Achievements of the Project for 2014-15

Facilitation of Community Led Development

CCO Directors and Core Team have begun to meet at least once a month to review the progress of planned programmes and how to contribute more effectively in terms of time, resources and facilitation of the target groups.

Human Resource Development:

The CSA Staff have understood the process of implementing a project as per RBM methodology – Problem Tree Analysis, Goal Setting, Bal Sansad, Financial Inclusion (Financial Literacy Sessions), Community Organisation and Conflict resolution.

The CCO staff gained a deeper understanding into the concept of Bal Sansad and the process of strengthening of SHGs, Financial Inclusion (Financial Literacy Sessions), Confidence building and Project Planning.

Women’s Development:

5 CCOs have successfully completed all programs on women leadership. Except for Uttan CCO; they were unable to complete one program.

5 women from Gorai along with Morning Star Mahila Mandal along with S.H.G women’s group registered a police complaint against rickshaw drivers in Gorai village who did not allow the fisher women to travel in their rickshaws with fish baskets. The auto rickshaw drivers would also demand more fare and hesitate to take them in the rickshaw. The result of the complaint was fruitful. It was agreed that the Gorai rickshaw drivers will not only accept tourist but also allow villagers and fisher women with fish baskets to travel at the agreed reasonable fare. First priority is now being given to villagers and fisher women to travel in rickshaws.

2 Women Leaders from Uttan (Sheralde) Parish identified and enrolled a drop out girl into the school.

Two SHGs from Chowk who have regularly attended the women leadership program have initiated Income generation activities, the SHGs are Sukar Mauli SHG and Ramedi Mata SHG group. These two groups have purchased fish from Colaba and after drying the fish they sold it and earned a profit of Rs. 25,000/-The SHG group is now self motivated and is motivating other SHGs as well to start this kind of IGP in near future.

Maria Mata Mahila Mandal has completed 30 years. It was formed in the 1984. The main objective was the development of Chowk parish. In these years they have worked on various social issues. Mainly they have worked on water issues, alcoholism issue, solving matrimonial problems, etc. In 2013 they have constructed a small duplex building which helps to remember 30 years of their journey and the premises is now utilized to initiate new programs and activities in the Mahila Mandal.

A Morcha (=protest march) was organized by the Machimar (Fishery) Co-operative society, Gorai. The Corporator (=people’s elected representative), Mr. Shivananda Shetty and Suryodaya Community Centre, Gorai had taken the initiative to intervene and resolve; the acute water problem which is being faced by the people of Gorai village. This rally was on the 20^th April, 2015, more than 300 women participated and took the initiative to raise one of the local issues successfully. To fight against the system, majority of the women were holding banners with various slogans and even carried clay water storage pots to this rally. The Suryodaya Community Center staff and women also encouraged the men to participate in the struggle. More than 1500 people got together at Babhai Naka, Borivli by 10 a.m. and walked towards the BMC office, Borivli ‘R’ ward.

Mrs. Maria Bhoku is 35 yrs old married woman staying in St James Zone from Manori parish where she stays with three daughters and a mentally disturbed husband. She is the only earning member of the family and she sells fish door to door on a daily basis. Mrs. Maria is illiterate but she regularly attends leadership training programs organized by CSA and Manori CCO. At one of the programs on Financial Literacy conducted by CSA at Manori; she realized the importance of saving and the need of having an SHG. She took an initiative to start a SHG at her zone by bringing women together. She formed two SHG groups that is ‘Bible SHG’ and ‘St. Anthony SHG’. She then visited the BMC office and the bank which was a major step for her because earlier she hesitated to even talk to officials as she was illiterate. Being motivated to start an SHG she didn’t bother about anything and now she has registered her own St. Anthony SHG with the Community Development Officer (CDO) of the BMC office. Now her next initiative is to start one SHG group in the name of Fatima from St John Zone of Manori parish. She has also initiated IGP activities in her SHG that is St. Anthony SHG. It’s really commendable since she is the only earning member of the family and all household responsibilities on her own shoulders. She has a clear vision to bring some change in her own life as well as the lives of other women by motivating them.

Mrs. Sunita Andrat from Pali zone number 9 is 38 years old. In her family she stays with her husband and three children. All 3 children are studying in an English medium school.  Mrs. Sunita belongs to a very poor family; her husband is a cancer patient and the only earning member of their family. He is an electrician and works on daily wages. As a result the family income was not sufficient to meet their daily needs. Being an SHG member of Nazareth SHG she expressed her financial difficulties to the Pali CCO. This women was also a member of income generation group engaged in Candle making. Since the rate of candle wax was very expensive the IGP was not viable. The CCO staff then suggested that they start a small snack stall in Pali mainly in the morning and evening since there is no such facility available in the vicinity. Five women from the Nazareth IGP group have taken an initiative to grab this opportunity and one of them was Mrs. Sunita as she also wanted to support her ill husband and share equal responsibility to reduce family financial burden. Since April 2015 they have started snack stall which is set up twice a day. Through this enterprise Mrs. Sunita is able to earn Rs 300/- which certainly makes a huge difference in their life.

Mrs. Justina Naik a parishioner from Dongri who in her early thirties agreed to volunteer for the Dongri CCO She has devoted almost 4-6 hours a day in the CCO and even though she is very lean, she is full of energy and the sparkle in her eye to assist the poor was notice by the Parish Priest of Dongri. He decided to take her as a part time worker for the Community centre as she was working as a Domestic Worker in the morning at 2 homes for cooking food. Since she was new to the field of systematic social work and the process of empowerment she was directed to join the annual capacity building program held by CSA at Dadar for the training and empowerment of the grass root workers. Juggling between the CCO work, her daily domestic work in 2 houses, her house responsibilities and that of her brother’s kids and her elderly mother she managed to complete the course and received a certificate for the same. The ongoing training has assisted her to excel in her work and she has since then empowered and energized many people in Dongri. She is very friendly and can interact with the children, youth, adults and the senior citizen with such ease that it is worth commenting upon.

24 SHGs women raised their voice against Alcoholism at Patan Bunder. This included some leaders who created awareness among people about the effects of alcohol in the area and about serving alcohol during weddings and other functions. This initiative lead to the closure of 2 bars out of 16 in Patan Bunder locality.

Total 4429 women have participated in Women’s day celebration from 6 CCOs, 639 women has expressed that their confidence has improved through planning for the program and performing in the  women’s day program. A total of 193 women experienced an improvement in public speaking.

This year 6 CCOs have been able to form 22 new SHGs.

18 Women Leaders from Chowk Parish took up the issue of putting a stop to the beer bar that was planned to be opened in the area.

21 Women Leaders from Uttan (Devtalao) Parish passed a resolution that no liquor will be served by families during weddings organized in the area.

772 (approx 80%) Women from 81 SHGs met regularly every month and have started maintaining documentation as per guidance provided in the training provided to the office bearers – attendance, minutes, accounts and have updated their pass books.

Youth Leadership:

5 CCOs have successfully completed all youth programs and exposure visit except Dongri CCO.

As per the work assignment given the youth from Chowk planned for a Youth Event themselves and implemented it as per plan and Gorai youth have register 80 application forms for the Government minority educational scholarship program.

Kishoris (Young Girls):

Ms. Triza Bendomar is a 28 yrs old. She studied up to 6th standard. She is a part of the Kishori group from Manori. She lives with her parents and 7 siblings. Her father is a bed ridden and mother is not healthy. Her two elder sisters are married. She and her elder brother are the earning sources of the family. She regularly attends monthly meetings of the kishori groups. Once she expressed that she and her brother doesn’t know anything about the bank and its processes. In case of emergency, she takes his thumb impression to withdraw money from the bank. She faces difficulty especially when he goes for fishing. The CCO staff gave her information on bank facilities and procedures. When they examined her passbook, it was noted that she had saved a large amount in her brother’s saving account. The CCO staff then explained to her about the need to open a Fixed Deposit and a Recurring Deposit account. They also encouraged her to open her own bank account in a nationalised bank and gave her an orientation on how to handle an ATM card. After receiving information this information she immediately opened her own individual bank account and she saved some money in Fixed Deposits and the rest she has saved as a recurring deposit in the bank. Now Triza is not hesitating to visit the bank as well as she manages to deposit and withdraw  money from the bank through the ATM machine. Presently Triza has started an SHG group in her zone named Bible SHG group and she herself along with one of the SHG member visited BMC office to register their SHG group and open the bank account in name of the SHG. Triza now can independently take responsibility to handle the bank account related matters being a secretary of the SHG.

The kishoris have dispelled their misconceptions and doubts due to lack of knowledge on the Abortion Issue.

Their confidence level has increased and they now speak in front of others. Their self esteem and self image has improved.

Family Development – Senior Citizens & Couples:

Total 199 Senior Citizen ID card has prepared by 6 CCOs.

In Dongri CCO staff networked with a local hospital for a free check up which was done and two cataract operations were successfully conducted.

At Dongri a senior citizen wrote a letter and met the mayor twice since Senior Citizen and Student’s half ticket was cancelled by the local Municipal Corporation - MBMT. The outcome was that the bus fare was rolled back and it has benefited the Senior citizens and the students of Dharavi Island.

At Dongri there is an accident prone area near Anand Nagar with no safety wall. The same Senior citizens, CCO Director and staff followed up the issue with the Senior Police officer of Uttan from Oct 2014 onwards. The outcome was that a Safety wall and Railing was built by the Municipal Corporation - MBMC during the end of December 2014.

Five CCOs have celebrated Senior citizen day, picnic, and have had an exposure visit except Manori CCO.

In two parishes - Uttan and Dongri, the Sr. Citizens themselves maintain documentation and take a lead in organizing & facilitating their own meetings and activities.

Six Cases have come to the CCO for counselling and two cases have been referred for psychological counselling to other organizations.

Five CCOs (except for Uttan CCO) have successfully completed the Couples Program on improvement in family life education for 122 couples.  

Fisherfolk Trainings:

They are able to address minor boat engine problems and save costs.

The motivated local resource person (Sr. Citizen from Uttan) – Mr. Lawrence Landgi played an important role in imparting practical training to the students.

Participants expressed that local mechanics were charging Rs.  2500 to 3000 every time just to change the oil from the machine, which had to be changed at least twice a year. To change the oil from the boat engine is very essential since after changing the oil from engine give smooth functioning as well as it increases the life of the engine. The result of the basic engine course is that the participants of the program are now able to change the engine oil by themselves and now they themselves changes the engine oil in once a week  or sometimes once in a two weeks.

From Uttan Mr. Giden Sambrya and Mr. Lipson Kemu the participants of the basic course conducted in 2014 were able to put their learnings to use. When their boat machine had broken down, they were able to repair it by themselves and they brought back their boat along with the catch of fish. Earlier when break downs occurred at sea, they would have to request other boats in the area to come to tow them ashore. As a result they would return home without catching fish and as a result both would suffer a loss of diesel, fish and their time too.

Mr. Simon Pascal Padu,

a 39 yrs old fisher folk from St. Andrew zone, Manori village attended the basic boat engine maintenance course in 2013 and the  advanced boat engine maintenance course in 2014 from CTI, Dadar. Simon Padu expressed that he has gained a lot from the course which helped him in his daily fishing life. In the course the practical session he liked the most where each participant has learn various types of parts used in the boat engine and its role and functioning. Everyone has to learn how to open engine and repair it. Once Simon experience major technical problem in the boat he has attempt to repair the own boat and he was succeeded in that. If he would have to come again to the seashore and he would have called   local mechanic which could have cost him minimum Rs. 6000/- and he would lost that days earning but after repair he also continue with his fishing in the sea and that they he got fish of Rs. 50,000/- which mean he saved Rs. 56,000/- one that day. Mr. Simon from his own experience He has taken initiative and personally visiting houses to enrolled names for the basic engine maintenance course batch 2014 has succeeded to encouraged 16 men from Manori.

From Chowk Mr. Remi Patil and Mr.  Denis Itur Noon had enrolled them in Janshree Bima Yojana. Mr. Remi Patil had a natural death (when he was sleeping) and Mr. Denis Noon met with an accident and died. Both the families received Rs. 30,000/- as per the policy of Janshree Bima Yojana.

Bal Sansads:

A group of children from Patanbunder, Uttan have taken up an issue from their area. There is a well which is close to the drain and it was ignored by the MBMC workers. The children of Balsansad came together under the guidance of CCO and wrote a letter to the Corporator; before giving the letter to the Corporator they informed the worker who was closely working with Corporator about the letter. In the letter they have mentioned that ‘if the workers are not going to clean the drains, we children will clean it by ourselves and in case anything happens to our health Corporator will held the responsible for it’. This message was reached to the Corporator and before the children could send the letter they cleaned the drain.

The Millennium Development Goals for Children from 2015 up to 2030 (for 15 years) are being formulated by the UN and the Nine is Mine Campaign is initiating a National interactive session with the children from India. Towards formulating and fine tuning these goals an interactive session was held by, ‘Nine is Mine’, Campaign in collaboration with Centre for Social Action along with 39 Balsansad children from 3 CCOs that is Pali, Uttan and Gorai.

At Uttan (Patanbunder) the children have started maintaining minutes of the meetings themselves.

Pali CCO conducted a session with Balsansad children on Child rights in their Zone number 6. After the session, 5 Children (Sonali, Rex, Sanio, Esther, Savio) discussed the case of one boy from their zone who was not attending school regularly. ‘Fleming’ from Pali village is 14 yrs old drop out from the school. He lives with his family along with 5 siblings and his parents. Fleming was not attending regular school as he had lost interest in education. The Balsansad children spoke to him and made him understand the important of education and that the ‘right to education’ is a must for all children. The CCO staff started involving him in the Balsansad meeting. He took a liking for the Balsansad and he started participating in their activities. Now he has understood the importance of education and enrolled himself in the NIOS open school at Muktisagar Prabhodhan Kendra.

Ploid Dinis is a boy from Pali who is 15 years old belonging to a family of 7 siblings and parents. Due to a lack of attention and care of the parents two of the children dropped out from school. The Pali CCO staff took an initiative to speak with the family and the children were counselled on the importance of education. Finally he was enrolled in St. Joseph School - 8^th std. He appeared for his examinations and has cleared his Std 8^th with second class. He is now admitted into the 9^th standard. His parents were unable to pay the fees of both the children, hence the CCO staff spoke with St. Vincent DePaul representatives and with the God parents who have both agreed to help him by paying his school fees. Presently Ploid is a very active member of the Balsansad group of Pali village. 

Statistical Outputs & Outcomes of the Project for 2014-15

As per the logical framework for 2014-15 key Activities were implemented by the Core Team in collaboration with key leaders from each target group.

Facilitation of Community Led Development

Regular interaction CSA and CCO Staff to review CCO ownership and facilitation of planned programmes – Formation of Core Teams at CCO level

Human Resource Development:

Having assessed Training needs with the Staff, 12Trainings were planned in collaboration with the Coordinator for CSA Staff and 4 Trainings for CCO Staff.

Women’s Development:

Six CCOs staff along with women leaders from the community planned for a training on ‘Leadership and response to Social Issues’ in which 276 women participated across six CCOs.

Six CCOs staff along with women leaders from the community planned for a training on ‘Social Issues and Gender Discrimination’ in which 255 women participated across six CCOs.

Six CCOs staff along with women leaders from the community planned for a training on ‘Leadership and response to Social Issues’ in which 263 women participated across six CCOs.

Five CCOs staff along with women leaders from the community planned for B training on ‘Family Life Education’ which 165 women participated across five CCOs.

Six CCOs staff along with women leaders from the community planned for a exposure in which 149 women participated across six CCOs.

Youth Leadership:

180 youths across Six CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO staff on Public Speaking.

248 youths across six CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO Staff on Good Governance – Right to Information.

157 youths across five CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO staff on Social analysis and community building process.

169 youths across five CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO staff on Event Management.

92 youths across five CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO staff on Event Management

Kishoris (Young Girls):

253 Kishoris across 5 CCOs actively participated in a training organized by CCO staff on Family Life Education.

178 Kishoris across 5 CCOs were trained on Personality Development.

192 across 5 CCOs were trained on gender sensitisation.

214 across 5 CCOs were trained on the importance of skill building and income generation activities.

Family Development:

364 Senior Citizens from CCOs have actively participated in monthly meetings organized at the parish level.

213 Senior Citizen cards have been obtained from the government by six CCOs.

144 Couples were identified from across five CCOs by CCO Core team. They attended a Training on ways and means to improve the quality of married life and their parenting skills.

Fisherfolk Trainings:

56 Fishermen across 5 CCOs actively participated in the basic course on Boat Engine Maintenance and 10 Fishermen further enhanced their skills by requesting for and participating in an advanced course on Boat Engine Maintenance at Joseph Cardign Technical Institute, Dadar, Mumbai.

Bal Sansads:

972 Children from 31 Bal Sansads across six parishes have enthusiastically engaged with each other in regular monthly meetings organized at the CCO or community level.

980 Children from 6 CCOs from Balsansad group have actively participated in Diwali and Summer camps organized at the CCO level. 

Project Second Year Planning - Logframe and Targets

MINUTES OF MEETING

Topic:                    Dharavi Island CSA, CCO Directors and staff meeting along with Fr. Mario Mendes

Date   :                  12^th June, 2015           Time   :  10.00am to 2.15pm

Venue:                  Mukti Sagar Prabodhan Kendra Ground floor Hall

Names of Participants

Absent / Excused

1.       Fr. Mario Mendes 2.       Fr. Michael D’souza 3.       Fr. Joseph Borges 4.       Fr. Francis Mascarenhas 5.       Fr. James D’silva 6.       Mr. Cletus Zuzarte 7.       Mr. Mario Remedios 8.       Ms. Sheetal Palande 9.       Sr. Shweta 10.   Sr. Sheila 11.   Sr. Martha 12.   Sr. Christle 13.   Sr. Joanna 14.   Ms. Valencia Colaso 15.   Ms. Snehal Patil 16.   Ms. Nasim Kasughar 17.   Ms. Nathale Gabru 18.   Ms. Suvidha Patil 19.   Ms. Justina R Naik 20.   Ms. Carol Munis

Fr. Peter D’cunha – Excused Fr. Barthol Machado - Excused Ms. Manisha Kharja -  Study Leave Ms. Suvarna Bhandya – Study Leave Ms. Sanjana Bhandari – Study Leave Ms. Rasika Bhandari - Excused

The Directors of the CCOs met with Fr. Mario Mendes - Director of CSA and discussed about the project being carried out in each of their parishes, the challenges that they faced and their expectations from the next phase.

The Meeting began at 11.00am with a welcome by Fr. Mario to all the participants especially to Sr. Joanna who being a Community Team Leader expressed her need to understand how her community member was functioning in the context of the project being implemented. Sheetal the DI Project Coordinator began by making a presentation on the Status of the implementation of the Project as per the logical framework, the programs and activities completed and the number of programs that are yet to be completed as per the logframe deliverables. The CCO staff then complemented the presentation by sharing case studies on the impact of the programme in each of the CCOs through a PPT Presentation. During the course of the Presentation by Sheetal and the CCO staff many points were taken up for discussion, these points along with the decisions taken are mentioned below:

v   The trainings and meetings that were held with the CSA and CCO staff was useful, resourceful and applicable for the day to day work in the area.

v   CCO staff earlier assumed that there would be a resource person who would need to conduct the financial literacy training program, hence they expressed the possible challenge of conducting it as most meetings take place after 8pm. Fr. Mario clarified that the CCO staff would need to conduct the training and not an external resource person.

v   The CCO Staff expressed that all the women were from the lower economic background, hence it was suggested by Fr. Mario to select 5 SHGs which were the most underpriviledged and the CCO staff could conduct the financial literacy training within their monthly meetings.

v   The staff expressed that earlier there was lack of clarity regarding the project and its log frame and only after the training on the 30^th May that they understood the logframe and its deliverables.

v   Core Team Members selected by the CCO from the area could be trained along with the CCO staff on the Log Frame and its deliverables so as to enhance the process of ownership and sustainability of the project.

v   Concerning Human Resource Development, it was suggested that there will be 2 meeting of the DI CSA and CCO staff along with the Core team of the respective parishes on the 23^rd of July and the next meeting would be decided when the group would meet. Further 2 training programs would be held for the same Core Team in August and December 2015 for their empowerment, sustainability and ownership of the people of the CCO.

v   The need for sustainability of CCO programs and funding was expressed and that the same can be attained if each Parish has a Core Team who are well trained and thus even if there is change in the Priest’s, CCO or CSA staff the CCO will function and sustain itself.

v   Financial Literacy Programme could be also extended to the Fishermen from the Fisherfolk Societies operational in the 5 CCOs of Dharavi Island.

v   CCO staff expressed the challenge they faced when they visit government offices and other stakeholders for their official work, hence they suggested that they be provided ID Cards. Fr. Mario clarified that CSA would not take up the responsibility of issuing these ID cards however the local CCO could issue the same.

v   The target group of identified  young couples could be handed over for further guidance and follow up to the Parish Family Cell and in case any other further case is identified these too could be referred to them.

v   The motivated and prepared youth from each CCO could now be handed over to the Youth Director from the Bhayandar Deanery for further follow up and action. However the CCO partners felt that the youth within each CCO who are still in touch could assist in some of the planned programs as and when required for e.g. women’s day celebration logistics.

v   The role of the CSA staff was clarified as one, that will be there to assist the CCO staff by guiding them, handholding them in the process, programs and activities of the CCO as per the logframe and the need of the respective identified target areas.

v   Mr. Cletus presented the Logframe for the 2^nd year and as per the discussions on each of the data and deliverable the modified logframe would be sent to the CCOs for their review. The CCO Staff were asked to review the Data points discussed concerning the logframe and they were welcomed to give their inputs concerning the topics, groups and number of meetings etc.

v   Fr. Mario recommended that the Project for the coming year could focus on Financial Literacy for the people of DI and the 8 Modules for training the various target groups.

v   Since the Domestic Workers Movement team regularly visit the Dongri Parish and interact with the women it was recommended that we should not work with the same target group.

At the end of the meeting Fr. Mario thanked all the Parish Priests the CCO and CSA staff for their participation and wished them all the best for their work in the year ahead.

Minutes noted by: Mr. Mario Remedios                               Signature:  

Date submitted on: 12^th of June, 2015

Bal Sansads on a Consultative Note with United Nations Team for developing Millennium Development Goals 2030

The Millennium Development Goals for Children from 2015 up to 2030 (for 15 years) are being formulated by the United Nations and the NINE-IS-MINE Campaign is initiating a National interactive session with the children from India. NINE-IS-MINE is a children’s advocacy campaign that seeks a commitment from India and the entire world to keep our country accountable to her commitment for investing 6% on education (GDP Government spending) and 3% on health as promised by our own Indian Government. This 6+3=9, i.e. this NINE we say IS MINE.

Towards formulating and fine tuning the Millennium Development Goals, an interactive session was held at Uttan on 4th June 2015 by NINE-IS-MINE Campaign in collaboration with Centre for Social Action for 39 Bal Sansad children from Dharavi Island, Bhayander West.

The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Surbhi from India, a young girl currently studying in the United States of America, along with Brother Steve and team from NINE-IS-MINE Campaign. The children were explained about the 8 Right Based Millennium Development Goals that is to be followed up till this year (2015) and how goals for 2015 up to 2030 are being formulated with inputs from children all around the world with a focus on developing sustainable goals.

An interactive exercise was conducted with the children who were divided into four groups wherein each group had to draw the goals in a character form on the white board and the next group had to guess the issue and what would be the goals for the same. 10 points were awarded for each right answer, which was a motivator for each group. Through this interactive session where the children enjoyed drawing on the board, guessing the issues and what the goal would be, the 18 Sustainable Millennium Goals were listed and explained to the children in a very child friendly participative method.

The second exercise was conducted where children were divided into 9 groups and each group was given 2 goals each and had to list the problems and its solution in regard to each goal. e.g. conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (one of the sustainable development goal). The children also gave suggestions as to how the ocean should not be contaminated and polluted and how the fisher folks in Dharavi Island area pollute it with used oil and also how many children and adult defecate on the sea shore. They suggested installation of garbage bins near the shore and toilets for the community and coastal cleanup.

These sessions have enlightened and sharpened the outlook of the children. One child pointed out to the fact that while we talk about gender equality why do we have seats and compartments reserved only for ladies in public transport and not for men as even they need empowerment and support in the society. The day ended with a couple of action songs conducted by Brother Steve followed by a Biryani lunch for all.

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Kishori & Youth Programmes - March & April 2015

Under the project of holistic development of the people of Dharavi Island, a series of training programs were conducted for kishoris and youth during the months of March and April 2015 at the 6 Parish CBOs in collaboration with Centre for Social Action (CSA). These trainings were coordinated by CSA and CBO Staff.

Name of CBO	Name of Training Program & Date	No of attendees	Resource Person
Sahyog Samaj Kendra, Chowk	Clean Green Environment 23rd March,  2015	33  kishoris	Fr. Calistus Fernandes  who has worked with tribals in Roha, Raigad prior to his current work at Karjat.
Sahyog Samaj Kendra, Chowk	Gender Sensitization 24th March 2015	30 kishoris	Fr.Xavier Devdas, SDB who has  worked for the past 20 years on the issue of street children and is now giving vocational and technical trainings at Karjat.
Sahjeevan, Pali	Gender Sensitization 28th April, 2015	14 kishoris	Ms. Kinjal Maru presently working as HR Assistant at Infinity Consultancy Services. She has  completed her Masters in Human Development from Niramla Niketan College of Home Science and besides holding a PG Diploma in Counseling Psychology she is also a part time Counselor at YMCA and visiting faculty at Garware Institute.
Sahjeevan,Pali, Sahyog Samaj Kendra, Chowk &  Savadhaan Social Centre,  Manori	Program on Event Management & Resource  Mobilization on 19th April,  3rd May &  21st May   respectively	142 youth (boys & girls)
Suryodaya Community Center, Gorai	Program on Event Management & Resource  Mobilization 29th May, 2015	30 youth	Rev. Fr. Anthony Santarita  from Don Bosco Home (Borivali)

At the Clean Green Environment training held at Chowk Parish, the resource person Fr. Calistus Fernandes explained how human beings formed an integral part of the environment. Maintaining, safeguarding and keeping the surroundings clean and green is the responsibility of all of us. At the end of the session, the kishoris shared that they understood the importance of a clean green environment and the role that each one of them have  to play in order to keep the surroundings clean, green and free from pollution. They also realized that a clean environment helps in keeping illnesses away.

While biologically there are differences between men and women, in terms of rights and capabilities should there be any difference? To relook at this age old discrimination, two separate seminars on Gender Sensitization were conducted for the kishoris of Chowk and Pali.

The session at Chowk conducted by Fr.Xavier Devdas, SDB brought about the reality of gender discrimination issues that exist in the community. Some of the issues highlighted were “when we marry the family members prefer that we bear a boy and not a girl child as the boy child can carry forward the family legacy and plans are made to get rid of the girl child”, “even though we and our mothers are girls we are treated differently from boys as we feel girls will marry and go to another house”.Some participants shared that “the amount needed to get the girl child married is also a burden for the family as the money spent on her will be of no use to the family. Fr. Xavier expressed that this discrimination exists even though women are equal to men and are working shoulder to shoulder with the men in society. In spite of that, many people in our society still disrespect the girl child and discriminate them even with regards to food, clothing and education. This thought process has been in our society from ages but now is the time that young girls should come forward and change the mindset of the society by beginning from their very homes. Being sensitive to the issue and starting by first changing our own mind set is the crucial step in Gender Sensitization in our society. At the end of the session, the kishoris shared that they felt proud to be a woman and assured the resource person that they would do their best to change the perspective and mindset of the people beginning from  their very own family and friends.

At the session held for the kishoris from Pali, the facilitator  Ms. Kinjal Maru encouraged the participants to express the various gender differences they see in their work areas with the aid of drawings. This activity was followed by a group discussion which highlighted that the first and foremost responsibility of each participant is to be aware of such implicit gender based stereotypes. Only if participants are aware, then they can speak up against discrimination in society. Gender based discrimination can be transmitted through families, neighborhoods and institutions. Using a lot of examples, the speaker brought to the participant’s awareness, many of the gender based inequalities. Under the guise of protecting the girl child, a lot of privileges which the males enjoy are denied to the girls. Through the feedback collected at the end of the session, it was observed that the girls felt empowered by the seminar to recognize discrimination. Instead of looking at this issue from a position of weakness, the seminar awakened in them a sense of well-being and to look at their self and their rights from an enlightened perspective.

Half day program sessions on Event Management & Resource Mobilization were held for the youth (between the age group of 19 to 27 years) of  Pali, Chowk, Manoriand Gorai on 19^th April, 3^rd May, 21^st May & 29^th May, 2015 respectively. The main objective of these programs was to encourage the talents of youth and toexplain to them about Career Development and the Event Management Process. To quote from the resource person, Ms. Kinjal Maru’s sessions “We should always have the urge to compete today in order to determine what we would be doing 20 years later - to arrive at something concrete; we need to start thinking today. You need to start thinking that you can do something good in your life and must have that self belief. While choosing a career, you need to ask yourself if you are ready to take up the role. You need to develop an interest and ask questions like what sort of a course is this? Will I be able to complete this course? etc. You have to be certain that you will put in whatever effort and hard work it takes for your growth and development and achieve something in life.”Through the story of Thomas Edison she mentioned that one needs to always have alternate plans i.e. Plan A and Plan B ready so that in case Plan A does not work out then you can pursue Plan B.

In the second session Ms. Maru spoke about Event Management wherein she explained that before every program there is a need for detailed planning about the objective of the program, target audience, topic/theme, date, time, venue, budget, etc. All this assists is having maximum output and impact with minimum input in terms of budget, resources, time, etc. The Event/program challenges should be perceived well in advance and the learnings from the previous program should be included in the planning as it assists in not repeating previous mistakes which can be easily avoidable. Proper planning becomes inevitable and each team member should be given some responsibility which will help in organizing the event successfully as per plan. At the end of the program there should be an un-biased evaluation of the same, which should be well documented for future learning. By way of example she further explained “If you are taking up an event pertaining to Bal Sansad, then you need to plan who are the people who will manage the event, where does the money come from, how to ensure procuring better things with a low budget which will in turn benefit the children”. Ms. Kinjal also shared how one boy managed to fund his education by making garlands and bouquets which he provided to schools and colleges for their functions. Through this, he was not only able to succeed in building his own career but also supported his parents. One should plan well in advance in order to ensure success.Fr. James also provided guidance and tips on career development and event management. During the feedback session the youth expressed their thanks to the resource person for guiding them through the process of event management and said that they will plan the next program keeping in mind the process learnt at this session.

At the session for Gorai youth conducted by  Rev. Fr. Anthony Santarita from Don Bosco Home (Borivali), he provided guidance to the youth encouraging them to start and develop a small scale business in their own villages and areas thus providing income for their families.  He pointed out how people from outside the area have started their own business.  By ways of examples,Fr.  Anthony also shared the importance of education and provided guidelines on how to start a small business. At the feedback session the youth expressed their appreciation on the guidance and tips provided by Fr. Anthony which would help them further their career.

Exposure visit at Bosco Boys Home (Borivali West) 

Suryodaya Community Center organized an exposure visit to Don Bosco Institute at Borivali (West) for the youth of Gorai, on 1^st May, 2015. The objective of the visit was to expose the youth to the different courses available. This visit to Bosco Boys Home institute was very helpful to all the 25 youth as they were shown various skills and different courses that will help them to choose a proper career for themselves.  Fr. Anthony Santarita, who is in charge of the Institute explained it’s history and also gave a brief description on the various courses e.g. Hotel Management, Motor Vehicle and Machine Repairing, Bar Tending, Petrol Mechanic etc. He also shared how these courses helped drop out youth start their own business thus enabling them to stand on their own feet.  The youth were also given a demonstration on Bar Tending by Mr. Joseph. During the interactions, the youth shared that this visit was a wonderful experience as it gave them an insight to a lot of courses which would help them choose a future career.

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