Empower 100 Girls in Asia's Largest Red Light Area

“No other organization involves children in activities like here!”- Udaan Mother

Outreach:

The objective of the field visit is to make the mothers understand the consequences of absentism among the beneficiaries. Our outreach team make continuous effort to encourage the mother’s to send their children to our center to avail our services for the overall development of their child.

Boarding follow ups are conducted to gain knowledge of the current status of beneficiaries enrolled in boarding homes. It was seen during the boarding visits that the beneficiaries enrolled are keeping well and they are focused in improving in academics. The outreach team also facilitated parent- child meeting of a beneficiary enrolled for boarding facility.

School visits are regularly conducted in order to keep a track of the progress of children. It has been noticed that the beneficiaries are improving in education and are disciplined but few beneficiaries have attendance issue. Hence in order to curtail this issue regular home visits are made to meet the Udaan mother and explain to them to send their daughters regularly to school so that their education is not hampered in any way.

Education:

One of the team members got certified for holding first position in Slogan writing competition in her class.

Formal education:

Regular tuition classes are conducted with Udaan beneficiaries to help the beneficiaries in school studies they are equipped with better clarity of concepts and strong basics for young beneficiaries. This quarter as exams are approaching the tuition teachers focused on preparing the children for examination according to the syllabus provided.

In order to improve general knowledge of the Udaan beneficiaries’ general knowledge sessions are conducted which included medicinal uses of a Neem tree. The session was interactive and it invoked thought process of the young beneficiaries it was noticed that beneficiaries were attentive towards the session which led one of the beneficiaries sharing about its anti-bacterial quality and its use in cleaning of teeth. The impact of the session was fruitful as beneficiaries shared that during their science exam they were able to write about the tree in detail as the session was helpful for them to memorize the facts. The other general knowledge session included giving an idea to beneficiaries about History and difference between domestic and wild animals. Post the session it has been observed that the beneficiaries are now aware about what History is as a subject. They have also become well versed with the distinction between wild and domestic animals.

To develop a habit of writing their routine and expressing their feelings about events journal writing is regularly practiced among the beneficiaries. In order to bring a change in pattern of their writing and help them think the beneficiaries are provided with varied themes. It has been noticed that the change in process has helped beneficiaries thought processes to be revoked and as its seen the theme provided are very well related by the beneficiaries to their personal experiences throughout the day and Journal it down. It is also seen day by day the writing of the beneficiaries is improving along with their spellings.

Spoken English classes are conducted to improve the language skills of the beneficiaries these skills are being improved by conducting class in the manner of conventional mode of teaching combined with interaction, dialogue, games as a technique of teaching. It been noticed that the beneficiaries are slowly getting a hold of the language and are not hesitant to speak in front of a group of people in English. It was a proud moment when during a corporate visit the beneficiaries confidently introduced themselves in front of the employees in English.

To improve the reading skills of the younger beneficiaries’ newspaper reading is conducted where in the beneficiaries are given newspaper and are asked to identify one letter and two letter words. The visualization and identification makes the process easier and this paces up the learning process of the beneficiaries. It has been observed that beneficiaries are able to better understand and identify words during tuitions and in school due to the reading supplement in the form of newspaper activity.

In addition, a reading assessment was conducted for Udaan beneficiaries through the utilization of reading assessment tool. The outcome showed that beneficiaries had vast difference in their reading skills and these assessments are currently being continued through various activities for example recitation, story telling etc.

Computer classes are regularly conducted to impart basic, excel and word skills during this class it has been observed that the beneficiaries are becoming well versed with excel and word which is seen when beneficiaries are prepare their own word documents with a little guidance from the facilitator. During the visit to the corporate office it was revealed that the team members were well aware of the use of shortcuts, tools and formulas in MS Excel. With a little probing the beneficiaries also accomplished the task of Data Validation. It has also been observed that the beneficiaries try teaching what they have learned to their newly joined team mates.

“Twenty-nine years of work experience! And we are just fourteen (years of age)” - Udaan beneficiary who was amazed to hear about immense work experiences of people working at DHL.

Informal Education:

In order to promote basic understanding of addition and subtraction and to improve the basic mathematical skills using the realistic scenario of the Market bazaar activity was conducted with the Udaan beneficiaries.It was found that beneficiaries know how to do the addition and subtraction on paper but they lack the basic skills of mental addition and subtraction.

In order to make the beneficiaries comfortable in talking in a group and making them confident to put forward their view point child internal meetings are conducted wherein the beneficiaries openly share the issues as well as what they are learning in the center. This quarter the beneficiaries spoke about what they like in the center and the understanding they are developing of being good leaders. It is noticed that both younger and older beneficiaries are very attentive, spontaneous as well as vocal during the monthly meeting they have started coming up with topics by themselves to discuss during the meeting.

During this quarter the beneficiaries were shown videos on Meena in order to instill values among beneficiaries and to make them aware about the social issues. It was observed that beneficiaries could understand that Education to a girl child is a social issue and often this right to the girls is being denied by the society. In another Meena video the beneficiaries learned that it’s important to belief in scientific reasoning rather than following superstitious belief.

One future collective sessions were conducted to make beneficiaries aware about their career and child rights. In the career guidance session, the beneficiaries reflected upon their passion, mission and vocation during the session. During the session the beneficiaries gained clarity on what they would like to become in future. In another session, with regards to child rights the beneficiaries gained knowledge about laws like child labor, child marriage, voting rights, the Domestic Violence act also gained some exposure upon the POCSO act. The impact of the career guidance session was seen during the corporate visit wherein the beneficiaries introduced themselves in front of the employees they confidently shared what they would like to become.

The other session focused on developing leadership to solve civic issues which was conducted through mock political campaigns the beneficiaries learnt to form in groups their agenda, their motto, their party logo and hence got exposed to the civic process prevalent in the country.

In order to engage the young Udaan beneficiaries in creative thinking drawing activity is conducted in the center. The beneficiaries’ day by day are improving in their drawing skills and they have developed a sense of using the right colour combinations during art/craft activities or other assignments.

This quarter Panchatantra videos were shown to the beneficiaries in order to instill values among them. It been observed that the beneficiaries have clearly started understanding the values depicted in the animated video this is reflected during the discussion post the screening of the video. actively participated in the session and also responded that it is not a good practice to tease others for anything less or to be proud of oneself for one’s own possessions or features.

The beneficiaries are having regular fashion designing classes. The beneficiaries have learnt significant number of embroidery patterns and are in the process of learning work with sequins and aari.  The younger Udaan beneficiaries are learning the basics of designing starting from different types of stitches.

The beneficiaries are also undergoing music training to improve their skill in playing instruments and vocals. This quarter beneficiaries got an opportunity to see a live musical event at Billawa Bhavan, Santa Cruz in which they observed the live show and expressed their interest in preparing and performing a similar show. Not just the lead singer, but the beneficiaries also observed and appreciated the performers who were playing instruments in the background and appreciated the energy that was put into the live show by all performers. This understanding and respect for all the elements that make up a live show has developed among beneficiaries due to exposure they receive about music and its elements in the regular music sessions.

In order to horn their theatrical skills, the beneficiaries regularly participate in drama classes. It been observed that the beneficiaries through this class has attained tremendous confidence in order to perform in front of the audience and they have become capable of creating impromptu drama to be performed in various occasions.

Some Beneficiaries undergoing this training have become a part of a theatrical drama group of Red nose entertainment through which they are trained professionally in commercial drama. This theatrical drama group is intended to provide professional development in the beneficiaries and create a pathway towards a new career who wish to get into Theatre along with also providing a platform for beneficiaries to share and express their emotions. The very first commercial clowning act of the beneficiaries was performed during this quarter at Versova Empty space acting academy.

Art first sessions are conducted to develop creativity among the beneficiaries. The session helps beneficiaries to ponder and think about various aspects of their life. They also foster imagination of team members which has been an ongoing process since the sessions have begun. The younger beneficiaries initially took time to think out of the box but due to constant assistance from fellow mates and the guides/facilitators, even the younger team members accomplish the task.

The older beneficiaries participate in easy cooking session which leads the beneficiaries to learn varied simple recipies. One of the beneficiary during Diwali prepared Karanji (Sweets) to take along in school. The other preparation involved tangy bhel with the help of one of the facilitators which was served as snacks for the Udaan and Umang beneficiaries.

In order for the beneficiaries to understand value and ethics Junior Shakti sessions are conducted where in varied topics are undertaken which is discussed with beneficiaries through a story or visual depiction. This quarter the session encompassed to build understanding among the beneficiaries that it is okay to be different. The beneficiaries find the sessions to be interesting and are responsive during the discussion. The quality imbibed during the session are reflected during the daily lives of the beneficiaries.

Senior Shakti session was conducted in order for the older Udaan beneficiaries to understand the importance of Financial independence and importance of saving. During the session live examples were used which made it simpler for the beneficiaries to relate and understand the concept. The beneficiaries are interactive as well as responsive during the session.

In order to develop a sense of leadership among older Udaan beneficiaries Udaan- Umang session was conducted. The older beneficiaries undertook a session on good touch and bad touch. The older Udaan beneficiaries skillfully communicated the sensitive topic of good and bad touch to young children in form of drama. The young Udaan beneficiaries as well as Umang beneficiaries effectively grasped the points that were meant to be understood in the session.

The other session conducted by Udaan beneficiaries is to make beneficiaries aware about traffic rules, and vehicles. The session was conducted in detail and the Umang beneficiaries understood the importance to follow traffic rules as a road safety measure.Post the session it has been noticed that Udaan beneficiaries themselves have started following the traffic rules as they feel that if they are imparting knowledge about a certain thing they should be the one to first follow it. The other session conducted involved Udaan beneficiaries telling stories to the Umang beneficiaries and also teaching songs that they learn during music classes.

To impart awareness on hygiene and health, for the team members to incorporate healthy habits in routine. Heathy habbit sessions are regularly conducted with the beneficiaries.Regular session with Udaan team members have sensitized team members towards maintenance of hygiene.

Udaan mother’s meeting are conducted regularly to highlight the importance of the involvement of the mothers in the development process of the beneficiaries.  One of the mother’s meeting was conducted to inform the mother’s about the Diwali vacation and importance of them to be available to take their children home for the festival. The mothers understood the message well.

The other meeting to discuss about the attendance of the beneficiaries with their mothers and to ask mothers to send their children to school daily.  

Beneficiaries were taken for exposure visit to a corporate DHL. The beneficiaries learnt about the work of DHL across the globe. They got oriented to the functioning and operations of the service center. They also observed the work ethics lingering in the office environment. The Udaan team members were interrogative as well as responsive throughout the visit. The DHL staff members were impressed by Udaan team members because of their confident personalities, kind and respectful attitude.

This quarter two visits were made by a group of Volunteers Ceres global they conducted various educational activities with the beneficiary. The activities included giving an experience to beneficiaries about virtual reality, making them well versed with body parts, types of animals distinguishing between domestic and wild animals. They also took an initiative to update the laptops of the beneficiaries so that it would be helpful for them while computer classes.

Health:

One beneficiary of Marwari school has participated in inter-college football tournament and won a medal and has also won Mother Teresa National Coloring Competition – 2019 from school.

Physical Health:

The nutritional meals are timely provided to the beneficiaries which are based on a diet chart keeping in mind the nutritional requirements of the beneficiaries. Even the Multivitamins are regularly provided. Due to the provision of this service it has been noticed that the frequency of the occurrence of disease has reduced. A remarkable increase in weight has been noticed.

This quarter general health camp has been conducted of beneficiaries. During the camp beneficiaries who were suffering from mild, seasonal cold and cough, got checked up and medications were accordingly provided.

Monthly medical check-up was conducted during this quarter wherein the beneficiaries were taken to Gauarabai Hospital none of the beneficiaries were suffering from any major illness.

This quarter Immunization camp was conducted in collaboration with Nair hospital. The team of Nair hospital provided immunization to beneficiaries and also looked into the immunization card. Along with immunization they were also explaining the mothers the importance of completing the immunization process of children.

The beneficiaries are undergoing karate classes in the light of personal safety and learning self-defense techniques. It is observed that Young beneficiaries are on the path of learning Kathas and fight techniques, whereas several older beneficiaries have been assessed to qualify for participation in local tournaments. Through Karate session the beneficiaries are able to stay fit and maintain their healthy body.

Mental Health:

In order to provide beneficiaries with good mental health beneficiaries are regularly taken for garden visits and they participate in various co-curricular activities they also indulge in various indoor games which help reduce stress on their minds and relax.

This quarter to promote mental health super brain Yoga and Twin heart meditation session was conducted for beneficiaries. Though the technique was a little difficult for beneficiaries to understand but still the beneficiaries felt good post the meditation session.

“We should be the ones sitting with the laptops and the kids should be guiding us with Excel!”- an impressed DHL staff member.

Recreation:

For recreational purposes to learn true essence of festival beneficiaries celebrated Dussehra with enthusiasm as the whole session was planned by the Udaan older beneficiaries. The session was well planned and the beneficiaries received knowledge about victory of good over evil. One of the Udaan beneficiaries as part of the celebration also advised her fellow mates about the ill effects of bursting crackers at Diwali to environment and self.

The beneficiaries were taken to Taraporewala Aquarium as a reward of the star chart to encourage the beneficiaries to follow their daily duties. Beneficiaries were very happy after the visit as they got a chance to get acquainted with various fishes they also got an opportunity to relax at marine drive and enjoy Pani-puri (Indian) snacks on their way.The beneficiaries post the visit shared that they felt encouraged to do better and appreciated for their efforts.

Beneficiaries were also taken for visit to Kamala Nehru Park it was a reward for beneficiaries who won in the star chart system the next month. The visit was enjoyed by beneficiaries and it acted as a motivational factor which has led beneficiaries to take responsibility. The activity also proved to be good in terms of rejuvenation for the beneficiaries.

Children’s day celebration was conducted for the beneficiaries Magic show by a famous magician was organized as part of celebration. Before the magic show, beneficiaries sang songs, and showed their talents and they were eagerly waiting for the magic show. Magician was excellent in terms of entertaining the children, he even made a few children participate in some of the magic moves.Beneficiaries had a great time. The celebration helped us build the bridge among all the children from FR, KP as well as BMC school as the children of the school were also invited to be a part of the show.

Movie screening for beneficiaries were done I am Kalam and Stanley Ka Dabba. Both the movies were liked by the beneficiaries a lot. The movie helped beneficiaries realized the importance of education and existence of child labour and what is it effects.

Annual Events:

Annual picnic for Udaan beneficiaries was conducted in the month of December wherein the beneficiaries were taken to Tikujiniwadi a fun resort. The beneficiaries enjoyed the varied rides and were excited about the overall surrounding of the place which was green and serene. The beneficiaries also enjoyed the meal provided.

Annual Udaan sports was conducted which involved enthusiastic beneficiaries participating in various sports event such as running race, kangaroo race, lemon and spoon, book balance, relay etc. The beneficiaries were very sporting and used various strategies to win the races. Post the completion of sports event there was prize distribution for winner and also an award was presented by Manju Ma’am and Sarbani Ma’am to the best sports person.

Capacity Building:

BCPT Training:

To train staff members upon effectively conducting English language learning sessions with young beneficiaries. The training was conducted with the help of educational videos. The participants learnt about ways to effectively teach alphabets, words and sentences to students of primary academic level. The method they learnt was to use e learning content by BCPT, use of flash cards, drawings and live objects for the purpose.

POCSO Training:

The training was conducted with support staff in order to develop their knowledge and sensitivity among staff members about POCSO Act. The session was interactive, provided an open platform for the participants to raise doubts. The staff members learnt about signs that are to kept an eye upon for identifying a victim of sexual abuse. They also gained knowledge of the law that is in place for protection of children against sexual abuse.

Crisis Management and work Ownership

The training was conducted by Adrian sir to explain the staff how a crisis can be managed and importance of work ownership. Through this training session the Staff learned about the importance of being alert and proactive and through the group activities staff realized that trust is the most important thing while working in the team.  Discussion with regards to attributes of a good leader was also done.

ICRI training

The ICRI training sessions are conducted in order to train the teachers in various skills of teaching keeping in mind the perspective of the child. Through this training teachers learn varied innovative techniques of imparting knowledge to the beneficiaries and understand the essence of every child’s need and level of grasping knowledge. During the training session in this quarters how they can help a child overcome his limitations and inhibition and learn things faster.

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