Training Space for 600 Poor Girls in Mumbai

Dear Friends,

Warm greetings from Vacha Trust.

The latest to report on the building fund is that an apartment in a Bajaj Intl Realties building has been registered in the trusts name and the legal procedures are over. This was important as getting space for a social work project in a residential building is extremely difficult generally. The building procedures are expected to be over by the end of the year and a final large amount remains to be paid before that. We are fine with all installments so far, thanks to your kind generosity. While this place will be the centralized planning and execution centre, the trainings are going on in rented rooms in different parts of the city and beyond where Vacha is active with girls’ projects.

Girls from two communities celebrated the Women’s Day on March 8 by making presentations on the condition of public toilets. They involved older women from the locality. One group in Indira Nagar area near Juhu beach wrote to their Municipal Counselor about the filth and lack of certain facilities there. While this elected leader did not respond in writing, the toilets were promptly cleaned and water etc. provided. In India people rarely approach their elected leaders and are in awe of them generally. Women are least active in public life. Therefore, the step initiated by girls  was viewed with much admiration. We feel such participation in civic life can lead towards better status for girls over a period of time. Therefore, training is imparted in social action together with academic and digital skills.

As part of a series of exposure visits girls from several centres spent half a day at the Maharashtra Nature Park in Mahim, Mumbai. Not much greenery can be seen in the city over built up  with concrete and cement. Here the girls learnt about flora and fauna and enjoyed a picnic in the beautiful surroundings. The Nature Park is created from dumping ground around  Mithi, the only river in the city.

Annual exams in schools are over and the 2 month vacation begins. On one hand there will be lots of activities at basti (slum, the residents prefer the term basti meaning a settlement. We also use the same term ) level. And on the other, there can be a drop in attendance depending on how many families choose to visit their native villages in this period. This is also the time for Vacha team to prepare for future sessions, workshops and trainings.

With best wishes and regards,