draft copy of the new Education Bill is being published in India. Few likeminded NGOs in Raichur Dist. studied the draft and its pros and cons after which a Public hearing program was organised to present the study report. It created awareness and gave proper information on the consequences of the bill on Rural Education. There were educationist, news paper editors, and advocates as the panelist to give their suggestions on the paper.

Child Sponsorship: 29-06-2010

The Primary goal of Pothnal Children Project is Education. Ensemble Agissons thought it is best done through Sponsorship. Hence from August 2010 onwards we have sponsorship programs started in the Project. There are 15 lucky children sponsored as on now. The children have sent Christmas cards and letters to the sponsors. The children are closely monitored and will be in their education and health aspects.

Vimukti Education Assistance: 01-07-2010

Vimukti assisted nearly 50 students for higher education this year, giving special preference to children of the flood-affected area. The children who had finished their secondary education were given option to either stay back at home, looking for some small jobs to tide over their poverty-stricken situation or go for higher studies. 50 children opted to go to college, choosing professional or vocational courses. Vimukti also assisted the.....

Remedial Teaching (Tuition Classes): 01-08-2010

In all the villages, remedial teachers were assigned for all those who had missed classes due to floods and also to the slow learning children. The Government schoolteachers requested Vimukti to take up this program in order to help the children who were identified by the teachers themselves. Tuition classes were conducted for two hours per day. The Program went on for about four months, and it helped the children to learn whatever was hard for them.

Teachers Day: 5-09-2010

On September 5^th in India is commemorated as Teacher’s Day. VCT involved in the schools and education of the Children, found it relevant to celebrate Teacher’s day. On the occasion we felicitated a teacher for his immense service in the field of teaching. Several children and the teachers were present in Vimukti. Especially the program was a boost to our Remedial Teachers.

Health Survey:

Reviewing the services rendered in Primary Health Centers and Taluk Hospitals, Vimukti along with other likeminded NGOs made a survey in preparation to Public Hearing Program at Raichur. Vimukti visited 5 Primary Health Centers and 2 Taluka Hospitals and collected the shocking datas from the people about the malfunctions of the Health.

Village Development Committees:

Village development committees are strong instruments of Development in the Villages. They play a role in identifying the problem and beneficieries in the village and bring it to the notice of the Project where both the people and the project work for the solution. Till now Vimukti has 12 VDCs in 28 Villages. People are happy about the progress within the villages and few persons have availed government benefits

Making the Shift from Village easy:

Chinthamandoddi and Hulugunji were the two villages with more than 150 families each, which were wholly drowned and almost totally destroyed by the floods. Children were worst affected with not even having a place to play. The animators enlisted this time the help of Capuchin brothers in Clara Vihar to organize some sports and cultural programs for the children and youth in that village so that they could more easily accept the change and come out of the shock and trauma of leaving their villages.

House Construction:

Ever since the flood has affected this region the most highlighted issue is the destructions of the houses. Overnight families were left without houses. Houses are assured by the Government and Companies and Firms have come forward to sponsor houses. But in our Project Area not a single house has been repaired or reconstructed. The unplanned compensation went in vain without properly utilizing them. Government is all eager about shifting the villages or concentrating on the construction of houses in villages affected severely. There are villages and houses where partial damages have taken place or just few houses in the village are collapsed where no one notices the real plight of the people. In our Target 20 villages every village has loss of houses and the Project is planning for at least 200 houses to be repaired or built newly. We remain grateful to Bishop Paul Hinder from the Vicariate of Arabia who has contributed to the construction of houses and also Capuchin General Curia in Rome who has assured us assistance for the same.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS:

Orientation Training to Social Workers:

Vimukti in Pothnal organised three days training to all the new staff of our Vimukti Units in Karnataka. Three days Training program in January helped our animators to get motivated in their field. 5 participants from every Vimukti unit and 10 from Pothnal were the trainees. Mr. Somashekar was the trainer who helped the team. There was another training on Capacity building for the Staff. The Resource person was from Puttur. Rajesh Bejjangala.

Staff Welfare Programs:

The key persons in the realization of the various programs were the staff who worked for the development of people and dealt with the social issues. When the Projects started most of the staff were new and were inexperienced in Social Developmental Field. We had to organize therefore an exposure visit to other similar Social Organisations who were working for same cause. The staff underwent Orientation and Capacity Building Trainings, which were an asset for them. In turn, they were able and fit to animate the community and organise the people. In fact, the entire success of the projects undertaken is to be attributed to the dedicated work of this staff.

District Networks:

Thanks to all the work that we have been able to do, VCT in Pothnal is recognized today as one of the leading NGOs in the District. It is called in to collaborate with the Network of likeminded agencies. We have collaborated already in two programs, one, on health and another on education on district level programs. Vimukti is also a member of Network of NGOs in Bellary Diocese, with such other members as the ‘Jagrutha Mahila Sanghatan’ Pothnal, ‘Navajeevan Mahila Okkuta’ Raichur and ‘Roovari Organisation’ Raichur and hopes to support and encourage developmental Work in the flood affected area.

“Blessed are those who give without remembering. And Blessed are those who take without forgetting”. Vimukti Charitable Trust gratefully remembers all our donors who have contributed both financial and moral support to the Project. I gratefully remember Mr. Daniel Helbert and his entire team of "ensemble, agissons" in France. It is actually their dream that we are realizing here in Pothnal. Their selfless gesture, far sightedness and coming out of their way to help these little children are a true motivation for us. I attribute the success of the Project to these generous hearts.

Conclusion:

VCT in Pothnal has created an impact among the people in the fields of Welfare and Social Development. Vimukti at Pothnal has twelve staff in 28 villages for two projects. We are spreading our identity through our works and interventions in the villages. Child Development and Sponsorship is first of its kind in this region. While we have a long way to go with it, we feel confident with the support of "ensemble, agissons" team. Other NGOs in the District are also recognizing our work. We are invited for the programs and projects. Hence in the coming months and years to go Vimukti will have its identity strongly rooted in the developmental field. I sincerely thank the President of the Trust and also all the Trustees without whose support and encouragement the achievement would not have borne expected fruits. As I present this short report I also expect your continued assistance in future too.

Sathish Fernandes - Director

Vimukti Pothnal