Preventive Initiative Focusing Children from Risks

The link "https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/preventive-initiative-focusing-children-from-risks/" initial 'summary' describes: "This initiative will support children's learning by establishing coaching classes in six different villages located in central, geographically challenging, hilly areas for 180 children. At these coaching centers, children will receive academic assistance and develop the capacity to articulate their needs and make informed decisions despite intentional and situational barriers. This initiative aims to serve as a model."

The highlighted words indicate the quantity the project aimed to achieve. However, due to constraints in managing human resources, we have reached only two villages. Despite this, it is satisfying that the number of children totals about 50 from just these two villages. Additionally, both centers are experiencing an increase in the number of children. In Ghurdum, the number has increased by five children, while in Ghongwa, four children walk from neighboring villages. Currently, as I write this report, there are about sixty children benefiting from this project.

(Story) Despite this success, we did face challenges, such as when one of our students, a 16-year-old girl who completed grade ten and planned to join grade eleven with a scholarship, left the village area to work in a factory. This student was from Ghongwa village. Our working method does not involve direct rescue efforts as there are well-established organizations that specialize in rescue and provide residential facilities. She was supposed to continue volunteering in the area and, besides the scholarship from another organization, receive support from Console Mission too. We knew about her move and talked to her parents. According to her parents, they would like her to continue, but she herself did not show interest. Based on her actions, she was not motivated to pursue further academic opportunities herself. She does not have any sense and importance of education, though she walked to school up the hill more than ten years. She must be just following the trend, going to school. She does not know that education is the key for career advancement. This is another reason why Console Mission is focusing on this project called Our Study Place, a preventive initiative that focuses on children like the one who was expected to be working with Console Mission.

Challenges:

1. The area that this project focuses on is remote, making travel costly. However, to manage this cost, we have recruited local human resources who lack capabilities and are often unfocused due to their work and the demands of tending to their livestock.
2. Distance creates a gap, and such a gap is always a threat that not only beneficiaries but also associates could exploit through other influences like cultural practices, such as marriage, which must continue. Children are often not given priority for education.

Looking forward / expectations:

1. Submitting project to the potential donor.
2. Expand local fundraising efforts, such as seeking support from banks, and coordinate regular visits of Bachelor in Social Work students by partnering with educational institutions.

Links:

• Console Mission tried best to prevent a girl alike her