By AALIYA SHAIKH | FUND RAISING & COMMUNICATION MANAGER
BEST OF UMEED PROGRAM NOV 2016 to JAN 2017
Success Story – UMEED:
Roopa* came to Mumbai from Bihar with her friends, and started working as a sex worker as her friends were in to the same profession. Since last 17 years she into this same profession. She also worked in Dance Bars at different Hotels. Later, she was diagnosed HIV+ and Tuberculosis disease. The ORWs (Outreach Workers) took care of all her treatment and made sure she was taking her medication on regular basis. The strong medication was causing a lot of fatigue and irritation which made her talk rudely to ORWs and her friends. When the AAWC staff noticed this behavior, they conducted counseling session and spoke with her on daily basis which improved the level of her patience and anger. Slowly, she showed interest in adult literacy program, and started visiting the center for tuition classes. She with the help of AAWC staff arranged a class, looked after the girls and discussed the importance of education with other beneficiaries. Initially she found difficulty in holding the pencil but with her determination she learnt to write. Gradually, she started to write with pen. She was provided with books and other materials for practice. Within 7 to 8 months, she cleared all the parameters set for adult literacy. Today, she manages to write her name and alphabets in English, and tries to form sentences. She also tries to write words in Hindi. Roopa wants to continue learning and engage with the always.
*name is changed to protect the identity
Organization update:
UMEED PROGRAM UPDATES DURING NOVEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017
AWARNESS MEETING: During this quarter, awareness meeting focused on few important topics such as; hygiene; cleanliness and healthy eating by Shikha Tibarewala from H.E.A.L. General Information on effects of addictions were addressed where women were also coming forward with their addictions. Awareness on the current situation of Demonetization was covered both its affects and effects. An immediate issue was observed in a nationalized bank which was discussed with the women where without AadhaarCard no one can deposit or withdraw any amount. The mothers were informed about their child’s academic or behavioral progress in the Balwadi.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING:The training of beautician was provided to the UMEED beneficiaries in the month of September 2016, 13 beneficiaries have been enrolled by the month of November 2016. Other various vocational training was also provided to the beneficiaries with an objective to provide an alternate livelihood to the beneficiaries.
HEALTH: PLHA weight was measured. The weight of the members has increased comparatively. All of them are getting nutrition on a regular basis and their CD4 counts are also better. MDR patient’s follow up are very well taken care by Gaurabai Hospital team. Proper nutrition was taken care of by outreach team. CBC tests for other beneficiaries were regularly organized by ORWs. One of the beneficiary’s speech therapy is under process. Polio doses were given to beneficiaries during this quarter. MDR patient’s follow-ups are also under process. CD4 counts have also improved.
CHILD’S FUTURE PLANNING SESSION: Group discussion sessions were conducted with the mothers to let them know the importance of creating healthy bond between them and their beneficiaries They were addressed on things mothers should avoid doing in front of beneficiaries like hitting, using abusive words, performing sexual act etc. They were shown 2 short clips on ‘Child’s imitation’ and how it affects the child both positively and negatively.
EMPOWERMENT: Few of our Umeed beneficiaries got job placement in a high end salon of South Mumbai. One of them got placed as a caretaker of a patient residing at Andheri. One beneficiary after continuous follow up is getting her pension. New beneficiaries were enrolled for adult literacy. Beneficiaries bank accounts were opened. An inspirational video was shown to the beneficiaries to understand the livelihood; games were played in the sessions to make all the beneficiaries known to each other.
ON FIELD ACTIVITIES: During this quarter, on field activities or sessions conducted were as follows; cleanliness, Tuberculosis, healthy life, skin infections, information on HIV/AIDS was provided to them, use of contraceptive, some easy yoga steps which can be followed, addiction, hygiene. 63 women got ration. Other activities like; making of birth certificate or affidavit, making of voter IDs, making PAN card etc. details about the bank services was also given keeping demonetization in mind.
CELEBRATION: Navratri was celebrated with the all the beneficiaries of Umeed; they enjoyed performing Garba (Gujrati Dance). Makar Sankranti, Christmas and New Year was also celebrated, resolution activity took place, where they had to write the wishes for the new on the piece of paper and then hang it on the Christmas tree made by the other beneficiaries.
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