By Noel Benno | AIF Clinton Fellow 2016-17
Greetings from Bhavnagar, Gujarat where children are actively taking charge of making their communities safe for children to grow up in.
Your generosity is bearing fruit in these children's lives in very visible ways! Balsena, the children's collective, had some impressive achievements in the previous quarter. From sharing pamphlets informing children about the child-helpline, to marching against substance abuse in their communities and conducting a leadership camp, they have been doing a tremendous job not only being advocates of change but also being the change they are advocating for.
Highlights of the Quarter
Children's Leadership Camp, 3-5 February
17 girls and 49 boys attended the 2 day long residential leadership camp organised by Balsena with the support of Shaishav. The children were trained in decision making, leadership, and essential life skills. The children planned the child rights audit to be done in their communities. Find out more at https://goo.gl/t0xVPz
Lokshala's (The people's school)
Two schools have a combined enrollment of 163 children of vulnerable communities in Khumbarawada. Children receive support with basic literacy as well as life skills education at our 'Lokshalas'. Find more at https://goo.gl/orXCXL
The Balsena Alumni meet
On Republic Day, we had a reunion for around 30 Balsena alumni, who are now 'change-agents' in their communities. In addition to joyfully reminiscing their favorite Balsena memories, participants shared how Balsena impacted their lives, equipping them with essential skills to be an active part of their respective communities. Check out our collective “De tali” (high five) https://goo.gl/eRjb4W
Children's rally against substance abuse
Substance abuse plagues slum communities like Khumbarwada. To counter this, the Balsena kids took initiative to spread awareness about the devastating effects addiction has on health. The rally was well received by the community as well as children and youth of Khumbarawada. See the youngsters in action at https://goo.gl/CYJtqB
Balsena representation at the National Children's parliament
Sanjay (14), a Balsena member represented Bhavnagar at the National Children's consultation organised at Delhi. He played an active role in advocating for ‘Life below water' (SDG 14) as he grew up as a benefitting from water sources and life in it.
Thanking you for the continuous support
The Shaishav team.
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