Resonance - CCDTrust

Goonj
(((((((Resonance)))))))
Vol.2
Issue 4, October 2014
A childhood to every child. Together we can make it happen!
Committed Communities Development Trust 42, Chapel Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai – 400050
Tel: +91 22 66881900/01 Fax: +91 22 26443345 www.ccdtrust.org
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CCDT SNAPSHOTS
A Star Studded Evening
A mega event organized on 23rd August, 2014 and attended by Bollywood’s Fashion Gurus, Sandeep
Khosla and Abu Jani along with Bollywood’s latest heartthrobs, Siddharth Malhotra and Varun
Dhawan, marked the beginning of Committed Communities Development Trust’s (CCDT) 25th year.
We appreciate the support our guests continue to provide us along with their willingness to
commemorate CCDT’s 25th Anniversary. We look forward to a positive difference this will bring to the
children.
Staff and the boys get clicked with our guests, (from right to left) Abu Jani
(extreme right), Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra and Sandeep Khosla
‘mMitra’ a new Initiative
‘mMitra’ Program was started with a goal of providing an opportunity to
engage with the women and children from early days of pregnancy till the child
completes one year. In the ‘mMitra’ program, regular, timed and targeted
information is provided through automated voice calls on preventive care and
simple interventions to pregnant women and women with
children up to the age of one year. The voice messages are sent
directly to the woman in local dialect, specific to her
gestational age or the age of the new born.
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CCDT is implementing ‘mMitra’ Program in R/N & R/C wards of Mumbai Municipal Corporation
called ‘mMitra’ Dahisar , Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporations called ‘mMitra’
Nallasopara and the program covers a population of 10 lacs.
Government supports HBC programme
On 19th July, 2014, a ‘Stakeholders Meet’ was organized where 66
ICTC counsellors, 12 ART counsellors, 10 District TB Control
Officers (DTOs) with an additional Project Director MDACS, Joint
Director,
ART
consultant,
and
Assistant
Director
ICTC
MDACS participated. The highlights of the meeting included the
APD – MDACS addressing the audience at
the Stake Holder Meet
decision to provide referrals of HIV impacted families who are in
crisis and need support services from CCDT. Felicitation of key DTOs, ICTC and ART centers by the
chief guests, Dr. Srikala Acharya (Additional Project Director – MDACS), Ms. Chhaya Rade (Chief
Operating Officer - CCDT) and Mr. Pramod Nigutkar (Programme Director - CCDT) was done where
they were given tokens of appreciation for their sincere efforts in helping HIV impacted families who
were in crisis, in order to receive the required support by referring them to CCDT.
Tie up with Singapore International School
The Maitree program is entering into a meaningful partnership with Singapore International School
where children from both the sides can meet, share, learn and have fun with each other. It began with a
group of ten children from Maitree visiting the school upon an invitation. This was followed by the
children from schools visiting Tarangan centre and Community. These fruitful interactions helped
both the groups of children to get exposed to a different kind of world. The affluent facilities available
at the Singapore International School delighted Maitree children, whereas, deprivation of the basic
facilities in the community also proved to be an eye opener for children from the International school.
The discussions and follow ups on a formal proposal for a partnership between the school and the
program representative is in the process.
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They Earned it…
This year, CCDT witnessed success with regard to the SSC and HSC board exams. With nearly all the
children successfully completing their 10th and 12th board exams, the highest reported percentage this
year was 77%. The children were felicitated for their effort and success in acing their exams.
Rani (right), receiving her award for passing her 12th
exam
Nitesh (right) receiving his award from the guests
for completing his SSC board exam
School Management Committee Member – Interstate Consultation
Ms. Sangeeta Pandey, an SMC member from Swami
Vivekananda School Dahisar, with CCDT’s Sr. Program
Officer,
Vaijayanti
Bagwe
participated
in
a
one
day consultation on exemplary practices of SMCs, organized
by ‘Save The Children’, Delhi on 20th May, 2014. CCDT
represented
School Management Committee (SMC) Member
representing CCDT in Inter-state Consultation
Maharashtra
while
there
were
other
representatives from Haryana, Bihar and Delhi. CCDT
presented the overall processes and changes brought in the schools. On the other hand, an SMC
member presented the contribution and role of SMC in bringing the desired changes in the school.
Members of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Delhi Commission for
Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), ‘Sarva Siksha Abhiyan’, Delhi, District Institute of Education and
Training (DIET), Delhi and representatives from Education Department of Municipal Corporation of
Delhi were also a part of this consultation.
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CCDT came up with a Five Year Strategic Plan
A five year strategic plan with indicators and
budgets for all programmes of the organization was
put in place through an intense Strategic Planning
process led by our Trustee and Special Advisor.
Internal discussions were held between the Core
Staff of CCDT at the Five Year Strategic Plan Meet
Working Group and the Programme Directors. This was followed by the training of senior staff
members on planning tools such as Results-Based Management, Conceptual Framework Analysis
and the Triple ‘A’ Approach. The focus of this Five year plan is to move away from activity-based
implementation. The plan emphasizes on achievement of results to bring about change within the
communities that CCDT works with. The Five year strategic plan led to the development of results
based on which the Annual Work Plan for the year 2014-2015 was prepared.
Time well spent with the Spanish ‘Didis’
The children across our Residential Care programs had three special visitors from Spain. They spent 3
productive months from July to September with the children. During this time, the volunteers
consistently spent quality time with the children teaching them and exposing them to different
activities essential for learning. The children in this time got a
chance to polish their painting skills and exhibit the same in style
with the help of their ‘didis’.
Boys celebrate with the ‘didis’ at Aakaar,
Khandala
Ankur girls on an outdoor trip with the
Spanish ‘didis’
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WE CAN, WE DID and WE WILL!
Teen making a difference
15 year old Sheetal is from an HIV affected family. Her HIV positive mother always wanted Sheetal to
know her HIV status and live a positive life. When she was told about her mother’s HIV status, she felt
that her world ended. She was then introduced to an LSE group (Life Skill Education) of Project CHILD
by her mother so that she could talk freely and get information on HIV. During the home visit, she
shared that her school friend was being sexually abused by one of the school teachers. She gathered some
friends and encouraged the group to register a complaint in the police station as she was made aware
about the POCSO Act during one of the LSE sessions. On approaching the police chowki, Sheetal said ‚it
was not easy for me to visit the police station‛. After a few minutes, a lady constable asked them about
being there. She narrated the entire incident to the lady constable who refused to believe them. So Sheetal
told them to visit the school and observe. The next day, the police constables entered the school in civil
dress and pretended they came for a visit .When they entered the school, they spotted the teacher
abusing a girl, after which the issue was taken to the Principal who rusticated the culprit from the school.
The next day, the school arranged a special program to felicitate Sheetal and her classmates for their
efforts. Sheetal in her speech said that ‚CCDT CHILD project helped me a lot. Vaha jane se he meri
himmat aur khudpar ka vishwas bada hai. Aur is hi himmat ki wajah se aaj maine apni dost ki madat ki
hai aur yeh karke muje bada garv mehsus ho raha hai !‛
Perseverance finally brought light of success
Unkept public toilets in the communities are common. Children group members from Ram Nagar
Dongri, decided to take up this issue. Heavy rains and collapse of a huge tree had ruined their public
toilet which consisted of 5 toilets. Nine months on, after running from pillar to post, the community was
still struggling with getting the toilets renovated. However, the upcoming elections and unavailability of
the Corporator left their concerns unaddressed. This did not affect the determination of the children.
They brought parents and other community members together and demanded their support to address
the issue. The children planned a signature campaign in the community and collected around 217
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signatures. Finally, after two months, the corporator agreed to help these young leaders of change. In
spite of his promises, the children had to visit the Corporator’s office many times. Their perseverance
finally saw the light of success on 8th June, 2014, when the renovation of public toilets and also the
inauguration for constructing new toilets began.
Toilet before repairs
Toilet after repairs
Reuniting Rekha back with her Family
Rekha (name changed), a 20 yr old woman was found at the Bhayander railway station, during the
Child Labor campaign. She appeared lost and was spotted with a man who was heavily drunk. The
Childline team got suspicious and enquired about her situation. It was found that the man she was
with, had found her all by herself at the Virar Station 9 days ago and went on to marry her. When the
team asked Rekha about her family and address, she was quiet. She was injured and the team
suspecting foul play took them to the General
Reserve Police (GRP) office. The man who was
accompanying Rekha sensed trouble and fled the
scene under the pretext of making a phone call.
Rekha needed help as she was yet not answering any
question about her past or her situation. The Senior
Police Officer suggested admitting her to a shelter
Rekha (in Yellow) with her family (seated). (Behind)
Childline staff of CCDT, Lata Parab (in red) who helped
Rekha locate her family.
home. However, as there was no vacancy in the shelter home, the Police and Childline staff got her
back to the Police station.
During the course of efforts being put in to get a safe shelter for Rekha, she realized the good
intention of the team. She opened up and spoke about her situation. A mother of two she had fled her
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home from her abusive husband in Gulbarga (AP). Rekha was shifted to a shelter home in Panvel,
where she would be safe and cared for. Her health started improving and with Rekha’s help and
directions, the Gulbarga team was given the details to trace her family. Thereafter, her family was
traced by the Gulbarga Childline team. Finally, the GRP and CCDT Childline staff travelled to
Gulbarga and successfully restored Rekha with her parents.
I Did It…
Anil’s story is that of perseverance, determination and success. In his
interview, he says ‚I passed my 10th in a municipal school and did not
have strong knowledge or skills to get a job. My parents do not have any
formal education but supported me in completing my education. I would
like to give my parents and friends the credit for whatever I am today. I
joined an organization that works with Youth to earn pocket money and got
connected to the social sector. Eventually, I got to know where my passion
was and I started working towards nurturing my passion by pursuing a para-professional social work
course. The course helped me change my perspective towards the youth. I was inspired to work for the
society and bring about a positive change in people’s lives. I later joined CCDT (Committed
Communities Development Trust) in the HBC programme as a community organizer. My dedication,
commitment and hard work helped me grow as a professional and as an individual. While working in
CCDT, I was motivated to complete my higher education. I completed my graduation from the Open
University and pursued my Post Graduation in Social Work at Pune, from Karve Institute of Social
Service. I completed my specialization in family and child welfare. After completing my MSW, I
applied in CCDT for the post of a social worker. Looking at my good work in the past, CCDT once
again gave me an opportunity to grow.‛
Today, Anil is working towards changing the life of many HIV impacted families and children. He is
the best example of courage and determination.
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CHILDREN’S EXPRESS
No one can feel her feelings
No one can understand her
No one can ask why
She is crying
I remember the days which
I spent with my mother
She always cared for me
She always loved me
A girl without her mother
A girl sitting on a beach
The day when I lost my
Mother in the accident
Don‟t go for long with me
Tears in her eyes
It breaks my heart
Thinks of her past days
Cries in aloud
I miss you so much..
-
Pushpa Mandal
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Friends
Friends is not history to forget
Friends is not Maths to calculate
Friends is not a language to learn
Friendship is the only chemistry that reacts with two hearts!
Three things of life that never come back,
Time, Words and Opportunity
By,
Parveen Mirza
Std 12 - Commerce
Three things that must not be lost
Peace, Hope and Honesty
Three things that are most valuable.
Love, Self – belief and Friends
TRUE FRIENDSHIP
O Dear Friends
Friendship should be like a garden
Which blossoms everyday into
a beautiful flower
Then living each day would be worth while
Life is nothing without Friendship
Because it is only in the
Relationship that one has the
Freedom to be oneself
Friendship is smooth, free flowing
Like a river in a dream
To share everything which
Brings all new surprises
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Growing deeper day after day
True friendship comes when silence
Between two people is comfortable and
When everything is said and done
And understood in just a few words
Friendship can show how beautiful life can be!
By,
Pushpa Das
Std 9
…
By,
Gauri Makwana
Std 10
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-
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STAFF BYTES
CCDT……My Family
It was the first day of December 2001.......World AIDS Day.... what
a perfect day to join as a counselor in the HBC program of
CCDT! And the next day I was on the railway platform
distributing pamphlets of HIV, wondering where I have landed
myself. I did not realize it was the beginning of a new era in my
life. Days, months & even years passed.......CCDT helped me prove
myself wrong. Just a paragraph?……Impossible....... I can actually
write a book on my entire journey of 13 years with CCDT, after
working practically in all programs and units. During my journey of 13 years, I met countless
number of people who touched my life and made me more human. One of them is my better
half. I met my wonderful and loving life partner here at CCDT. This made CCDT not just my
workplace but an extended family. If marriages are made in heaven, then my marriage is
certainly made in this heavenly place called CCDT. Come what may, my partner and I will
always continue to support this extended family of ours. So the ties with CCDT are not just
professional but are much beyond that!
“
„
„
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“
-
My First 100 days at CCDT
A shift from the corporate background to a Non Governmental
Organization meant less salary and more work, at least, that is the
notion commonly held among most people. My first day at CCDT began
with a lot of questions about this unfamiliar sector, not knowing what
the people working here expected out of me in terms of the most
commonly used jargon „performance‟. Performance to me once meant quick results
and beating intense competition. It was only after I joined CCDT that I realized performance
here meant working hard towards restoring a normal childhood to our children. The most
significant part in the life of every Mumbaikar, “Train travel” was something I had grown to fear.
The fear however, was short lived until I bought my very first
train ticket to Dahisar as a part of my induction. This was my
breakthrough moment when I managed the art of pushing people
around to make my trips between „Bandra‟ to „Mahalaxmi‟,
„Nallasopara‟ etc which taught me Darwin‟s most popular theory,
in this case „Survival of the Strongest‟.
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The most heartening part of my last 100 days is the luxury of spending quality time with the
children, from toddlers to young adults, every stage of development posing its own challenges
and benefits. An exposure to this kind of variety over my 100 days has enriched my learning and
experiences as a person and is currently grooming me into a more practical and realistic human
being, trying to free herself from materialistic expectations and valuing „what is‟ rather than
„what should be‟.
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OFFICE WELLNESS
1. Avoid sitting in one place for too long
We understand that you all lead very hectic lifestyles and cannot afford to waste a minute, but please
remember that sitting in one place for very long is one of the reasons for lifestyle diseases such as blood
sugar, weight, cholesterol problems etc. So make it a point to get up and move more frequently!
2. Have lunch together
There is no better time than lunch time to catch up on constructive
gossip and a little „chit chat‟ with colleagues. So make sure you spare at
least 30 mins with your colleagues during this time. This will also ensure
you get to know everyone better, making your stay at CCDT more
enjoyable!
3. Celebrate small successes in office
Let‟s make it a point to celebrate small successes in office, such as
promotions, birthdays, complimenting our staff for a job well done,
appreciating leadership for the right guidance at the right time, for staff
dedication and commitment shown etc.
4. Work life balance
You‟re not alone if you are finding it hard to juggle work, family and
friends. It could help if you plan your entire week and schedule time
with family and friends after work. This will certainly recharge you and
ensure you return to work fresh the next day. This way, you also have
something to look forward to!