Final annual report 2013

Extracts...

Joy and happiness in the lives of people who are still battling and struggling for a comfortable living and much more, the attention is centered around the welfare and the growth of the children who have been neglected and are given hardly any opportunities to make a difference in the society... 

Our partnership with ‘Ensemble Agissons’ (Let’s get going together) has indeed worked  wonders and has lighted a spark of rejuvenation and vigour to traverse the un-trodden paths, striving to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people who have been anxiously waiting to be lifted up from the drudgeries of life’s struggle and help them find meaning in life.

Children’s Day Celebration

November 14^th is a special day for all the children in India. This year Kanakadasa Jayanthi took its place and it was declared as a public holiday all over Karnataka. The Vimukti Charitable Trust took every care to celebrate it. The programme began in the Vimukti premises. Mr. Dhipak Boosa Reddy, the Police Sub inspector of Manvi presided over the function. In his speech he explained that the Children’s Day is to be celebrated as "childhood day", to pay tribute to all the children all over the world. They are loved by all.  They are the future leaders, scientists and teachers of the nation.

The Vimukti staff tried its best to organize the day in a meaningful way.  Children's Day is a day for children to engage in fun and frolic. Inviting some resourceful persons, many activities were conducted to make this day beautiful one for the children. Special sweets were distributed to all the gathering in the morning and after lunch jilebies made the tiny tots sweet once again. Fr. Sathish Fernandes, the Vimukti Director thanked everyone for making the day happy and memorable one in the life of students. Nearly 840 children participated and benefited from this Programme.

Inauguration of "Convergence for Child survival and development" (CCSD)

It was a momentous event that thrilled the hearts of one and all, as they witnessed the amazing juxtaposition of VCT’s credentials and widening of its avenues. VCT got into hands and gloves with the government officials. This convergence for child Survival and Development was indeed a great milestone that would make Vimukti to be well anchored and sustain its energies while facing the various social challenges and problems.

On 20^th December 2011 the programme based on the development of children was inaugurated by Respectable Mr. Manoj Jain CEO, Zilla Panchayat Raichur. More than 200 children were present for the inaugural function, held in the Vimukti Premises at Pothnal. The Programme was based and focused on empowering the rural children in every possible way.

Orientation training to GP Coordinator

Vimukti Pothnal organized one day first hand informative training programme at Vimukti Premises. This training was intended to motivate and to make a base line survey to know the present scenario of health, nutrition and education of the villages (Socio-economy) more effective. All the 36 GP Coordinators were present for this training. Sathish Fernandes, the Director of Vimukti Charitable Trust and Mr. Jayasheela, the Coordinator gave the input sessions on how to go about in making a base line survey and  what are the criteria and measure to be followed to make the survey a successful one. Other burning issues too were discussed. All GP Coordinators were given a survey format which includes information of infrastructure and service gaps at different levels in villages.

Coordinators Welfare Programme

The key persons in the realization of the various programs were the staff who work for the development of Children and deal with the social issues.  In fact, the entire success of the project undertaken depends on their dedicated work.  When the Project was started most of the staff were new and were inexperienced in Social Developmental Field. We had to organize a two-day training programme for the GP Coordination’s who were working for the same cause. The staff underwent Orientation and Capacity Building Training, which was an asset for them.  In turn, they were able and fit to animate the community and organize the people. 

Inauguration of Mobile Computer Training

                                                            

On 2nd of January 2012, inauguration programme of computer course was done at Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal. Mamatha, the office assistant, mentioned that the programme is precisely meant for poor children in and around Pothnal area. She insisted that in our modern society there is great demand for the professionals and skilled men and women and to meet this existing demand of the society, the computer education course is a great help. It would also help many to benefit and live a self-reliant life.

Sathish Fernandes, the Director of Vimukti Charitable Trust, inaugurated the programme and encouraged the children to make the best use of the available resources. Knowing the use of computer would build up their confidence and develop their personality, even as try to build up the financial status of their family. There was good response in the community for this Programme. 65 students attended the inaugural programme. 

Birthday Feast

December 24^th was the 60^th Birthday of Mr. Daniel, the President of Ensemble Agissions France, but on that day he was away in France. So we wished Mr. Daniel a happy birthday on 6^th January 2012 as he was amidst us at Vimukti premises. To mark this event all the 26 sponsored children along with their parents and all the Vimukti animators were present for this function. To make the celebration more meaningful and participatory we organized some cultural programmes as well. 

Momentous Event

January 8^th, 2012 would remain a significant day in the hearts and minds of the Vimukti children as their long awaited dream was fulfilled and the long planned, Vimukti Makkala Hejje (the foot prints of Vimukti children) the magazine was released... This magazine gives ample opportunities to the children to write various articles, poems, rhymes, stories, draw pictures etc. for publication.    

The dignitaries Mr. Gangappa K.A.S, Mr. Daniel Helbert, Mr. Shridhar Doddi, Mr. N.V. Swami, Mrs. Jattiot Lilly, Mrs. Bernadette Daniel Helbert, Rev. Fr. Santa Lopez, Mr. V.A. Mannangi, Rev. Sr. Theresina and the children representatives beautified the stage by their presence just like the flowers that are present in the garden. Mr. Daniel the president of Ensemble Aggisons released the magazine. In his speech, he emphasized that we do not hurt children’s sentiments but work hard towards their growth. If we educate a child we educate entire family and if a family is educated entire village is educated and if the village is educated entire society, at last the entire country becomes an educated one. It is important to bring certain standard in the children. The children are bundle of many talents and gifts. We have to encourage them each. These were the key ideas of his speech.

Ensemble Aggisons group thanked the Vimukti team for working hard towards development of children and expressed their gratitude. Sathish Fernandes, the director, said in his speech that this institute has taken this initiative to bring out the various talents in about 800 children. Other dignitaries too appreciated the work of the institute.  The effective sound system and systematic arrangements by the Vimukti staff received applause and appreciation.

Tank you an come again

Though we had very few chances to say “thank you dear, but try to visit us again” yet we said it to some of our guests and visitors. Among them were our beloved project donors Mr. Daniel and Bernadette, Lily, Guy, and Isabel from France, They are all the members of the funding Agency ‘Ensemble Agissons’  and had visited our project area for the yearly assessment. After spending nearly ten days at Pothnal and attending the programmes,   organized by Vimukti Charitable Trust, they said through Mr. Daniel, The president of Ensemble Agissions, before leaving us: “Whatever you do will be small but it is important that you do it”. They enjoyed our company as well as hospitality during their stay at Pothnal. Their very presence and visit vividly signified their thirst for continual assistance in helping the underprivileged children of 14 villages of Pothnal.

Awareness to pregnant and post natal Mothers in 36 Gram Panchayaths

On March 27^th 2012 Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal organized one day awareness programme to all the Pregnant Women and Post Natal Mothers in 36 Grma Panchayaths. Held in different places of Manvi Taluka, the purpose of the programme was to motivate and to make known the importance of motherhood and how to take care of the new-born child. In 36 Grama Pnachayaths various resource persons were invited to give input sessions. Basically they informed the role and duties during pregnancy and postnatal period. They discussed, how to take care of their own health and hygiene and what kind of food to be given to the child, how to improve its health and hygienic as well; what is the importance of 100% institutional deliveries, how to take care of the child, to overcome superstitions and blind beliefs with regard to breast feeding etc.

Awareness Programmes about child care to the mothers (The nutritious food provided by the government) also included information regarding the way to avail government benefits at the proper time specially delivery kit, delivery care, delivery benefits and maternity benefits.  Many other related issues were discussed and guidelines were given in order to improve health in given circumstances. Nearly 3 500 pregnant women and Post Natal Mothers benefited from this awareness program me.

Training for adolescent Girls in the 22 Grama Panchayaths in Manvi Taluka

There are many stages in human life, Infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence or youth, adulthood and old age. Out of all these, adolescence stage is very crucial and important when one undergoes physical, emotional and mental changes in life. In this stage if not guided and motivated properly there is every possibility that he or she will either choose a wrong path or lose the focus in life. Taking this into consideration, Vimukti Charitable Trust organized one day training programme for adolescent girls in 22 Grama Panchayaths in Manvi Taluka.

The main objective of the program was to educate and guide the adolescent girls to understand, to accept their physical and emotional changes they are undergoing. Secondly, to take good care of themselves during this period of life, so that they become mature students at the school and avoid fear and superstitious beliefs, prevalent in the villages. On April 12^th 2012 Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal organized this programme to all the adolescent girls in 22 Grama Panchayaths. Nearly 1840 beneficiaries profited from the programme and expressed that they were ignorant about these things and were happy to be part of. 

Training for...(SDMC) Members in 36 GP In Manvi Taluka

The need for Education has been the current topic and a change has to be brought and implemented in the places where the, of standards of education is bare minimum. Vimukti Charitable Trust (VCT) geared itself, moved by impulses to shake off the dust of ignorance, to instill in the minds of SDMC members a better vision about the need of Education, to work for the development of Schools; thus aspiring and looking out to transform the face of Manvi region.

On April 29^th 2012 it organized one day training programmes to all the SDMC members in 36 Grama Panchayaths. The training was held in different places of Manvi Taluka. The Training was organized in order to motivate and to make known the responsibility and how to take care of the child. In 36 Grama Panachyaths various resource persons in their input sessions informed that the Government has evolved the system of having a School Development and Monitoring Committee for each of the Government schools in order to ensure community ownership and community participation in education. The SDMC has been given necessary powers for ensuring that the schools are managed better and most of the issues relating to the academic aspects and developmental activities of the schools are addressed by them. There were nearly 1 455 beneficiaries who profited from this training.

A warm welcome to Alwyn Dias, the pioneer for Project evaluation

On 20^th of June 2012, we had a rare chance of welcoming Alwyn Dais, the Pioneers of the project. We are aware that people around us are suffering in many ways. The children are the worst victims who face poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, etc. Many organizations work towards the development of these children. In the area of Pothnal, for the past few years the Vimukti Charitable Trust has been playing a major role in providing adequate support to many children. This trust has brought smiles on the faces of many persons, especially children in dire needs. But the main source of economy for the projects comes from “ENSEMBLE AGISSONS- FRANCE” which is entirely dedicated to work for helping children of Pothnal. It is an initiative taken under the leadership and able guidance of  Alwyn Dias who has spared no efforts in the task of helping the children of Pothnal.  In spite of his busy schedule and studies in France, he has found people who are ready and willing to help Pothnal children.

He also gave a clear picture of Ensemble Agissons team work and the efforts to help by way of sponsors. After his personal evaluation  Alwyn gave many valuable suggestions that would be of help for the smooth functioning of the task ahead of us. As the project work is progressing, he requested full cooperation from the part of Vimukti staff. 

Afforestation campaign

The hope of Afforestation was enkindled this year when the entire Raichur received good showers of rain. A campaign was organized at Utaknoor High school of Raichur district by the Vimukti Charitable Trust to create awareness against the growing practice of cutting down trees instead of preserving trees. Raichur being an area that often faces scarcity of rain is prone to face extinction of trees. Besides, people cut trees for firewood. The programme began by welcoming the entire band of guests to the dais, namely Fr. Dancy, the Principal of Sneha Joythi School Pothnal as the president, Mr. Basawaraj head Master, Hanumantha Gram Panchayath President, Dasai SDMC President. The whole gathering received information with regard to the usefulness of planting trees and protecting the environment. The President emphasized in his speech: “take care of the earth and she will take care of you”

Many then participated in the event of planting of trees. The people and the children were enlightened and were given the responsibility of taking care of those plants by watering them time to time and looking after them well. Many plants were planted in the surroundings of the Utakanur High school. There were nearly 320 persons.

Exposure to the children's parliament village Mudolu

"We learn through experience, we gain through experience, we are formed through experience, and we are strengthened through the experience". 

This was our unique experience when we visited Children’s Parliament village Mudolu. We the eight staff along with Director entered the village with mixed feeling of fear and anxiety, hopes and eagerness to experience something new among Devdasi Children. It is said “visits broaden the outlooks”. Exposures create challenge among the animators, and to know more about the work in given situations. It was indeed an opportunity to the animators to learn more about Children’s parliament. The Director of Anthoydhya Social service society, Mudolu welcomed us heartily and gave a brief explanation on Children’s parliament. In the evening, we visited the village called Gernala and participated in the Children’s Parliament. We returned with rich experience.

Vimukti blood bank

To realize the need of the hour and serve the purpose of the people is the greatest wonder and the achievement of human being. As the age-old saying goes ‘Health is wealth’. The Vimukti Charitable Trust (VCT) has been catering to the manifold plans, undertaking projects for the welfare and up-liftment of the people in this region. Health has been the core issue, and the focus to attend to this issue is the prime need. The VCT is showing its credibility and efficiency by being open to various needs of the society; it really triggered off the attention of hundreds of people who were struck when they heard of Vimukti Blood Bank being institutionalized in Pothnal. In fact, it was the present dream and the urgent need of the people; as we know that the people of this region are more prone to ill-health and the need to attend to this issue was a matter of serious concern.

The Training on Vimukti Blood Bank was inaugurated on 10^th of October 12, 2012. This training was held at Vimukti premises. The training was also meant for creating awareness in villages on the importance of voluntary Blood donation. ‘Give Blood-save life’ has been the motto of Vimukti. At the end of the programme names of those ready to donate blood were taken. There were nearly 85 beneficiaries benefited from this training.

Visit to the Police Station

As the beautiful quote says: "Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school and house walls, which molds and develops children". We must know education is not lilted to certain areas but in very field there is something to learn. We know that in the past The Vimukti ceaselessly working towards the development and education of children in various ways and tries ti implement new ways and methods, it organized a day out for about 40 children to the Kavital police working department to know more about the work and mission that is undertaken by the police personnel. The Police officers also explained the children the various responsibilities to provide safety fort communities and to protect the safety of individuals. A policeman upholds the law, helps to protect personal property, and maintain order. they also help children who are lost to find their parents, and to know the various rights which are constituted by the Indian benefited from this program.

Summer Camp

Three days summer camp was organized at Vimukti premises by VCT for the children club from 17th to 19th of October, 2012, for their holistic development. 310 children attended it. They are enriched with the wide knowledge and gained rich experience of learning innovative things through digital learning.

The main purpose behind the camp was to develop and nurture the young minds rationally. It started with meditation for half an hour regularly and then proceeded with video shows on consequence of cleanliness, child labour, child marriage, and malnutrition etc., English, Kannada, Hindi and other language songs were taught to sharpen their singing talents. It was very thrilling and exciting experience and made learning faster. To make the children more energetic, vibrant and physically fit, some latest games were introduced during these special graceful days of learning.

Medical camp

On 16^th of October, 2012, a Medical camp was organized at Vimukti. There were 750 children.  There were 2 doctors and nurses examined the children. A play on Health and Hygiene was performed by the staff. Children were asked to maintain cleanliness in and around the living habitation as part of their health awareness programme. The health camp recorded on height and weight, Blood pressure and general health indications. After the programme nearly 18 children were referred to different hospitals for further treatments.

A new trend - Child Parliament

"The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed from without. It has come from within. in true demecraty ever man or woman is taught to think for himself or herself" - M.K. Gandhi -

Vimukti Charitable Trust Pothnal has something very positive to share to all the readers. It has been working well for he development of the children in various village, and recently it has come up with a unit as the "children's Parliament" which is a new trend to create a strong impact in bringing some changes in the society.

The institute has 14 villages in which 850 children who are the members of this club. As the members of this club they have benefitted in various ways. From the very start of this institute there are various programmes which are held to help the children.

The children in the village get tuition in the evenings and in the holidays tailoring and computer learning facilities and other exposure programs are done without failure. Step by step new methods are introduced in recent years. The vimukti helps each child to grow in all the stages of the development.  The parents and the guardians have seen in their own eyes the changes in their children and excelling in their talents, education, behavior and in the standard of life.

VCT is progressing day by day and here we would like to share something very special as it laid foundation to form a new drift “children’s parliament”.  It is for the first time introduced in the area of Pothnal. VCT has formed Children’s Parliament in 14 villages. Looking deeply of its benefits for the children this pace would work successfully. After all the most beneficiaries would be none other than the children themselves. They can bring changes in their lives, in their surroundings and in the society at large.

Traditionally the child has been seen as a dependent, invisible and passive family member. Only recently he or she has become ‘seen’ and, furthermore, the movement is growing to give him or her space to be heard and respected. Dialogue, negotiation, participation have come to the forefront of the common action for children..

What is Children's Parliament? It is a movement of children who are self-confident and believe that they can come together, think, analyze socio­political happenings at a certain level, speak about them and make decisions and act on them together. It is a movement by children to protect their right to life, health, freedom, security and participation. It is a movement of children that enjoys the support of elders who believe that children's participation in matters   that   affect   their   lives  is  essential for a meaningful social democracy.

Objectives

To give  independent voice for Child. To develop leadership qualities at the tender age. To create awareness on their rightsTo improve their civic sense. Improving their communication and negotiation skills. Building inter-personal relationship between children to children and children to Government. To create awareness on various issues in their Village.To provide an arena for children to involve in action responses. Keeping this in mind, VCT formed new children’s parliament units in 11 villages. Children’s Parliament gives a chance to speak for the children, by the children and of the children. It serves as a platform for the children to develop leadership skills, confidence, team spirit, analytical skills and maturity. There were 250 children who benefited from this training. 

Bus facility

No doubt a Children’s Parliament is a strong force it has succeeded in getting what they wanted. Here we would like to bring to your notice its first achievement in the Pothnal area. In many of the villages in and around Pothnal, lack the proper transport facilities. People and especially the children are the most victims of this. Nalgamdinni, Iralagaddi, Utakanur, Karabadinni, Devipura, Muddanguddi, these village children face transport facilities and due to which, many a time they have to bunk the school and college. During peak hours in the morning as well as in the evening there is hardly any bus facility in these areas. That is why this Children’s Parliament approached the Taluka transport department, with its strong urge to do something concretely in time. For their pleading the unit head Mr .J. T. Choudari promised them to provide transport facility from October 21, 2012. The Children’s Parliament members warned them if they fail to fulfill their need, they will counter the head of transport ministry by way of protest. On this occasion Miss. Mamatha, Mr. Arogyappa, Mrs. Geeta Patil, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Charlie were present.

A plead towards the fulfillment of basic amenities in Markamdhinni village

In the recent times health has played a vital role in facilitating the growth and the development of the society. A serene life is possible if only the living conditions are better taken care off. Many a times due to the lack of favorable and suitable living conditions the human life is deteriorated and humanity is at a loss. So it is very important to note that the fundamental human requirements are to be fulfilled at any cost. The pure drinking water is one of the basic amenities everywhere and in every way. There are lots of diseases occur due to impure consuming of water. In our targeted villages like Utaknur, Dotharbandi, Tadkal, Belavata, Sunkanur are the most affected areas which do not have proper basic amenities. Keeping this in mind the Vimukti organization led the Children’s Parliament to submit a note to P.D.O of the Gram Panchayat. This note included in detail – how the people from their area were affected due to the consumption of polluted water. The water is also stagnated around the roads and even the sides are so polluted with dirty water; sad to say that there are no drains to let the water out and make the road or even the area free-from- stagnant water problems. This has given rise to multiple chances of increase of mosquitoes and other pandemic diseases which spread everywhere. The P.D.O was asked to take note of these problems immediately. 

Media recognition

The CPS was given wide coverage in media. The newspapers, like Vijayakarnataka, Sayuntha Karnataka, Suddimula and Sanjavani.  All appreciated the new venture as a very good way of empowering children in democracy and participation. We are very happy and satisfied that this innovative programme was a great success. This will surely enhance the participation and make known to the children the great benefits of this children’s unit towards better social functioning. We now like to start more CPs in many more villages and induct more children into CPs. We want the CPs to become a movement of the children that ensures their participation in issues that affect their lives directly or indirectly, now and later.

Activities and achievements of children's Parliament in Pothnal

On 28^th of November Children’s Parliament members from Markamdhinni village, took lot effort cleaned the street and their school campus the people appreciated them. In Utakanoor village, Children’s Parliament leaders found out a dropout child who is very much interested in continuing her studies. The members of the Parliament spoke with the family members and motivated her parents to send her to the school. Utakanoor village Children’s Parliament took a lot of effort to clean the street and the people appreciated them. From Dootharabaddi village, one differently abled child from below poverty line was sent to school after speaking to her parents and the School Headmaster. Six early marriages were prevented in Manvi Taluka (Haravi & Balatage) and the girls were sent to tailoring class. In Mudamaggudi from Children’s Parliament a group of children gathered and cleaned the village.In Devipur children along with local women cleaned their school campus. In Pothnal Children’s Parliament leaders cleaned the drainage near drinking water tap. We, the child parliamentarians, have made a resolution that by the end of this year, no child labourer will be here in our village. We are very happy by starting the Children’s Parliament. In Mudamaggudi from Children’s Parliament a group of children demanded the local panchayatha to get their benefits which they have received from the Government. Utakanoor Children’s Parliament member went to Panchayath demanded to open the village library which was closed for one and half year and it was opened to the public. In Markamdhinni village, Children’s Parliament leaders found out a dropout child who is very much interested in continuing her studies. The members of the Parliament spoke with the family members and motivated her parents to send her to the school.

Outcome

-10 Children’s Parliament were formed which consists of 250 children as members.
- Children’s Parliaments are actively functioning at this juncture.
- Children discuss various issues in the parliament and take appropriate solutions to attend to the immediate needs of their areas.

Future focus

- 20 more children's parliament will be formed by the end of 2013 in our working areas.
- Formed children's parliament will be given follow up trainings.
- The development of villages through children's parliament.
- Networking with government ministry of children and with other NGOS.
The staff will visit the selected schools and the villages in their respective area and create awareness to the children on the importance of children's parliament for their own development.
- District convention on children's parliament by 2013.
- State convention on children's parliament by 2014.

Conclusion

“Giver may forget what he has given but receiver will not forget what he has received”. Yes, will not forget love, care, concern, encouragement, generous heart, cheerfulness above all financial support. With eight staff along with 15 Para-teachers working in 14 villages are spreading our identity through works of interventions for development. I sincerely thank the President, Mr. Daniel Helbert and all Trustees without whose support and encouragement the achievement would not have borne expected fruits. We successfully complete five years of work, we remain grateful to Alwyn Dias, Santa Lopes,  Victor Robin D’souza, and  Arun Lobo, for their wholehearted support and encouragement. 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.

Sathish Fernandes

 Vimukti Pothnal.

The sun is rising in Pothnal

It is market day in Pothnal. Along the road leading to the small temple, craftsmen and farmers are laying out goods in the hope of earning some rupees. No tourists here, neither hotels nor restaurants, no tarmaced roads, but only side streets and narrow paths where trucks and rickshaws are stirring up clouds of dust. Here, life is passing by the rhythm of the paddy and cotton fields, local arts and crafts and bus stops. Here, tractors are running very fast to the sound of a noisy music, motorbikes are weaving their way through imperturbable cows, children like to have photographs taken, women are returning from the market with big sacks filled with cereals on their heads. Old people are staring at you insistently. Men of leisure, chewing betel, are waiting for you, always sitting under a tree. Children are appearing from all over the place, sometimes totally naked and with swollen bellies, but their smiles are a real hymn to life. Here we are inhaling the perfume of a carefree attitude and we are living in the present.

A good team

In this village with 1 500 inhabitants in the north of Karnataka in India and in 14 villages around, we have chosen to accompany an educational and health program conducted on the field by the Vimukti association. This adventure came about thanks to the special relationship with our Indian friends, Alwyn, Arun, Santa, Satish, Victor and all the Capucin fathers of Karnataka who warmly recieve us in their community as often we go there. « For me, Lily Jattiot sponsor of « ensemble agissons » said, these princes with bare feet are the symbol of the India I met, true, simple, sensitive, a magic place where the earth and the sky are joining and talk together.»

Around us are gathered a team of educators who are living in these villages. Even if they are Hindus or Christians, they all show a real commitment to serving the deprived people whose lives they are sharing daily. Here women have a predominant place in education. They are the ferment of developmenttand the driving force of change.

When he took charge of Vimukti, Satish, the current director, chose to be very close to this world to which he is a servant. Whatever the difficulties he meets, he is always in good shape and he carries all the members with him. 

Because she is familiar with computing and accounting, Mamatha is an indispensable and an invaluable assistant.

Because her family could not pay the dowry, Malama’s husband abandoned her and a little boy who is 4. Thanks to her experience with the children with behavioural problems and handicapped people, she has a real place in the staff.

Married and the mother of a little girl who is only a few months old, Yasintha radiates simplicity and kindness.

Like her friend Eramma Geetha would like to find a good husband in the neighborhood.

A twinkle in his eye, Amaresh is always open-minded, especially in children’s clubs.

Charly, the father of a little girl who is only 1, loves telling stories.

Keen on reading and theatre, Arogyapa is a clever negotiator with the governing representatives.

With 5 children, Yayasheela is probably the most experienced. His joviality and his talents in dance get all the votes.

Vimukti Pothnal recruited 15 educational assistants, men and women employed by contract by the local community to strengthen the educational system in the distant villages. Despite the lack of electricity, of an adapted place, and the omnipresence of mosquitoes nothing can shake their enthusiasm even if they have to give rewards to motivate the pupils. If schooling is a fundamental and compulsory right for millions of Indian children, the government has to face up to the large resistance of the families who prefer to send children to work in the fields and so have less mouths to feed.

Children’s clubs

One of the guiding principles of Vimukti Pothnal is the creation of children’s clubs in the villages. Children come there every week to play, to have fun and express their talents.

800 children, split up into 34 clubs on each side of the river, take part in activities which take place generally on Saturday afternoon or Sunday on the schools premises, with the agreement of the teachers. Some children have to ride 10 or 20 kilometers by rickshaw or by bike to go to the meeting but their motivation measures up to the growing reputation of these clubs and their pertinence in the education of the children. They allow to create a direct relationship with families and to gain the confidence of the parents.

Markumdini school

In February 2011 we were eagerly awaited at Markumdini School. This school has been chosen to create an exchange with a school in Brittany. We are the messengers during this trip and we are going to the village by motorbike early in the day.

A few months before, in a small school in La Guerche de Bretagne, 50 children of two classes, with their teachers Anne-Sophie and Cécile, created a book with pictures and texts to present their environment.

"In groups of 3 or 4, children chose a theme and created a page in the album. They got to know the Indian culture by reading tales, by conducted works on different topics (money, languages, religions, the structures of the casts, etc.). They were very impressed  by the pictures showing the people living on the poverty line. However, Anne-Sophie says, It was difficult for them to imagine that people could live differently in another country. They had many questions and they became aware of the differences. Personally, I remember this moment of great emotion, when, with large opened eyes, they touched the album for the last time".

We are invited to take part in class teaching. The teacher asks the children questions, checks their learning process on the blackboard, encourages them to speak. We are very impressed by their thirst for knowledge, their vivacity and their ease in oral expression. We describe the album to the children while the young boys and girls look with surprise and enchanted eyes at another culture and another way of life.

In January 2012 we are back at Markumdini School. With application and love, the children of the school have made an album that we will bring to the children in France. This exchange took place thanks to the will and the enthusiasm of the French and Indian teachers. "Ensemble, agissons" and Vimukti made it possible. After the usual speeches, there were songs and dances before an enchanted audience.

Feast day

We are Sunday. The sun is shining warmly. They come on foot, by bike or rickshaw, on motorbikes, a lot of people in lorries and tractors. After less than one hour, more  than eight hundred children and adults coming from the surroundings are gathered under the big rough canvas held up with temporary pickets inside Vimukti Project. They wouldn’t miss this special meeting where we are invited for the world: "The Footprints of Vimukti children".

Loudspeakers give out an unbearable sound level. When the Indians are celebrating, they like everyone to know, loudly and very far away. Some children go on stage to tell stories, as others, stand back, outline in pencil the more beautiful drawings and paintings created directly on the ground with multicoloured powders in accordance with their inspiration. It is difficult to decide between one or the other groups who has given the most energy and talent to do their best.

Late in the afternoon, we are sitting among local and regional representatives. When Arogyappa holds out a microphone, Satish translates my speech into English:

« If you help a child, you help a family ; if you help a family, you support  a community ; if you support a community, you support a territory . Little by little, the Project is growing and our links are strengthening.  Education is the path to becoming free and you are the future of India. Be confident in the future, keep your opened and smiling faces and build together the paths of the heart. » 

  

Why not with you?

Because a child needs education, opening and exchange to grow, sponsorship represents a real and concrete assistance for a child and his family. We have to struggle continuously against illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, malnutrition, child abuse, girls infanticide, arranged marriages and all the disparities. To accompany children on the path of education, we have to change failure into success, to see faces lifting up and smiling.

To act with generosity and humility, to help poor people open the doors of our humanity. Becoming messengers of peace, sharing and opening, we are able to create links which connect each other in depths of life. 40 children from Pothnal are currently sponsored by members of « Ensemble, agissons ». Others would like to get the chance to enter into a relationship with a sponsor. Why not with you?...

Sponsoring a child is bringing him hope and building a better future for him, a road to liberty.

Open your heart

We have in our heart, a project, an idea, a journey. A lot of dreams which give sense to our lives. And as far as we look afterwards, we can observe that nothing happens by chance, that Providence is always doing its work and that it shows the way. India came to meet me. Not the India with Maharajahs and palaces, not the India with colonies, but another India, with poor and deprived people, the India which Gandhi was fond of and of which the poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote the praises. Because travelling is not only taking your bag and getting away to unknown, beautiful and far away countries. Travelling is opening doors, to let oneself be transformed by the country that welcomes you, meeting yourself, opening your heart and living here and now the most beautiful journey, it’s probably the one each one of you will do to approach the other, the others.

  

«Be the change you want to see in the world»

(Gandhi)