Restoring rights in Midnapore, West Bengal

Kajla Jan Kalyan Samiti (KJKS)

The Midnapore area consists of 263 villages, spread across 2 districts: East and West Midnapore

Not so long ago, Midnapore was in the grips of socio-economic neglect and decline.

Largely inhabited by a rural population, the area was prone to droughts and cyclones that made the soil saline and non-arable.

Left without a sustainable livelihood, farmers were forced to migrate.

Impoverished and living in abject poverty, child labour, child trafficking and child marriage/dowry were on the rise.

In both districts the government had failed to appoint new teachers, causing a poor teacher-student ratio and drop in the quality of education.

Teachers weren’t trained in implementing new child-friendly methods, nor were they monitored to ensure standards of education were met.

Children welfare was abysmal. Many were not covered under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, didn’t get nutritional supplements and were engaged in child labour and other forms of exploitation.

That’s when Kajla Jan Kalyan Samiti (KJKS) – a local NGO – intervened to bring about change.

Joined by CRY, KJKS shifted the focus from welfare activities to an all-round approach towards bringing about sustainable change.

How CRY worksIdentified the severe lack of rights in East and West Midnapore

Identified KJKS as the NGO operating locally, who had a deeper understanding of the problems faced by people

Worked closely with them to develop a comprehensive and holistic plan for long term change rather than immediate resolution

Focused on restoring children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation

Aimed to better the socio-economic situation within the community by addressing the problems faced by the village in agriculture

Spread awareness and encouraged the villages to play an active role in bringing about change

Kajla Jan Kalyan SamitiHas been supported by CRY since 1992-93

Has grown over the years from supporting 4 villages and 100 children to 237 villages and 13,500 children

Through awareness building and advocacy, they have systematically strengthened their credibility in restoring rights

Over the years KJKS has built a positive rapport by working with the bodies such as Child Welfare Committee who address child rights and work towards restoring them

Today, the villages in Midnapore have experienced change in multiple aspects of their every day lives.

The villagers are more aware of their livelihood rights and the various government schemes available for them.

They participate in planning along with Gram Unnayan Samities and Health Committees.

Monthly meetings are held to discuss issues about livelihood, health and hygiene, communicable diseases like TB, AIDS.

Increased awareness has helped activate government health services and set up granaries.

High school sensitisation programs and study camps help empower the youth to claim their rights to information and participation.

Children stand up to candidates from political parties and demand the restoration of their rights.

They spread the word through Information boards, newsletters and other modes of communication.

Parents, teachers and members of Kishore-Kishori Bahinis (youth adolescent groups) actively work together to improve the standard of education.

Collectively, they have developed teaching-learning material, to engage students and encourage them to study.

A new curriculum that focuses on holistic learning and a child-friendly environment has evolved from this activity.

Children now participate in creative writing, art, theatre and also develop Nutritional Kitchen Gardens that aid learning.

There has been an increase in enrollment and retention of students.

KJKS volunteers and villagers work with the local police and the Child Welfare Committee to rescue and help child domestic workers and other children in need.

Mamoni Bera & Kakoli Mondal were sent to Kolkata, to work as domestic

labour. They were rescued by KJKS volunteers and today both go toschool.

Active participation and awareness building has given strength to the change movement in Midnapore.

Today, the people and children have a voice, and are able to stand up for their rights and positively influence stakeholders and decision makers.

The story of change has restored the rights of many in Midnapore. It is change that will impact the future generations too.

Several other communities await change.Help enable it for them too.

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To know more visit www.cry.org or email us at webinfo@crymail.org