CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION

PROGRAMME

NAVA JEEVAN TRUST

48-B/10 AMBAI ROAD
VEERAMANICKAPURAM
TIRUNELVELI - 627 005
TAMIL NADU - INDIA.
PH. & FAX NO. O462 –
2572563
E. MAIL :
njtpages@yahoo.com
 ORGANIZATION PARTICULARS

NAME OF THE PROJECT HOLDER: B. Nalan, Director.

LEGAL STATUS : Registered Under Indian Trust Act 1882.

Regd. No.177/85
Date of Registration : 9.8.1985.

FCRA REGISTRATION NO. : Registered with Home Ministry,

Govt. of India, New Delhi.

F.C.R.A. NO. 076030065.

APPROVED ACCOUNT NO: : S.B.A/c.No.22060

CANARA BANK
Palayamkottai - 627 002
Tirunelveli,
Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

INCOME TAX 12A(a)

REGISTRATION : Regd.U/s 12A(a) of the Income Tax Act
1961, C.No.464/107/87-77.

INCOME TAX 80G REGISTRATION: Regd. u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961
C.No.464/107/87-88.

NAME OF THE AUDITOR &

ADDRESS : MrFranklin Fernendez,
Chartered Accountants,
Sivaraj Buildings,
Tower Junction,
Nagercoil - 629 001
Kanyakumari District.
TAMIL NADU.
 NAVA JEEVAN TRUST
CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION PROGRAMME
PAPPAKUDY BLOCK

INTRODUCTION:

Nava Jeevan Trust started the child labour eradication programme with the support of
Child Relief and You (CRY), Chennai during 1998in the blocks of Alangulam,
Pappakudy and Keelapavoor in Tirunelveli District. Since from the beginning stage of
the programme various types of programmes and strategies were designed and the
programmes were implemented in the villages. Due to the multipronged strategies and
the collective effort of the staff team and the community, the programme has yielded
many positive results.

The child labour eradication programme was the very first programme of its type in the
southern zone, which has its main focus on children and the various other aspects related
to the child development. So far 42 alternative education centres were being run in the
villages through which 1098 child labourers were benefited. For the first time in the
history, despite of the district being a place where caste and communal clashes are
common, people from different communities are educated to come together and work for
the development of children without any prejudice or bias.

The programme had also created many changes in the life style of the people and
children. Around 500 volunteers are trained to involve actively in the child labour
eradication activities at the village level.

The primary school enrollment campaigns and the seminar programmes, workshops
conducted in the past days have created an awareness at all levels about education and its
importance. The collaboration programmes with other agencies have widespread the
awareness about child labour. Overall, the programme had been responsible for relieving
half of the total child labourers in the three blocks in three years and 22 villages have
been declared as child labour free. A total of 2408 child labourers were readmitted back
into regular schools. Though there are positive outcomes, still the programme is to be
continued in the area for the follow up and to completely make the area child labour free.

Based on the inferences, that were noticed during the implementation of the programme
at the field level slight modifications and additions are introduced in the strategies,
especially newer training and seminar programmes have been included for the anti child
labour committee members, the mothers club members, panchayat representatives and
trade unionists, N.S.S. students and the staff to strengthen their community.

Project area :

Pappakudy block has a total area of 16,223.79 sq. kms. The block is divided into 15
village panchayats and 1 town panchayats which covers 73 villages. The total population
of the block is 67,361 of this 32,639 (48.05%) are men and 34,722 (51.95%) are women.
The literacy rate of men is 61.25% and only 39.48% of women are literate. The
population composes of different castes such as Nadar, Yadavar, Devar, Christians and
Harijans. Agriculture is the predominant occupation of the people in Pappakudy Block.

The Block receives very small amount of rainfall every year. Due to the frequent failure
of monsoon people in the area have become discouraged with cultivation. Apart from
Agriculture Beedi Rolling is the main occupation of most of the women in the area.

More than 9 beedi establishments are running their business in this Block. It has been
estimated that more than 20,000 women are now engaged in beedi rolling through out the
Block. A sizeable population of girl children (68%) are also engaged in the occupation
child labour is prevalent almost in all the villages of Pappakudy block. As per the survey
conducted in 2003, it is found that 336 male and 551 female children are engaged in
works. Apart from beedi, there are also children who are engaged in agriculture, bricks
and shops.

In the block 90% of the women are engaged in beedi rolling and majority of them are
suffering with diseases due to their occupation. The women have been suffering due to
the money lending problem. As per the study conducted in 2000, in Alwanthulukkapatti,
it has been found that 190 families have become the victims of money lenders.

Due to the heavy interest collected by the money lenders the poor families in some
villages are driven out of their houses since they could not pay the amount as heavy
interest. So, it is easy for the money lenders to make the women fall in to their trap
easily.

Pappakudy Block has been experiencing two major threats from outsiders. The first one
is the loan they take from outside money lenders. The other one is harassment of women
by the money lenders as well as the commission agents. These two problems are much
serious as well as delecate. Pappakudy area is the origin of beedi industry during 1903.
Since, many number of women involved in beedi rolling. It is the only source of income
for them.

This is the main reason for the women to encourage their children also to do beedi
rolling. This has resulted in low literacy rate of women when composed to other area of
industries.

The problem of indebtedness is very acute in the villages. The study conducted by Nava
Jeean Trust in Alwanthulikkanpatti village reveals that out of the total 198 families 192
families here taken loan from the local money lenders. Almost 95% of the people are
now victims of the inhuman moneylenders. While the family is pushed into this situation,
they do not think of educating the children.

The women here are also treated as second class situation like any other society. But the
incidents of sexual harassment is more in many of the villages. Mostly, the money
lenders exploit the poverty of the women and use them for their sexual need. Also the
beedi rolling women have to adjust with the beedi commission agents and contractors.
Otherwise, they may have to lose that wage and other benefits. Thus, the problems of
beedi workers are still on the increase.

Objectives:

1. To educate the people to understand the reality of child labour.

2. To remove the children from workforce and readmit into regular school.

3. To organise alternative education centres for working chlidren.

4. To motivate the rural parents to encourage children's education.

5. To promote collective action in protecting the rights of the children.

6. To propagate the need for eradicating child labour in the Block.

STRATEGIES:

1. Running non-formal education centres for working children.

2. Conducting primary school enrollment campaign.

3. Orienting the regular primary school teachers and headmasters to involve in the child
labour eradication activities.

4. Educating the village leaders to understand the child labour reality and prepare them
to collaborate with other in the eradication of child labour.

5. Organising public meetings on evils of child labour in the working villages of the
target block.

6. Sensitising the leaders of the people’s movement and trade union representatives.

7. Motivating the children completed 5 years of age to join the regular schools.

8. Motivating the drop out children below 15 years of age and enrolling them in the
regular schools.

9. Motivating the parents to encourage the school going children to continue their
education.

10. Organising sensitisation cultural programmes for the students, rural people, elected
 Panchayat representatives.

IMPACT:

500 working children will be motivated and admitted for the non-formal education
centre.

100 primary school teachers will be trained on child rights to bring cent percent
enrollment.

200 college and school students will be sensitised with the child labour issues.

100 elected panchayat representatives will be educated on the child labour issues and
protection of child rights.

200 working children/drop out children will be helped to enroll in the regular scholls.

PROBLEM ENVISAGED:

Various problems envisaged have been highlighted , and the present proposals have taken
up some responsibilities to thwart the impediments towards a smooth functioning of the
project.

PROGRAMME DYNAMICS:

A. Collaboration with District Administration:

B. COLLABORATION WITH MANONMANIUM SUNDARANAR UNIVERSITY

AND AFFILIATED COLLEGES:

C. COLLABORATION WITH GOVT. OF INDIA, FIELD PUBLICITY

DEPARTMENT:

D. COLLABORATION PROGRAMME WITH DISTRICT RURAL

DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, TIRUNELVELI AND UNICEF:

THE LOCAL CONTRIBUTION:

.

PROGRAMME MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

PROJECT DURATION:
This project will be implemented for three year in the first phase. After that period based
on the need the project will be continued in the area.

CONCLUSION:
We have planned the project for three years. Since already a good rapport has been built
with the people in the Block it is possible for us to continue the activities without much
difficulty. The objective of the project is to make all the children sit in the school and
hence the cooperation from the public will be always there. The budget for 2nd and 3rd
year will be submitted at the end of 2004.

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 CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION PROGRAMME
PAPPAKUDY BLOCK
ACTION PLAN

I. CAPACITY BUILDING:

1.1. STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMMES:

All the staff members will be trained on various topics related to the child labour
eradication. They were exposed to the reality of child labour, and child rights. They will
be also trained on community mobilization. The staff now to develop their skill to face
the problem with proper perspective and to convince the local people. These training
programmes would prepare the staff to involve in the region.

1.2.BARE FOOT TEACHERS FULL TIME STAFF TRAINING:

All the 8 Bare foot teachers will be trained on the child labour reality, status of girl
children, child rights, importance of primary education, child psychology and child
health. They will also be trained in play way teaching techniques and preparation of
teaching aids. Through the participatory way of the training the teachers will be made to
understand the approaches in dealing with the working children. The training programme
will help the bare foot teachers to prepare themselves fit in to the situation and to become
responsible. The trainings will enhance the ability of the teachers and to improve their
teaching skills. The training will be conducted for five days.

The community organisers and programme co-ordinator will attend the five-day refresher
training in order to equip themselves with the current situation of child labour, and social
reality. The training topics like status of primary education, child rights, introduction of
the various welfare schemes that are available with the Government, child health, status
of girl children and community mobilization will be dealt with..

The training programme will help the staff members to develop positive their attitude and
confidence. The different training methodologies adopted will help the staff to become
clear in their thinking and objective. The training will improve their capabilities in
politicalising the local issues and to interact with the public and convince them to involve
in child labour eradication programme.

I.1.2. STREET THEATRE TRAINING:

The Cultural team members will attend a 5-day training on street theatre and folk arts.
Being a simple communication media, it is very easy to spread the awareness. Moreover
it doesn't need any prior preparations and equipment. During the training, the cultural
team members will be trained on preparation of new skits, street dramas and composing
of new songs. The staff will also be trained in the traditional folk arts such as Oilattam,
kollattam, Lessim and Dance.
1.2. TRAINING TO THE TARGET GROUP:

1.2.1. RESIDENTIAL TRAINING TO THE VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS:

The village volunteers play a vital role in the child labour eradication programme at the
village level. The volunteers are much helpful in conducting the night schools,
organising the anti child labour committee meetings in villages, and at the time of
primary school enrollment campaign.

During the past years various training programmes have been conducted. The volunteers
were trained on child labour reality, child rights, importance of education, role and
responsibilities of the (PTA) Parent Teacher's Associations for the better functioning of
the village schools. Due to the effort of the volunteers, there are significant changes
noted in the villages. 60 volunteers will attend a two day residential training in
motivating the village leaders, youth and parents to involve in various child labour
eradication programmes.

During the training the volunteers will also be trained to face the village level problems
and solve them legally. They will also be motivated to participate and facilitate the child
development activities in villages.

1.2.2.CLUSTER TRAINING TO THE ANTI CHILD LABOUR COMMITTEE

MEMBERS:
The role of anti child labour committee members in the child labour eradication
programme is commendable. The members are trained on various aspects periodically
related to the child labour eradication. Due to the training programmes the committee
members actively participate in different programmes at various levels. All the
committee members will be trained on topics like child health, analyzing the social
situation, understanding the reasons behind the social problems and their role in
overcoming the problems. Eminent professors and research scholars will be approached
to handle the topics and they will explain the participants about the strategies.
The training programmes will be organised on the cluster basis and accordingly to their
convenience and availability. Through these trainings, the community members will be
able to identify the causes for the village level problems and they will easily over come it.
The committee members will strengthen the functioning of committees and the right to
education campaign.

1.2.3. WORKING CHILDREN'S EXPOSURE:

With a view to enable the children to learn new things they will be taken to outstations,
which are of natural geographical and historical importance. Most of the working
children did not have any chance to come out of their villages. The exposure programme
will be an out let for their desire and it also the children will be able to mingle with the
other children and express their ideas and share their experiences. The programme also
creates a sense of commitment and confidence in their minds and as a result of this the
attendance ratio will increase. Moreover the relationship between the children and the
teachers will be strengthened.
1.2.4.PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN:
During the month of May a four day campaign on primary school enrollment will be
conducted in the blocks to gear up the enrollment ratio in the villages. The staff will
involve in the programme along with a few selected volunteers and committee members.
The campaign team will meet the parents, teachers, public and local leaders. The parents
will be helped to enroll all the children in to regular schools after attaining five years of
age and also the dropouts. During the campaign public meetings will be organised in the
area and arrangements will be made for discussion with the local leaders, officials,
educational department authorities, local panchayat leaders, teachers, regarding the
primary school enrollment performing street dramas, awareness songs, wall paintings,
Issuing hand bills, booklets, phamlets will also be carried out during the campaign. As a
result of the campaign, the parents will be motivated to send their children to schools and
to continue their studies.

2. COLLABORATION PROGRAMME:

2.1.MEETING AND TRAINING TO THE BLOCK LEVEL CHILD LABOUR

ERADICATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
The Block level anti child labour committee will meet once in every two months and
discuss about the various strategies related to the child labour eradication programme,
status of primary education and other activities to be carried out in the block. The
committee will take the responsibility to collaborate with the officials, Press, Teachers in
the child labour eradication and integrate the involvement of people from all sections of
the society.

2.2. SEMINAR ON CHILD RIGHTS TO THE COMMUNITY LEADERS OF THE

VARIOUS VILLAGES OF PAPPAKUDY BLOCK:
The selected members of the local political parties, leaders, mass movement leaders will
be attending a seminar on right to education. The participants will be sensitised about the
need for protecting child rights. They will be also motivated to include the said topic in
Govt. policy.

2.3. COLLABORATION WITH NSS UNITS OF COLLEGES, HR. SEC.

SCHOOLS AND M.S. UNIVERSITY:
With a view to spread awareness on the child labour among the school and college
students joint programmes are organised every year. While educational institutions
organise National Service Scheme Camp in other area, our staff team collaborates with
them. A minimum of 50 students will take part in the rural camp. Nava Jeevan Trust will
perform street theatre programmes the students and are sensitised with child labour
problem. A minimum of 5 schools and 5 colleges students will understand the child
labour problem every year.

2.4. TRAINING ON CHILD HEALTH CARE AND CHILD RIGHTS TO THE

AREA I.C.D.S. STAFF, MULTIPURPOSE HEALTH WORKERS AND THE PRE
SCHOOL TEACHERS:
The Tamil Nadu Government is implementing the Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutritional
Project in all the villages. Through this project, the parents and public were made aware
of the nutritional aspects and the health status of the children and mothers. To create
awareness about the child labour and to disseminate it in the grass root level, the project
staff can be utilized.

The proposed training will impart knowledge to the participants about the issue of child
labour, child rights, health and nutrition. The participants will be motivated to involve in
propagating the issue within their limits.

2.5. SEMINAR ON CHILD RIGHTS TO THE ELECTED VILLAGE

PANCHAYAT PRESIDENTS, UNION COUNCILLORS AND WARD MEMBERS
All the panchayat leaders and elected representatives in the area will be sensitised about
the importance and necessity of protecting child rights. They will also be motivated to
pass a resolution to work for freeing their village/panchayat from child labour.

2.6. CONTINUATION TRAINING TO THE PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL

TEACHERS AND HEAD MASTERS:
In order to focus the status of primary education and spread knowledge on the
Fundamental Right to Education campaign, the teachers and Head Masters of the primary
and middle schools teachers will be trained through seminars and workshops. The
follow up training will be conducted and during the training, the teachers will be
explained about the current child labour situation and the strategies to be adopted in order
to minimize the drop outs. The teachers will also be trained in new teaching techniques,
play way methods, songs, skits and games so as to attract the children. They will also be
motivated to work for the proper functioning of the Parent Teachers Associations (PTA)
and to join hands with the committee members, volunteers and parents to improve the
schools.

The training programme will lead to the betterment in their profession and the teachers
will come out voluntarily to work for the improvement of functioning of school. A
commitment and concern towards the children’s education will be created. The
enrollment ratio will be increased and due to that change in the attitude of children, the
number of dropouts will be also reduced. Resource Persons from Tamil Nadu Science
Forum, Manonmanium Sundararnar University will extend their help for the above
training. The educational department authorities will also extend their reasonable support
in this regard.

2.7. TRAINING TO THE PTA MEMBERS ON CHILD LABOUR AND CHILD

RIGHTS:
The selected members of parents teachers association will be attending a seminar on child
rights. The participants will be sensitised about the need for protecting the child rights,
importance of education, role and responsibilities of the (PTA) Parent Teacher's
Associations for the better functioning of the village schools. During the training the
PTAs members will also be trained to face the village level problems and solve them with
the support of the community. They will also be motivated to participate and facilitate the
child development activities in villages.
2.8. TRAINING ON CHILD RIGHTS TO SHG WOMEN LEADERS:
Nowadays, self help groups are considered to be important agents for social change and
also play a vital role to carry out different kind of development programmes at the gross
root level. An overwhelming number of mothers of working children in the entire Blocks
are mostly members in SHGs. Since the SHG women are already exposed to the local
reality to some extent they will be able to understand the problem of children in beedies.
In this context a one-day seminar on CRC is planned for them. Totally, 100 SHG leaders
will become aware of the problems of child and CRC in the Block. Through this seminar
the women will be motivated to help the poor children to continue the education and
discuss the issue of child rights in their meetings. Within their limitation the women will
be able to collaborate with all those who work for protecting the rights of children.

2.9. WORKSHOP ON CHILD LABOUR FOR THE NSS PROGRAMME

OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGES AND HR. SEC. SCHOOLS OF TIRUNELVELI
DISTRICT:
Nava Jeevan Trust has been closely working with the N.S.S. Programmes of both
colleges and schools in Tirunelveli District. While organising special camps and
community service programmes the students can be sensitised on the issue of child
labour. The students are exposed to the child labour reality, violation of child rights and
discrimination of girl children in the society. One day Seminar on CRC is planned for
college and school N.S.S. programme officers of selected colleges. In the seminar topics
like child labour reality, CRC and different strategies to involve students in protection
of child rights will be dealt with by social activists and academician. This exercise will
help the colleges and schools to incorporate CRC theme in to their plan of action. The
students of these NSS units will be also educated on child rights through the different
programme. More over the programme officers will come forward to adapt one
village/hamlet a year and work for child labour free.