 |
|
|
Om
Mango-projektet
About the Mango Project
Rapporter från Indien
2009
|
NEWS BULLETIN - DHARAMPUR
September to December 2009
Unique Contribution from Yim Fun of Kumla School |
|
TUFF – VPSS cooperation has a history of 30 long years. It is a stimulating story of continuous contributions from Swedish Sister Schools & some kind individuals. But that from Yim Fun [working on kitchen staff of Kumla School] is so unique. Overhearing that a group of 3 teachers from Kumla were to visit Dharampur, she came forward with a personal support of 5.000 SEK – least bothered about what would be the result and where. Ake asked me, what the money could be used for. After consulting my colleagues, I told him that we would like to sink a bore – well, in one of our schools. When the news was conveyed to Yim, she was so overtaken and thought that the amount [according to her] would not be sufficient. She increased the sum to 7,200 SEK. The inspiring story did not end then and there. Later on, Yim happened to visit her native place - Hongkong. Her relatives and friends knew some how about her resolve. They also were inspired and added their contribution. The figure finally expanded to 10,000 SEK, which is now rupees - 60,000 in Indian Currency. All of yes here are so impressed with her Quality Contribution. As Ake in his response mentioned : ‘Yim Fun does not at all belong to the richest 90 percent of Swedes’.
Instead of one, two bore – wells, fitted with electric motors are now nicely operating – resolving drinking water problem of two schools, instead of one - The Primary School & the High School in Tamachhadi. The beauty of these wells is that, we found water at the first trial and in good quantity. Three teachers from Kumla – surrounded by over - excited students have been to both the wells [More about their visit in the next Bulletin – First one of 2010]
Visitors from Sweden In the middle of December, two intellectuals from Sweden visited Dharampur as well as few old [Pre – Dharampur] Tuff – supported schools around Valod. They extensively visited schools as well as on – going community development programs. They wanted precisely to understand the holistic nature of the Project. We told them the story of ‘Dharampur March’ in great details; the pioneering role played by Tuff and had intensive discussions about several topics. A few lines from a recent letter from Ake, concerning the visit of two persons :
“ To-day I got a letter from Jelena, who together with Neven Milivojevic visited you some weeks ago. She was positive about Koki and you, but also about the projects. Not only as an anthropologist, but she also sounded inspired to participate in the India - Tuff cooperation”.
Stepping Up Mango Plantation : A Tuff Project Mango Program is a Tuff Project. Let the latest exchange of letters speak for the project: “ Glad to hear about the wonderful response for Mangograms program - taken up with such a zeal and sense of commitment by Tuff activists. We have so far [in 14 years] distributed 95,500 mango saplings in Dharampur/Kaprada Communs. More than 500 are planted in the Girls' Hostel in Bilpudi”. [My reply] “ Our selling of mangograms is reaching a new record this year. More than SEK 25 000 has been paid for mangograms “ [From a letter of Ake] [From a letter from Malin Castenfors to Ake Sandin. She invented Christmas Mangograms] :
“ I am so incredibly happy that the Christmas Mangograms have been sold so well. I am often thinking of my time in India in 2006. The visit [with three others] in Dharampur was the high-light of the journey. To see Tuff Projects and be treated with such hospitality is something that really has influenced my way of thinking and seeing upon life”.
Radio Tuff's Marianne Stieger (Robert Library) performed at a small cinema in Malmö. She told the audience about our cooperation and sold mangograms for SEK 685.
Summary from my letter to Ake, over this remarkable success:
“ Please congratulate Marianne for her successful performance in a small cinema in Malmö. What a distance and what closeness at the same time! So far and so near. Even after shifting from Tyreso, she has sustained her interest in Dharampur. We are fortunate to have such committed and concerned friends She seems to have impressed upon the audience [quite unaware about Dharampur situation] so very well, resulting in selling of mangograms for SEK 685 [quite an amount]. It is little over RS 4,000 now. Adding as much amount as matching contribution from the beneficiaries, the figure jumps to more than RS 8,000. That is enough for a little over 200 saplings. A small gesture; but immediate result, with nice impact.
Cannot but share another [last] letter from me to Ake:
“ Glad to learn how successful is the idea of selling Magogram - so imaginatively coordinated with Christmas. How nice to learn that many more people [include important persons in public life] called you and ordered Mangograms for using them as Christmas Gifts. With wonderful efforts of Tuff, the number of plants in Dharampur is going to increase”.
In Kumla every new teacher is greeted with a mangogram. What a wonderful involvement!
Redirecting Tuff Support – Why & How? I will respond today mainly to the questions some parents have raised [In one School]. I can understand all that, as we cannot expect them to comprehend what has been achieved here, so far away. On the other hand, the credit [roots] goes to some spirited Swedish Sister Schools, who organize OODW, year after year. The resulting development takes place here, in the most needy and deserving hilly - forest Block of Dharampur, in such a remote and logistically challenging corner. Again, with the passage of time; two new dimensions have been added. The canvass here went on widening and also [may be] original concept of Tuff of Sisterhood [school to school]. But now the beneficiaries are not just schools; but as well poor communities. I am aware that this makes things rather complicated to understand there and to explain for all of you, to the parents in particular and Tuff members in general. But what I term as ' Face to Face ' poverty [we are amidst it] in Dharampur and also VPSS philosophy about development work demanded new direction, with BROAD - BASED HOLISTIC APPROACH to be precise - attack on poverty, not only educational poverty, but materialistic poverty as well. This led us to strange programs like Mass Marriages, Male Buffaloes [apparently nothing to do with schools] and few more such programs, demanded by the community. We never imagined all this, or even remotely planned; when we entered casually the dark area of Dharampur & Kaprada Talukas [Communes – making a BLOCK] and started the journey. The result: Host of schools & non – schools socio-economic programs – name any. TUFF friends [mainly who visited Dharampur and they are many] are well aware about them and the process that took place during the long ‘March’ Let me specifically mention some non - schools plans. They are Wells - Rain Water Harvesting Tanks, Mango Plantation, Check Dams, Soil – Bunding [to arrest erosion], Oil Engines, Health - Care, etc. – etc. and now a ‘Model Village Plan’ – just shaping. Another important dimension is that of substantial community participation [unique response in Dharampur] & generous donations coming [in last ten years] on increasing scale, over and above Tuff support [The BASE], mainly from Indian Trusts [also overseas] and individuals. This is how the project went on expanding much faster than we ever could visualize. From a modest start, we went on extending newer programs for larger population, touching the life of about 100000 people, in more than 100 villages. The expansion is still on and seems limitless, if we could manage. You and Gunnar are witness [20 years ago] that when we started just night – classes, with small budget of Tuff [we have now crossed 10 M. rupees] and without any road – map. Now there are roads after roads, leading to many directions and dimensions. This is what I describe as NATURAL GROWTH Coming to schools also, there is no dearth. As from few night classes, the project got expanded to 6 Primary and 2 Secondary Schools, a Girls' Hostel, a Boys' Hostel, a Mobile Van & Vocational Training Program This expansion is of great value for poorest of the poor families of Dharampur Block.
[After this explanation, I gave few concrete examples of the school projects, from support]
Winter Camp In Chandvagan School , one institute from Baroda & VPSS jointly organized 4 days Vacation Camp for kids of 5/6/7/8 grades. They were 62 - 40 from various cities and towns of Gujarat as well as 22 from Dharampur Schools. The theme : Face to face with forest and tribal families, living below poverty line [BPL}. For 3 days, the kids moved extensively in the forest guided by our workers - walking, climbing, visiting caves & water falls, enjoying lunch arranged by the community, visiting families around the school to have a close look in their day - to - day life in particular and become aware about their life - style in general, as well as trying to understand their living standard.- why it is like so. All this was followed by the discussions and sharing experiences every day. The focus was on analysis of the situation [poverty and disparity, to be precise], with likely solutions. This was for the first time we held such a mixed camp. It was a success, as we could assess from the feed - back of the kids.. Their responses & feelings were positive & touching. In past, we have organized several camps on different issues in Dharampur. But this really was unique, in last 2 decades.
Check Dams & Soil Conservation We are now building 40 new mud/stone check - dams [total will touch to 400], over and above soil - bunding [conservation] and repairs of few existing dams. We have received over a million rupees from a Trust Body], for this ambitious plan. Their representatives visited Dharampur, to assess the situation and see the existing dams, as well as standing crops – the outcome. The result was obvious.
All these programs [also soil –bunding] are labor - intensive and follow ' Food for Work' principles. They will create more employment, resulting into more food grains distribution [short – term gain] at the door - steps of the people. On account of very weak monsoon, crop production is hardly 50 %. The situation would be alarming in summer months. The check - dams and other programs like soil – conservation hopefully will provide some relief.
Survey of 40 Old Dams As required by one Bombay – based Rotary Club [with major matching contribution from Rotary International], our staff just conducted survey of 40 check – dams supported by them. 36 are found in good condition; while 4 are damaged. The dams provided water to save standing crops during dry spells in monsoon. The workers got food – grains worth a million rupees, as wages. One of the objectives of the dams is to provide water to cattle. That way, it proved a boon to the community, in this water – starved region. We are going to repair dams which are damaged. The total population covered in one way or the other : 15,839
The recharging process continues, even after the dams dry up, as their main source of water collection is rain. The main purpose is to catch good amount of run - off water, that flows from the catchments area. Even if the dams preserve water for 6 to 7 months; they continue raising water table of surrounding wells. Dams indirectly help in reforestation as well as mango plantation. About 40 % is labour contribution of the community. The rest of the wages are paid in form of food – grains only. Some other NGOS also got inspired and took up this program. In such dams, people feel that they are their dams (assets) and hence they immediately repair them (being close); before much damage takes place. With supportive water management programs (like soil - bunding, new wells, engines etc.) this is shaping as, sort of a composite plan.
Cement Dams We are not in favor of cement dams, as they are costly, not labor - intensive and eco - friendly But we have visited and selected two sites, where such dams only could work The matter has also been discussed with our dam - workers as well as the community, Finally we have agreed to build 2 cement dams, as a trial. The proposed sites are in small rivulets and the normal dams could not stand strong currents, during monsoon. Few groups earlier visited Dharampur to study the proposal. We have just got their positive response. . Rain Water Harvesting Additionally, 20 Rain Water Harvesting Tanks are coming up. The digging is just finished by the beneficiaries. The rest of the support [for material] is coming from one Bombay Trust Body. We have been executing all such plans since last 15 years; but this time we are coordinating it, keeping in mind the challenge ahead. Two oil – engines ate given for irrigation and one more bore – well [for a hamlet], is on way.
Quality Drive in Education The Girls' Hostel is now shaping as a centre for Quality Education, for all our schools. The ‘Drive' for upgrading academic subjects [explained in the last N. Bu.] and creating general awareness is very much on. One expert teacher is helping Koki. Of course, this is a preliminary stage [advance, compared to our remote schools]. A good beginning is made.
Second Crop The Winter Crop Drive [explained in the last N. Bu.] is very much on - on a bigger scale. We visited many villages [a few Swedes joined us], where the people came forward. It was great to observe green carpet [first time in many villages], instead of grey fields. It certainly will compensate to some extent, the deficit – resulted on account of last weak monsoon. VPSS has spent RS 300000 [got support from one kind individual] for distribution of seeds, much in advance. This follows our latest emphasis [see last Bu.] for 'Food - First'. We will be coordinating water management programs to fight food - shortage, which may be on higher scale this year, mainly in summer months. We had planned the 'Drive' long back, with good success of 'Trial Project' in last winter [See the last Bulletin]
Visit of NGO Team We had about 40 visitors in Vaghaval School and then in Bilpudi Hostel. They were the supporters of Sewa Rural NGO - most of them doctors and other like - minded NGO representatives. The topic was: Dharampur Model and its value - based approach. It was sort of a mini – seminar, inspiring for NGOS, individual workers and youngsters dreaming to join some such stream in poor localities. One American girl also joined the group.
Model Village A very well - qualified tribal lady lives amidst the community and is spearheading this pioneering concept. She has successfully implemented ‘Winter Crop’ plan, started building check – dams as well as soil - bunding there. She is motivating parents for immunization program for kids and other welfare plans of the government, targeted to the women. A recent addition from the project is food – nourishment program for pregnant women and children. A cement dam and general Health Check – Up camp are on the cards
A trip of the farmers from Matunia [Model Village] to Seltipada village [a success story] was a real motivational exercise and educative experiment of sharing achievements, knowledge and aspirations. 45 farmers from Matunia went to Seltipada in TUFF lorry. There was good exchange of views and experiences between both the groups. Matunia group was taken around the dams and fields by 25 farmers of Seltipada, who have performed extremely well, since last few years, on account of new water management schemes. They have a good net - work of small check dams, wells, soil - bunds and engines. Also mango program, new seeds, second crop and other community development programs have been effectively implemented in that cluster. This was the first experiment of its type. Enthused by the first trip, a second equally successful trip was arranged in another village, where a ‘Toilet Project’ has been successfully introduced by two other NGOS jointly. This is to motivate the community for introducing toilets [a new thing] in Matunia Model Village. We are hopeful.
Winter Crop program in particular is attracting many visitors to Matuniya [out of 10 selected for expanding this crop]. It was recently visited by one expert, to prepare a Blue – Print of the proposed Model Plan. The village never had Winter [Second] Crop. Most of the farmers were rather skeptical in the beginning; but after viewing initial success and also on account of close contact of our lady worker staying with them, they expanded the program in rest of their fields, followed by the neighbors, one after the other. One of the villagers tried out entirely a new vegetable crop, with success, as one dam constructed last year is close to his field. On account of the remarkable result, more people may follow him, next year.
During our initial contact - meetings before monsoon, the community decided not to allow free movement of their cattle after rains. Otherwise, this is a common practice in forest villages. This was our precondition, before embarking upon the 'Winter Crop Drive'. VPSS has also constructed few check dams earlier, in this village. They are as well helpful for second crop. An interesting incident took place at the last community meeting. A group taking special interest in this village also was present. It included a 94 years old gentle man. The road to Matunia was not quite jeepable. So we held meeting, close to the main road. The old man did not agree to go to the hostel and rest. He attended the meeting silently, which required a little walking on rough terrain.
Vocational Training The on - going Vocational & Technical Training Program has started creating self - employment of those who got training in last year and a half. The Program as well its offshoot self - employment plan is supported by Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram [See the last Bulletin]. While touring with guests, we visited a tailoring shop and one two – wheeler garage, run by those who were trained last year. We have 60 such cases on record. Great
Male – Buffalo 700 animals were given to 350 [two to each] families The figure has now reached to 2800 The program is supported by many Trusts [distance from - 500 to 600 km from Dharampur Block], looking after welfare of animals. A delegate from one of the Trusts visited Dharampur recently for review and further planning. They have agreed to cooperate in future. The animals are very useful in agricultural operations and they are echo – friendly. Great.
Two Activists of Bombay Two Bombay - based activists for Dharampur [Mr. Rajesh Shah & Mrs. Bhavana Shah] repeatedly visited Dharampur, to help us for on – going projects. Recently Rajesh came with a friend and walked for about 60 km, from one school to another. Bhavana – also recently came with his US – based son & her husband, The son was keen to see work going on at the grass – roots. They were happy to see the second crop, in a vast area, soil – buding and the underground water – tanks, being dug by the beneficiaries. They also made an in – depth visit of one school – in session
Tragic Accident & Relief A serious jeep accident killing 8 persons took place here. Our workers rushed to the village of the victims [very remote] and provided immediate relief. When some Bombay friends came to know about it, they wanted to give more and meaningful help, I visited the village along with them and met the families of the victims. The Bombay friends are helping generously for immediate and long - term measures. They include support for hospital - treatment and food – grains, to be provided for a year, to those families who lost their bread - earners. VPSS is going to give them free mango plants [Tuff Funding] and we are also going to cover the families under our on - going water – management programs, so that the affected families could carry on food production. The boys and girls eligible for schooling will be admitted in our schools. As desired by our kind supporters, the families will get roofing tiles, before monsoon.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Common Sense & Community Spirit VPSS has constructed a check dam, about 8 years back in village Hetpada. It has proved helpful to the farmers, all these years. The Village Council is resourceful. They managed to get support from the government and renovated the dam. A well was constructed earlier from Tuff Funding [well program]. It is now on the edge of the dam and provides year - round drinking water [recharging]. To keep the dam full, the leadership has managed for a diesel engine, to get back leaking water. When I visited the spot recently with two Swede friends, I found water [dam was full] not being used in agriculture. They replied; ‘The community has decided not to use water this year, as many families are making bricks. We have got support for our rehousing from the government.’ Salute to their common sense and wonderful community spirit.
|
|
Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas ; Draft : 12 - 01 - 2010 VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI Project Office : Tuff Friendship House - Vedchhi [T. Valod] 394641 [Branch of Vedchhi Pradeha Seva Samiti – Udyogvadi : Valod |
|
Hur används TUFF-pengarna
i Indien? Se nedan). Det är hela 20 olika projekt! Det gäller de 300 000 kr vi skickade senast.
Siffrorna i rupier kan divideras med 6 för få antalet kronor.
Åke, tel 712 4463 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dharampur Comprehensive Development Project
Schools At the outset, let me explain the position, as it went on developing and changing. The trend is still on, of more funds coming from local sources, without asking. The latest example is that of ‘Low Cost Mini Lunch’. We have started it in one big day high school. The support came from a Trust of Bombay. Actually they suggested this program to try out. Finding it worth - while and well - managed [after a trustee visited program in school], the trustee is asking to add one more school As for VPSS, in the field of education, it is running now 6 primary schools and 2 high schools [with hostels], 2 hostels [one for girls and one for boys] for Gymnasium level students, 1 Mobile Van and 1 Vocational Training Program, The latest addition is mini meal, which I have mentioned above Substantial involvement of Tuff is in the following programs [education]. Major contribution of Tuff is utilized after schools [education] But we have not hesitated to initiate seeds for Winter Moisture Crop [second crop] – not depending upon rain, to produce more food – grains. This may prove history – setting, as we are facing draught - emerging crisis - now much needing Winter.Crop.
Virekshetra School The school is having 105 students in grades 4-5-6 -7, with three teachers. One of them is supported by one Trust [Parle Biscuits]. There are 2 cooks. No other servants or peons. The hostel is managed on self – help principles, by teachers & students It include cleaning the rooms and the premises, water – management, gardening, other daily routine activities [like washing clothes & cleaning dishes etc.], serving food & helping in cooking – as part of broad [value – added] practical education [not only bookish] All the students attend next – door village day – school. The students get intensive coaching before and after school – hours, in the hostel. They are now having all the facilities of permanent nature, as also computers, coming from different donors under schemes for all the schools. In this school, about 90 % support is from Tuff
Vankhas School The school is having 120 students in grades 4-5-6 -7, with four teachers. One of them is supported by one Trust [Parle Biscuits]. There are 2 cooks. The rest of the pattern is the same as above. The only addition is the floor mill and oil engine on our well. For this school [4th one], we have received the permission of the government, to run it directly by VPSS. The permission is up to 6th grade, so the 7th grade has to go to the village school [for one year] - 5 five minutes walk from our school. So the students of 4/5/6 grades do not now require to go to the village school. In this school also, about 90% support is from Tuff. In short, these 2 schools are Tuff schools on original pattern
Vaghval School Here now we have a School – Complex, having Primary & Secondary School [with hostels of course], like Tamachhadi. The P. School having 4/5/6/7 grades is recognized by the government and run directly by VPSS Like Vankhas the 7th grade has to go to the village school in the neighborhood [for one year]. We started here High School last year [recognized by the government] – now having 8th & 9th grades There are 165 students [Pri. & Se.] and 9 teachers. The pattern is the same as Virekshetra / Vankhas.
Since last 6 months, one big Trust from Bombay [like Tamachhadi School Complex] Has fully adopted this school, with hostel, providing expenses for the whole year. The High School is fully equipped, with all the facilities – having all the class rooms as well as Science Laboratory Building, nice Library, Staff Rooms, new Sanitary Blocks, Water Arrangement & Computer Lab. The Trust is fully involved with the school, to the extent that they visit Vaghval periodically. They have an ambition to make Vaghval a ‘Model & Modern Educational Institute’ This long introduction is to convey, why bridging fund was not required for this school. This is an unexpected, but permanent arrangement. The rest of the Schools – Hostels – Mobile Van and Vocational Program are adopted by different Trusts. Of course, as before, we liberally bridge [Pl. see separate Chart] the financial gap from flexible funds in our hands, generously provided by Tuff. Of course, the pattern has changed exact from a particular Swedish School to a particular Dharampur School. I am fully aware that this pattern makes the motivating exercise difficult for Tuff friends. I have elaborated this point earlier in my several letters to you and hinted in my messages to the S. Schools.
Few More Points
Other Small Supports to the Schools For our schools we get free text – books, note – books at nominal rate and good amount of furniture as well dresses and even snacks, occasionally.
From only Schools to Holistic Pattern The project has taken not only real holistic shape, but is becoming broader and larger, with commendable flow of funds from Indian Sources, over and above regular Tuff funding. There were no local funds for the first whole decade. Tuff was our only partner. With this change, the original style [School to School] went on changing, with linkage of education with socio-economic progress of the community - both these aspects of life, with ever expanding programs [you have my periodical News letters].
No Government Funding - Real People’s Project [Exceptional] Now I must conclude with these final remarks: The yearly budget is touching a crore [10 millions] of rupees, with about one-third contribution from local communities, mainly in form of labor & totally no govt. funding – thanks to Tuff, Donors & People
Bhikhu Vyas [For VPSS] D. 03 -09 - 2009 |
|
Resultat av 20
års verksamhet! Rapport från Bhikhu maj 2009 |
|
TWO DECADES : ACHIEVEMENTS
|
|
THE LATEST DRIVE
917 kilogram seeds given to 334 families, just in 3 months produced
18,007 kilograms of grains ! |
|
KUMLA SKOLA FÅR SOLIDARITETSPRIS
(Pressmeddelande från TUFF)
Kumla skola i Tyresö har ofta kallats svenska skolmästare i internationell solidaritet. Det är välförtjänt, för sedan början av 1970-talet har skolan varje år gjort dagsverken för mycket fattiga jämnåriga i indiska skolor. Redan 1975 uppfördes i delstaten Gujarat en skolbyggnad med fem klassrum, som än i dag bär namnet Kumla Wing.
Sedan dess har Kumla bidragit till många av Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings (Tuff) projekt i Indien. Det har blivit skolbibliotek, skolmatsalar, skoltoaletter, skollaboratorier, ja till och med en medicinfabrik. På 1990-talet fick tack vare Kumla och andra skolor 3000 barn till säsongarbetande sockerrörshuggare ”a smile for a while” som indiska partners uttryckte det. Dessa hårt arbetande och extremt lågavlönade bodde med sina familjer i eländiga läger, där det för Tyresöpengar år efter år uppfördes 50 stora skoltält och anställdes lika många unga lärarinnor. Där fick barnen elementär undervisning, ett mellanmål per dag en uppsättning kläder.
De senaste åren har Tuffpengar, bland annat från Kumla, finansierat sex skolor bland de fattigaste av de fattiga. De finns i det tidigare så försummade indiska området Dharampur. Där får uppåt tusen barn till analfabeter undervisning, logi och mat.
För sina mångåriga insatser har nu Kumla skola just fått Tuffs pris för berömvärt lokalt solidaritetsarbete. Tuffs vice ordförande Monica Schelin, varje vecka medarbetare i Radio Tuff på 91,4 MHz, berättar:
-- Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings pris för ”berömvärt lokalt freds- och solidaritetsarbete” har sedan 1993 vartannat år utdelats till föreningar, grupper och enskilda, från Luleå i norr till Värnamo i söder och Orust i väster. Det består av ett diplom och 7000 kr. Det är inte villkorat, fast nu hoppas vi, att Kumla ska använda pengarna som bidrag till lärares resa till de indiska projekten. Tidigare har många från Kumla besökt Tuff-projekten i Indien och blivit imponerade och inspirerade av hur förvånansvärt mycket och bra som uträttats för pengarna. Men i dag finns ingen kvar på skolan av dessa Indienresenärer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bhikhu Vyas: CONGRATULATIONS TO KUMLA SCHOOL, TYRESÖ (Gandhianen Bhikhu Vyas är tillsammans med sin fru Kokila och flera medarbetare, både hinduer och muslimer, Tuffs partner sedan 1979.)
We in Valod & Dharampur [India] are extremely happy to learn that Ake & Monica will give away TUFF PRIZE to Kumlaskolan on 16th of April. Please accept our heart - felt congratulations. As the pioneer of Sister Schools Cooperation - for organizing most successful Operation One Day’s Work (OODW) year after year - without a break, for last 30 [?] years, there could not be a better choice. OOWD may look small gestures on the face of it; but they have given concrete results : Salaries of Teachers & Food for Students, Buildings, Laboratories, Teaching Aids/ Equipments, Libraries, Sanitary Blocks, Water Works, Electricity . What not ?
We have seen all this happening in last two & a half decades, in many a schools in the poorest communities. Sister - Schools is a unique action - oriented concept, in the International Field. Again, Kumla has a habit of breaking former records. Let us salute your spirit of working for schools [and also other community development programs for poor] in our invisible corner, thousands of kilometers away from Tyreso. It had always been a great feeling for all the students and teachers here. I am so delighted to tell you that education [and development] are spreading fast amidst challenging logistics in the isolated commune of Dharampur, on account of generous contribution of Kumlaskolan, followed by many other schools, with wonderful coordination of Tuff.
When I am penning this note, my mind goes back to those exciting days, when I had been to your school, first time in 1984 and then several times, during my 7 visits of Sweden. It was an experience of life, to be amidst nice students & teachers, trying to generate support through several creative methods; a mix of fun, commitment and education!
While the families all over the world are becoming more and more self - centered, the Swedish Sister Schools Cooperation gives trust in the goodness of the wider society. It is such a delight to learn that there are schools like Kumla far far away, who are thinking of and are concerned for schools in our part of the world, Sister - Schools Cooperation is a practical model of Friendship in Action. In a way, you are joining a mission, targeted finally to peace and development. On account of many little efforts at many places, we may see one day, a new & better world - order. Let me congratulate you for TUFF AWARD & convey best wishes to the lovely students & friendly teachers. I hope that all at Kumla would sustain the traditions established by the stalwarts who are retired and carry forward the Torch ------------------------------------------- Bhikhu Vyas, Tuffs partner i Indien sedan 1979 |
|
NEWS LETTER FOR SWEDISH SISTER SCHOOLS
DHARAMPUR EDUCATION
Girls’
Hostel/School We remain worried that our students are good in value – based education like cultural programs, music, dancing, arts, sports, social work [for example mini clinic for people], community life, gardening etc.; but are bit weak on academic side. Enthused with the trial - project as above, we have planned to give it a routine shape of a school from next June. The students of our schools will come to the Hostel, stay there for a week or so turn-by-turn, for learning different subjects intensively. For this purpose, the science equipments as well as more books have just been purchased. VPSS is going to construct Science/Computer Lab. & Library in the Hostel. The classes will continue more systematically there, next year. The training of VPSS teachers will be continuously on as well as special classes of senior grade students in one expert center. We are going to employ qualified teachers from next June. A librarian will coordinate library – work with emphasis on reading habits in all our schools. We used funds of Tuff for the Pilot Project & have got total support for every thing mentioned above from Sweden, for next year.
Advanced
Education
Vaghval - Model School In the meeting last week, between the Foundation team & Dharampur team, some goals were specified, to make the school a model. Glimpse of Goals, for next three years: 1. To send teachers for additional training & appointing extra subject teachers to upgrade educational standard. The science teacher is through out our ex - student and then was fully supported by VPSS, for his advanced studies. 2. Child development to be all-round in terms not only of studies but also in other extra curricular activities. All year – round Activity Calendar has been prepared. It would be enforced from next June. It would include field trip, sports festival and cultural day, where all the students should take part. 3. One Library teacher and one sports teacher to be appointed. 4. Laboratory will be fully equipped. 5. Computer room to be set up. 5 computers to be added [with present ones]. 6. Library to be reorganized and expanded. 7. An Exhaustive Progress Chart of each & every student to be maintained [to be introduced in all 8 VPSS schools & Hostels [now 2], with monitoring on.
New Boys’ Hostel
Vocational Training – Fastest Program For those youths [school drop - outs] of the area who completed training, a follow - up program is on way. We have covered the prospective and innovative ones, to start with. It is a livelihood program - jobs - the critical aspect of the dark economic picture in Dharampur. VPSS has giving to 30 of them, tools and equipments at subsidized rates, to set up their small entrepreneurships [like mobile phone repairing shop, sewing machines, carpentry etc.] The initial results are encouraging. More youths are going to be supported on self – employment lines as above, as soon as they complete training.
Support for New Schools MASS MARRIAGES : GREAT SUCCESS
Roots
Some friends from Bombay liked the concept - as it proved a great saving for poor tribals and resolved sensitive issue of life. Many of the pairs just could not marry till they are adults or old on account of abject poverty. Of course, they start living together [having children]. In tribal society this is accepted as normal phenomena. The offer of support from Bombay well – wishers was followed by two NGOS jointly in 2007. Furthermore in 2008 V.P.S.S. organized Mass Marriages in 2 villages - totaling 82 couples.
Further Progress
The Local expenditure was taken care of from the contribution of the couples - RS 500 [80 SEK] per pair. The community earlier promised to take care of the deficit, if any. This was settled in a week. When we knew of the deficit later on, we spoke to the organizers that VPSS could take care of it. But they were rather firm not to accept our offer. Their logic was : As the families had promised to bridge deficit, they should keep the promise. They even handed over two pairs of dresses to us, which were extra. The leaders who met us told us casually that 5 couples were too poor for even RS 500 contribution and hence they paid only partial amount. The committee allowed them to participate. Fine. Traditional Ornaments and Dress Material were gifts from one Bombay Trust. The expenditure for mass meals and other sundry items is a donation by another Bombay Trust. The Vessels, Shawl & Mango Plants are from VPSS [Base : Swedish support]. Water Management & Food Production
Check
– Dams
Food
Production : New Drive
Rain
Water Harvesting Tanks
Mango
Plantation IN BRIEF · 11th grade Hostel girls went on a study trip in Gujarat · A new Trust has been registered to manage expanding programs with local support - coming on increasing scale. Good prospects for future development · 9 wells are under construction and are about to compete · PVC pipe - lines given to 15 farmers for extending small irrigation from wells · 4 oil – engines given for the same purpose [Pipes and engines at half price] · The newly designed family latrines program will be implemented after monsoon. We are negotiating at present, with a friendly expert NGO. · As always Dharampur Project is attracting many visitors. There were 40 groups [one 23 members team from Rotary Club of Bombay, who supported 40 check – dams earlier as well as has partially adopted one school] and individuals like : Doctors - Clubs – Support Groups – Teachers – Social Activists, Bombay Colleagues active in Field Work & Project. Management. · Some drawings of VPSS schools were selected by ‘Step In’ friends. First they screen - printed them as Cards in Switzerland & sold them to support 'Rain Water Harvesting Tanks'. In the second round, more Cards were selected and printed in Bombay through one of our activist colleagues Bhavana [They became friends]. She got 3,000 cards screen - printed likewise. 1,000 of them have been sent to Tuff and 1000 have been sent to ‘Step In’. They bore the entire cost. The rest are for the well – wishers of Dharampur Project. · Two Health Check – Up camps were organized in Tamachhadi by one NGO Health Care Trust. 2500 people took advantage of the camps, where free medicines also were given. The students of all the schools were checked by different voluntary groups, with a follow – up treatment of about 50 students, for various diseases. 5 serious patients were given guidance & support. · A model ‘Village Development Plan’ [as Pilot Project] is being worked out. It is to be implemented after June - 2009 onwards. Total support is offered for it. · A well is being constructed in the Girls’ Hostel, as the number of water - users is growing. One Sister School from Sweden is going to work for this well. · 10 students from Dharampur joined Vacation Camp [Vanasthali – VPSS] · One American Foundation decided to contribute for school – development. · A post – graduate student from Gujarat University joined Tamachhdi, to visit Schools & Rural reconstruction programs, for field experience as part of study Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI Tuff Friendship House: VEDCHHI : 394641 [January – February – March – April : 2009] |
||||||
|
IN THIS LIFE WE CAN’T DO GREAT THINGS WE CAN ONLY DO SMALL THINGS, WITH GREAT LOVE MOTHER TERESA
A journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step LAI -TZE
|
||||||
|
RELIGION OF POOR I happened to visit a farmer who grew winter crop under our seeds support program. He was describing his experience with great joy. He was telling us that he hopes to grow more food – grains from this second crop. A visitor accompanying me asked him ’ What will you do with more production ? ’ Prompt came the reply : ‘ Will do Dharam [religion]. I will distribute some food - grains to my 4 brothers & a sister. The rest we will use in family. I am not selling this food grains’
|
||||||
|
DHARAMPUR - BULLETIN
|
|
|
SWEDEN
The Next Five Year Plan [2009 – 2013] : Roots
The plan developed likewise. First is a summary of Åke’s letter, followed by my response
The ‘News Letter’ used by our Sister Schools in Sweden
‘Nice to learn that your school organized ‘Open - House Day' [or OODW – other schools]]. Those new ones working for our schools could not have an idea, what a job they have been doing for our resource - starved schools in poor communities, situated amidst challenging logistics, in vast Dharampur Block. It is a unique example of what kids could achieve, given the leadership of spirited teachers & wonderful coordinating role of Tuff – our Swedish partner NGO.
I want to tell especially to the new teachers [and all other Sister Schools for that matter] that Dharampur Project has taken a holistic shape in last 2 decades [report just published]. Education has remained our prime concern all these years, in this illiterate society. Main credit goes to the schools like yours, to make it possible. How nice that one teacher moved with my 'News Letter' to every class, telling the pupils ‘Dharampur Success Story’. Our schools try to impart education with social concern, having emphasis on culture & fine arts. In the field of education we have now reached to: 6 primary schools, 2 Secondary School [up to 10th], Mobile Van for 8 Government Primary Schools, a Hostel for 11th–12th grade girls and the latest - Vocational Training. Our schools have as well become the centers of socio - economic growth, in the locality.
While the world is becoming strife - torn, self - centered and economically chaotic [of late], the Sister Schools Cooperation - a marvelous concept gives an eternal hope. It is such a nice feeing for all of us here, to learn that there are schools, working hard for them, improving their record year after year. The teachers as well as the students obviously will come and go, but the Sister - Schools Cooperation has come to stay. This is a fond hope. Ultimately we survive on hope. It is simply great and inspiring. Thanks. [Summary of a letter written to one Sister – School of Sweden]
Visitors from Sweden Two friends from Sweden visited Dharampur. Orjan [82] came with his grandson. They visited Schools – Girl’s hostel – Check Dams – Soil Bunding and other on - going programs. 2 yeas back an Indian friend brought Orjan to Dharampur. Later on, he generously supported Dharampur work. Even during this visit, he offered support for a bicycle for the principal at Tamachhadi [as she had to run often between primary & secondary schools], stitching machines for the Girls’ Hostel and school – uniforms. The funds reached us. He was all praise for Mass Marriages and promised support for the next occasion. He visits India almost every year, since more than 40 years [?], to meet his friend [referred above] & to study development issues [and also to involve] as well as its solutions. He is a great lover of India and very well - informed. He has also given talks on R. Tuff. His main intention was to make his grand son [about 20] aware of Rural India and its problems. An excerpt [a portion in his own words] from a letter of Magnus:
‘I would like to thank you for my best trip ever in my whole life. Dharampur has a really beautiful landscape and when we went to all your schools and met all these wonderful children, I get a memory for life. Your work with children and education is very inspiring. It really touched my heart’.
Visitors from Switzerland They were two ladies – one from Switzerland and another one, originally a Swede. The former [Fikki] was born in India, loved the country intensely and has regularly kept in touch with issues and some families, known to her from her childhood. The other lady [Maria] and Fikki became friends in Switzerland. The common thread - love & concern for poor. As they heard about Dharampur and came to know about Tuff [Web site] and very naturally VPSS activities in Dharampur, they started correspondence with me. Ake interviewed Maria on R. Tuff and put them in contact with me. Both of them had almost the identical tour plan in Dharampur as above. Of course, they visited other NGOS also. I think they were most impressed with our children’ drawings, rain water harvesting tanks and the mango plantation program, over and above schooling. We frankly told them that no funds are required for existing schools and other programs. But they carried with them Greeting Cards of our kids & got them screen - printed. They sent me copies and informed me that their NGO [I think in formation] planned to sell the cards and would like to support some programs in Dharampur from the income of the cards. I have regularly kept in touch with both of them, as I was highly impressed with their commitment and mature understanding of the burning issues, faced by poor. [Their report is available]. Am tempted to pick up a paragraph [shortened] from a long report of the group, to Ake:
‘Bhikhu took us around the area in a jeep for two days and showed us the work that they have been doing, with the help of TUFF and other donors over the past 22 years. We were able to see a check dam, view some soil-bunding projects, visit some mango plantations and most importantly, spend time at three of the seven schools that have been built for the tribal children. These schools are hugely impressive – not only for their commitment to the children, the dedication of the teachers and the obvious well-being of the children, but also for their philosophy, which quite clearly permeates every aspect of the schools. Education at these schools is much more than just the three “R”s (reading, writing and arithmetic), although these basic skills are certainly not neglected. But the intention is to educate children in the widest possible sense – to be ethical and productive members of their own society. Even the appearance of the schools, the little aesthetic details which show themselves in the organization of the tree-shaded gardens and the tribal decorations, painted on the walls, are part of the philosophy of teaching the children to appreciate harmonious surroundings and a pride in their heritage.’
Indian – Swedish – American Friend It was a chance meeting with one Mr. Kiran Gandhi, some 3 months back. When I came to know that he lived in Sweden for many years [and in America by turn] and still has a house in Stockholm, the dimension of relationship totally changed. The result went on developing gradually. He is now associated with Tuff, contacted them, had even visited Ake in his home & has spoken on Radio Tuff. He is going to visit Dharampur shortly
Mango Plantation The planning to distribute 10,000 more mango saplings in next monsoon is in full swing at the moment. We are likely to touch the figure of 100000 plants. This program is being supported by Tuff all the last 18 years, without a break. The reports are pouring in from Sweden, that more and more people are attracted to this eco - friendly program.
New Lorry The old one, purchased with the help of TUFF has been replaced with a new one, cutting short almost half the cost, as the Tata Company offered good price for the old one. The lorry is extremely useful in ever - expanding project, mainly for transporting food grains & vegetables etc. for so many schools in remote villages, food grain [wages] for construction of dams, wells and soil – bunding as well as school – buildings. Great.
INDIA
Vocational Training : New Chapter of the ‘March’ VPSS has started Vocational and Technical Training Program [referred earlier], with the help of one Institute near Ahmedabad. The first batch got nice training. The next batch of 44 completed training two months ago. Looking at the enthusiasm of the trainees [now 100], VPSS decided to ask for 25 % contribution for training fees. The response was overwhelming. That indicates the measure of success of this 6 months old employment [livelihood] program. It has started giving quick results in the area of skilled employment, a welcome diversion from ‘only agricultural’ economy of Dharampur. A follow up plan to rehabilitate those trained in first batch was worked out in the meeting held in the Girls’ Hostel. 15 boys & 10 girls who decided to start their own enterprise [repairing machines, tailoring, computers, mobile telephones etc] have been given 50 % support of about 50,000 rupees. The rest was their contribution. They were handed over tools and machine - kits in the Hostel itself. Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram of Dharampur provided the funds for training as well as support for tools. They have further offered help for next 5 batches. The target is to train 250 youths, on lines as before. This has proved the fastest livelihood program, in this employment – starved block. Very good potentiality.
Re - Housing : New Idea A large group of 22 Rotarians of Bombay visited some schools, check – dams and other projects in Dharampur. The Club has continued taking interest in our activities, after the check - dams program was earlier executed to their satisfaction. They have now adopted [75% support] one school [Chandvagan]. They gave hints to support more programs next year, which may get substantial aid from Rotary International [US]. We immediately handed over them three proposals as follows, after discussion with them: [1] Water - Harvesting [2] Vocational Training as well as Support for the next year. [3] Re - Housing program as a modest trial. This plan is based on a design, where the families could be supported for material up to concrete plinth [cement], as the wooden structure in this very heavy rain area does not last for more than 5/7 years. The rest the beneficiaries are supposed to build – as they will have material from old houses. If approved, this is new and land mark area in which VPSS may be entering, just as a trial.
Another Hostel One more hostel for boys [11/12th grades] is on the cards. The support is offered by the same source, which provided total fund for Bilpudi Girls‘ Hostel [for Gymnasium]. Finally we have found suitable place in a village close to Kaprada town. Both Koki & I recently visited the site – in the existing High School - cum - Gymnasium Complex It is still interior and poorer than Dharampur – adjoining to it. The construction is well on way. For practical reasons we have provided lodging - boarding facilities to a few students who studied earlier in Tamachhadi High School. For example Pandu [referred in earlier N. L.] was studying in a Gymnasium. He is from a village 60 km away from Dharampur. Having no hostel facility, he hired [with a group] a room in nearby village. While walking down to school he met with a serious jeep - accident. Fortunately he got recovered. Along with a few boy students now he is accommodated in an extra room in the Girls’ Hostel Complex
Recasting Dams Program The execution of massive repairs and renovation program of the existing check – dams has started. The outlets in 18 dams have been constructed, to control flow if water, just before the monsoon is about to depart. Furthermore, the re - construction is to start soon for deepening and widening some dams. The sites for 20 new dams have been selected, following the demand from the community. The construction will be carried out by the community, as is the pattern, developed during last decade of mud – stone check dams. The support and the promises of support have started coming, for over a million and a quarter rupees budget of repairs and new dams. Before embarking upon the program as above, the survey of all 336 check – dams was completed. A blue – print got worked out, taking village leaders into confidence. About 50 dams are irreparable. This is the picture.
Library & other Training Camps A two – day camp of 25 senior teachers and 20 students was held in the Girls' Hostel. The topic: Proper use of library and good reading habit. Three University professors guided the lot. In the Girls’ Hostel we have a well – set Petersons’ Reading Room. It proved very useful. There were also 3 other camps for teachers and students as above, in the Hostel: One for drawing, one for songs/music and one for introducing new books. As indicated earlier, The Girls’ Hostel is becoming the centre of all VPSS activities in Dharampur in particular, visitors [accommodation available] & management in general.
Record Visitors Mainly during the monsoon the record of visitors was broken this year. The stream continued after monsoon also; touching the figure of 90, mainly in groups as well as individually. All of them were genuine supporters of one activity or the other and quite a few, even contributed their ideas. Decidedly, one and all were well – wishers of Dharampur March. They were from Bombay support group, activists joining hand in field – work as well as future planning, University students, professors, journalists, doctors, auditors, artists, sister NGOS, VPSS friends [Valod] and those who are regular donors.
Health The parents rushed to the Hostel to seek aid for their three days old child. She had no hole for passing motion. The child was already admitted to a costly hospital in Dharampur town. Our workers approached the hospital. After great persuasion, they allowed the child to be shifted to Shrimad Rajchandra Trust Hospital, after taking a heavy fee. The child was operated and finally recovered, with nominal cost, provided by the Project. One of our lady teachers was taken up seriously ill, while one training camp at the Hostel was in progress. She got emergency treatment in S. Rajchandra hospital. 4 other critical cases like this and a few minor cases were helped or given guidance.
Tribute to Dharampur ‘I am immensely happy with the direction that my son has found after his interactions with all of you. I think that by bringing him to Dharampur, I have given him a gift that will last for lifetime. [From an auditor mother of a bright student of Bombay, due to join University]
Social scientists of the world unite. You have to invent a new social force to build new world - new man - new age
The slogan above and the Proclamation below of ‘World Social Forum’
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE !
NEWS IN BRIEF
· The second residential high – school [grade 8] by VPSS in Vaghval, [30 students] is making good progress. Government approval [without aid] for 5th grade has just received. Gradually we will have 6th & 7th standard there. In two years’ time, it will be a full-fledged unit [5th to 10th], like now we have in Tamachhadi The 4th Primary School at Vankhas [starting with 4th & 5th grades] has also been approved by the government. Actually our application was rejected by District Office. Then we made an appeal to the state authority. Finally we got permission. · VPSS received sports items as a gift for all the schools and the Girls’ Hostel. · Scholarships program for higher education [mainly teachers’ training is continuing with 4 trainees. They will finish studies in April and then will join us.
THE SUCCESS STORY : CHIMAN
Chiman was a young boy of about 18 – in a half pent, when I visited Tamachhadi [ now famous ] for the very first time, invited by some young volunteers. They wanted to know us and more so, what we intend to do [no road – map at that time] in this forest and mountains. Chiman was on the road, where I got confused. He directed me to the hamlet where a small group was waiting for me. Later on chiman became an activist volunteer leader in Tamachhadi and around [followed by many others]. He joined the project briefly in the start; but left us to look after agriculture of the family. His parents were old.
About three months back, he met Koki in the hostel, as he had a problem. His daughter [now again 18] is studying in one Primary Teachers‘ Training College, in a village, about 7 km from Dharampur town. Along with other college students, she hired a room in Dharampur town. It was very costly and was found risky. Chiman wanted his daughter to be admitted in the Girls’ Hostel. That is gladly done. What a journey of about 22 years!
|
|
|
VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat INDIA (02625)220154 & 222451 for Vedchhi - (02633) 293698 for Dharampur - Mo. 9879569535 [September – October – November -December: 2 Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas |
|
NYÅRSHÄLSNING
2009 FRÅN BHIKHU VYAS Bhikhu Vyas har i 30 år varit Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings (Tuff) främsta partner i Indien, där han och hans medarbetare på ett beundransvärt sätt förvaltat pengarna från Tuff, vilka därför har räckt till förbluffande mycket: Många skolor, hundratals brunnar, 90 000 mangoträd och mycket annat.
De senaste åren har projekten koncentrerats till Dharampur, ett bergigt område i delstaten Gujarat, ca 25 mil norr om Mumbai (Bombay). Där finns ett par hundra små byar, bebodda av tribals, de fattigaste av de fattiga. |
|
|
LET OUR FRIENDSHIP & MESSAGE OF LOVE GROW IN 2009 |
|
|
All of us wish the listeners of Radio
Tuff and other colleagues, a peaceful and pleasant New Year. The
'March' in Dharampur is well in a take - off stage,
Our schools, generously supported by Swedish Sister Schools and
nicely coordinated by Tuff are like spring - boards for community
development. We will like to congratulate Radio Tuff in particular,
as a voice of peace, a pre condition for progress and justice. If we
take into account pre - Dharampur decade, around 25 schools
got support from Swedish Sister Schools:
2008 was a record, having the highest ever support for schools from Tuff. With an addition of one more high school in 2008, along with a hostel for Gymnasium Girls; we now have 9 educational units as well as a Mobile van, trying to upgrade educational standard of 8 village primary schools. The Mass Marriages [82 in 2008 & 100 on way in 2009] and the Vocational Training Program for school drop-outs are 2 mile-stones of 2008, in our journey for progress. Only last month, 50 first batch trainees gathered in the Girls' Hostel and chalked 0ut self employment - livelihood program. 20 youngsters have got sewing machines and other tools, to start their jobs, at their door steps. |
A massive vocational training for jobs for 250 youths on pattern as above will be implemented in 2009. An experiment is under way with 100 families to take second crop [not rain-fed] may be mentioned as a new project of 2008-2009. A plan to repair about 300 existing check - dams is being implemented and will be continued in 2009. 6500 mango saplings were planted in 2008. Our plans are to cross 100 000 mark in 2009. This plan has been exclusively and constantly supported by Tuff since 1992, as a priority demand from people. It is a practical, sustainable and eco-friendly livelihood program, at the door-steps of the community. The students of our schools are encouraged to grow more plants, with the help of their parents. They get the message in the annual Guardians’ Meets. This is an innovative program, to link schools and community. A re-housing program in Dharampur Block replacing old huts, requiring repeated repairs is on the cards, as a new venture in 2009.
Not only India, but the whole world - including the developed countries is passing through unprecedented crisis today. If we aspire a new social order - A CHANGE - all of us will have to become change agents. I hope, we will rise to the challenge ahead, in 2009.
|
|
"Every poor person at some stage is a risk for the rich " |
|
2006-2008
