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What is
freedom? Liberty, free will,
independence, and lack of restrictions
- you may find many synonyms in the
dictionary. The real meaning of
freedom was on the faces of hundreds
of children who gathered at Matunga
Gymkhana grounds on November 28, 2007.
Niramaya Health Foundation, an
organization working for the health of
homeless and destitute children,
organized a Sports Day for children
residing in shelters in and around
Mumbai.
One could see the joy on the
children’s faces when they took the
buses from the shelters to the ground.
They were sure that the day ahead
would be full of fun, games and more
fun. And why not? They were the
special guests of one of Mumbai’s
leading gymkhanas and nobody would
shoo them away, like in the past.
Niramaya arranged a variety of
activities for over 300 children aged
4 to 18. Children from shelters -
Pratham, Aasara, Don Bosco, Sparc and
Vivekanand Youth Forum participated in
the Sports Day.
As the king of games, cricket was
first on the agenda. The older boys
were very excited and one of the
Niramaya staff did an excellent
commentary of the match. Also to
ensure that everybody could
participate and be entertained,
various sports events like running,
skipping, potato race, spoon and
marble, and sack race were conducted
for the smaller children. The toddlers
were kept busy with group games like
kho-kho, dog and the bone and folk
songs.
A football match was organized so
children could practice games other
than cricket, which they enjoyed to
the fullest. A German volunteer who
had been training some of them for
this game refereed the match. Shayari
at the end of the games gave a glimpse
of children’s love not only for sports
but also performing arts.
Former
Indian cricket test player and Mumbai
Ranji Team coach Mr. Praveen Amre
graced the event with his presence. To
the delight of the children, he gave
tips and encouragement on how to play
good cricket. Mr. Amre made some
technical suggestions, like the
correct use of wrists for the best
outcome, and gave useful coaching to
the interested teams. Mr. Bal
Karmarkar, a former sports journalist,
also spoke to the children and wished
them good luck for their future.
Trophies and prizes were given to the
winning teams and to individuals in
various sports events. All the
children were given certificates of
participation.
On this day of unleashed freedom,
children were treated like Children.
At the end of the day, with chocolate
bars and ice cream cups in their
hands, their faces glowing with
happiness and fulfillment, the
children went back to their shelters.
We wanted to do something for children
on “Children’s Day” but having said
that, in reality, they gave us
inexpressible joy!
We thank
all the people who have helped make
this event a huge success.
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Happy and inquisitive kids
alighting from the bus for a
funfilled day |
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The opening ceremony at the
Sports fest |
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A
skipping race for the young
girls |
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Our volunteer teaching the
children the basics of football |
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Shelter kids enjoying a sumptous
lunch in the open |
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Our
staff playing with the toddlers |
Shelter
children engrossed in the
cricket match
&
The score board at the cricket
match with a commentary going on |
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The
children listening attentively
to our Program Director
&
Our guests of honour gathered
for the Prize Distribution
Ceremony |
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A shelter kid receiving a
Trophy for his win |
A jubilant crowd full of
questions for Mr. Pravin
Amre |
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The
jubilant Niramaya crowd at the closing
of the event |
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World
AIDS Day, observed
December 1 each year, is dedicated
to raising awareness of the
AIDS
pandemic caused by the spread of
HIV infection. The 2007 theme,
“Stop AIDS – Keep the Promise” --
“leadership”, highlights the need for
innovation, vision and perseverance in
the face of the AIDS challenge.
On World AIDS Day 2007, Niramaya’s HIV
/ AIDS team held a poster exhibition
and a cricket match for the Kharkhana
Zariworkers. On December 1, a poster
exhibition was held at Shivaji Nagar
Plot No26 / 27, and 2 stalls were put
up to distribute IEC material
(posters, pamphlets, etc) on HIV /
AIDS / STIs.
Around 400 - 450 people from the
kharkhanas and neighbouring community
attended the event. The peer group
helped organize the event with
Niramaya staff and created awareness
by talking to people in the community.
Niramaya held a rapid-fire question
round to encourage participation and
spread awareness about the disease.
Correct answers received small awards,
and the event concluded by evening.
On December 2, a cricket match was
held for the Karigars at Atlanta
Ground, Tata Nagar, Govandi. Six teams
from Dharavi, Shivaji Nagar and
Bainganwadi participated in the match.
Before the match began, all the
players received a red ribbon and
Niramaya cap. One of the Karigars
played the role of commentator and
gave a live telecast of the match. The
response from the players and audience
was overwhelming. Lunch was served in
the afternoon, and then the match
continued. Two teams from Bainganwadi
played the last match of the day, and
the winning team was awarded a trophy.
Participants expressed their views
about the cricket match as a mode of
entertainment and way to spread
awareness about HIV/ AIDS. The event
ended on a very happy note.
Niramaya’s community team also held a
poster exhibition and put up a stall
at the Baiganwadi Clinic. It attracted
many adults and adolescents. To
promote safe sex practices, condoms
were distributed to |
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beneficiaries and pamphlets on
HIV/AIDS were also given to
people in the community. |
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Niramaya also held a poster, slogan and
essay competition at two schools on World
AIDS Day. Niramaya’s SPARSH team regularly
conducts education programs at Shyamanand
High School (Ghatkopar) and Radhibai High
School (Govandi), and sponsored a special
competition on the topic “Preventive
Measures to stop the spread of HIV / AIDS”.
A total of 85- 100 boys and girls took part
in the event, and 3 winners were announced
in each category. The principals and
teachers also discussed the danger of HIV /
AIDS in the community and suggested
that students of all schools should be
sensitized on this issue and requested to
disseminate this information in their
communities. Snacks were served and the
event ended with a vote of thanks. |
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Iftar
(Arabic:
إفطار),
refers to the
evening meal for breaking the daily fast
during the Islamic month of RAMADAN.
Literally, the word Iftar means “breakfast."
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of
the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims
spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
Prayers, fasting
(sawm), charity, and self-accountability
are especially stressed at this time;
religious observances associated with
Ramadan are kept throughout the month. |
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Iftar during
Ramadan is often done as a community meet,
with muslims gathering to break their fast
together. The time for Iftar is 12 to 15
minutes after Sunset (Maghrib). Muslims
first offer 'Magrib Namaz/salat' and then
break fast, preferably with milk or dates
and water.
In our operational area Bainganwadi, many of
our beneficiaries (karigars) are of Islamic
religion and observe fast during the month
of Ramadan. Most of the karigars are migrant
workers and have no families to break the
fast with. Niramaya team organized an Iftar
party on the 5th of October for them. The
response was overwhelming and 80 karigars
attended the function. Special seating
arrangements had to be made in our Mobile
Van and the TEC class of Pratham, our mother
concern.
After the breaking of the fast with fruits
and other snacks, an interactive session on
health related issues was conducted by the
doctors. The event ended with Shayari (Urdu
poetry) and lot of fun and merriment. |
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Ganesh
Festival, being a major religious, public
festival lasting unto 10 days, attracts
millions of people for Ganesha’s Darshan.
Thousands of Mandaps (pandals) are set up
all over Mumbai city with idol of Lord
Ganesha in full splendor and decorations.
Daily prayers are offered and hundreds and
thousands of men, women and children come to
pay their respect and pray. These mandaps
are ideal locations for reaching out and
disseminating Health Education to a very
large number of people. On the occasion of
‘Ganesh Festival’ on 21 Sept. 2007 a Poster
exhibition on HIV/AIDS, STI and addiction
was organized.
Niramaya put
up stalls and banners in Mandaps in
different parts of Mumbai and Niramayees
distributed pamphlets, and other IEC
(information, education and communication)
materials on HIV / AIDS and Addiction.
Information about modes of transmission and
preventive measures on HIV / AIDS and
hazards of addiction were explained, and a
brief orientation about the services
available at Niramaya clinic was provided.
An advocacy
meeting with the office bearers of the local
women’s groups (Mahila Mandals) was
organized in Baiganwadi and Shivaji Nagar
area during the Ganesh festival. Niramayees
talked about services offered in Niramaya
Clinics, discussed their health need
assessment, and assured them of the support
of Niramaya clinics. |
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India has
completed 60 years of independence this
year. To celebrate the essence of freedom,
Niramaya Health Foundation had organized
cultural programs for the residents of the
community at the Bainganwadi and Shivaji
Nagar and also for the Balwadi kids at Rafiq
Nagar School. All the Niramayees at the
clinic, community and the Anemia Prevention
group worked together to make the event a
huge success. Prominent personalities of the
community and all the doctors from Niramaya
were present for the function. |
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The event at
the clinics, Bainganwadi and Shivaji Nagar
began with hoisting of the National Flag and
paying tribute to our freedom fighters. The
children of the community participated by
delivering speeches, and singing national
songs. Several games were organized and
prizes distributed to the winners. One of
them spoke about the activities of Niramaya
and how the community has benefited. The
prizes of the Healthy baby Competition held
in the community during breast feeding week
also were distributed. |
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The event at Rafiq
Nagar School began with a welcome song by the
children. Some of the child artistes performed
dances, sang songs and gave speeches on Indian
nationalism. Children spoke about the importance
of Independence Day and Niramaya’s Anemia
prevention program. The talented tiny tots were
given prizes and refreshments served thereafter.
The program ended with a vote of thanks to the
chief guest, Secretary, New Era Education Society,
organizers and the participants. |
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There is no substitute to mother’s milk. It has
been known for a long time that nursing an infant
with breast milk is the best and most complete
form of nutrition for infants.
The mother's milk protects the infants from wide
range of diseases. Breastfeeding reduces infant
deaths less than one year. Breastfed infants are
said to be healthy and stronger with
well-developed immune systems to fight infections
thereby lowering the rates of chronic childhood
diseases
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Every year the first
week of August is celebrated all over the world as
the World Breast Feeding week. On this
occasion, Niramaya Health Foundation organized a
training session and film show on “Breast feeding”
for the women and a Healthy Baby Competition on
the 9th and 10th August 2007 in the Raman Mama
Nagar community at Govandi. 30 lactating women
participated during the event. A talk was given on
the importance of exclusive Breast-feeding to
infants and the benefits thereof. Myths and
misconceptions regarding when and how weaning
should happen were discussed The mothers were also
given information regarding their own child’s
health status and how they could improve on the
same.18 of the children under two years who were
brought by the mothers were assessed on the basis
of Birth weight, current weight, nutrition and
immunization status. Three of the healthiest
children were identified and were given prizes on
the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. |
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The Sanmitra
Educational Trust, Surat, run by Pratham
looks after a shelter as a residential,
educational, and recreational center for
outreach children along with other programs.
This year the SPARSH team from Niramaya
Health Foundation was invited by the State
coordinator of Pratham Surat for conducting
a workshop on Adolescent Sexuality Education
for the children of the shelter and the
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scheduled on three days, first day for
the girls (11-17 years), second day for the
boys (11-17 years) and third day for the
children (6-10 years) of age. Two Doctors
and two health workers conducted the
trainings for 36 adolescents (19 boys and 17
girls) and 61 children (30 boys and 31
girls) at the Pratham office, Bhatena, Surat.
The sessions for the adolescents were on
Reproductive and Sexual heath, which
included Knowing your body, Growing up,
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relationships, Changes during adolescence,
conception, gender issues etc and HIV/AIDS.
The younger children were taught about
hygiene, and nutrition with the help of
games.
The sessions were interactive with both the
trainers and beneficiaries sharing
information and incidents from their lives.
The Pratham staff at Surat has expressed
interest to conduct more such workshops for
the teachers of the balwadis as well as for
the children in the communities in the near
future. |
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World Population Day
is an annual event, observed on the 11th of July,
which seeks to raise awareness of global
population issues. The event was established by
the Governing council of the United Nations
Development Programme in 1989. It was inspired by
the public interest in Five Billion Day on 11th of
July 1987, approximately the date on which the
world’s population reached 5 billion.
This year the theme of world population day was
MEN AT WORK --- Men’s involvement and
participation can make all the difference in
women’s lives.
“We see men and women as partners in a
relationship built on mutual respect, trust and
commitment. Partnering with men promotes the right
of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of
health and equal opportunity."
--Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director
This year, on that very important day, Niramaya
organized several programs -- in the community and
in a school where Niramaya conducts Adolescent
sexuality education.
At Kumud Vidya Mandir school, Deonar, Essay writing, poster and slogan
competitions on ‘Role of men in reproductive
health of women” were held for students of 9th
grade. The children were very enthusiastic and
came out with beautiful drawings, slogans and
write-ups. The essay that bagged the first prize
was written by a girl. She travelled down memories
of her childhood when she remembered how her
mother and friends remembered her birthday, but
her father had forgotten it. First and second
prizes were given for each category of essay
writing, poster and slogan competition and
certificates to all the participants.
The principal Mrs. Mhapankar then spoke about the
crucial role of men in caring for family as
husbands and as fathers and that their decisions
have a major impact on the lives of their
daughters and the wives. She asked the students
whether gender discrimination was prevalent in
their families and how our program was helpful in
moulding their lives. She also added that as they
grow the students should consider relationships
between men and women as equal partners. She then
thanked Niramaya for creating awareness about the
world population day and its importance among the
students.
Niramaya had organized three training sessions on
Family planning and women’s Health for the
community women in Baiganwadi, Shivaji nagar, and
Raman mama Nagar, Govandi. . Thirty women attended
the session at Bainganwadi Clinic. The theme for
discussion was women’s health issues, safe
motherhood and family planning. Dr. Shamla Dupte
talked about various contraceptives available and
selection criteria depending on the individual
clients needs. She stressed on the importance of
small family norm leading to improvement in
quality of life. She talked about how repeated and
frequent pregnancies lead to poor nutrition and
poor health of the mother and to low birth weight
babies. This in turn has its repercussions on
childcare leading to chronic malnutrition among
the children. It was a very interactive session
and lots of queries, and doubts on the use of
contraception and involvement of partners were
answered. Women were given contraceptives like
Oral pills and condoms and advised its proper
usage and follow up.. Folic Acid and Iron tablets
were also given as prophylaxis against Anaemia.
Similar session was also conducted by Sheeba, our Health worker in Shivaji
Nagar, Govandi community where 31 women attended
the session.
In another community at Raman Mama Nagar Dr.
Vaishali addressed 31 women and five members of
the CORO group, an NGO working in the area.
The subject for discussion was the rising concern
of the population growth and the scarcity of land
and water as well as the impact of it on both
women’s and child’s health. A short talk on the
importance of Family Planning and its usefulness
and involving the men in decision making for small
family was stressed on. The women present for the
session unanimously felt and agreed to involve
their men in family planning.
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World Diabetes
Day, organized by the International
Diabetes Federation (IDF) and supported
by the World Health Organization
(WHO) is the primary global awareness
campaign of the diabetes world. It was first
introduced in 1991 in response to concern
over the escalating incidence of diabetes
around the world. Since then, it has grown
in popularity and now brings together
millions of people in over 160 countries
including opinion leaders, healthcare
professionals, carers, people with diabetes,
and the general public. |
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World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year
on 14 November. The date was chosen as it is
the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along
with Charles Best, who first conceived the
idea, which led to the discovery of insulin
in 1921. While many events take place on or
around the day itself, themed campaigning is
spread over the whole year.
Diabetes once considered a disease of rich
and famous, is now found among all strata of
societies irrespective of age, gender and
economic status. |
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Independent
WHO observers put the total number of
diabetics at 177 million. India tops
the list of 10 countries, followed by
China. In south India, Prof. Lefebvre
said, the incidence of diabetes and
impaired glucose tolerance had been
increasing since 1984.
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Ensuring
access to effective and economically
affordable diabetes care to the population
is essential for preventing and reducing
diabetes-related complications... We need to
use the existing health care infrastructure
in public, private and voluntary care
systems," A.Ramachandran, Director, Diabetes
Research Center, said. Creating awareness
and early screening is the first step
towards affordable diabetic care among
economically depressed population.
With that philosophy, on 27th June 2007, a
camp for “Screening for diabetes” was
organized at Niramaya’s primary health care
center in Baiganwadi slum community.
Thirty-eight clients who attended the camp
got their random blood sugar checked. Of
these, twenty had normal blood sugar levels;
seven had high sugar levels and were
referred for further detailed
investigations. Eleven were known diabetics
and had high blood sugar levels.
After that, a health education session on
diabetes was taken for all the clients.
Discussions were held on importance of
exercise, control of weight, diet, and
proper and regular medication for known
diabetics. The diabetic clients were also
advised to check blood sugar regularly. Diet
charts were given to all the participants
Niramaya is committed to conduct “Diabetes
awareness and detection camp” on 14th
November 07 every year. |
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Tetanus,
also known as lockjaw, is a rare, serious,
but preventable disease that affects
the body's muscles and nerves and is caused
by the bacteria that exists in soil. High
concentrations of Clostridium Tetanus
bacteria can be present if the soil is
contaminated with animal or human faeces.
Dirty, deep puncture wounds and open
injuries that are exposed to contaminated
soil are at greatest risk for infection.
In Baiganwadi, where Niramaya works, we look
after children who work at dumping ground
site and rag pickers. Here the city’s
garbage, including broken glass pieces, used
needles, human waste and occasionally
products of abortion are thrown in. These
children are at high risk of getting
Tetanus.
On 10 July 2007, a camp was organized to
give Injection tetanus Toxoid to these
children and to children who attend
Transitional Educational Classes. Two
hundred and sixteen (216) children between
the ages of 8 to 16 years attended the camp
and availed of the services. Before giving
injections, a health education and awareness
session was conducted on “Prevention of
Tetanus”. They were advised about the
importance of wearing boots and gloves while
sorting the garbage and to seek early
treatment of injuries and wounds. All the
children were given registration cards of
vaccination for future follow-ups. |
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On 8th of March,
2007 Women’s Day, A SPORTS FEST was
organized for the women and adolescent
girls from the communities. About 108
women participated in the program, which
was held at Dalvi Gardens , Sion (a
central suburb of Mumbai).
The athletics were flagged off by Dr.
Janaki Desai. Various outdoor games such
as Skipping, Spoon and Marble, Threading
the needle and Potato race were held and
greatly enjoyed by all. Games like
memory recall, tying 15 knots in a
minute and a quiz were also held to test
the concentration and general knowledge
of the participants. A local game known
as Fugdi was enjoyed by all the
participants.
Dr. Shamla Dupte, our Program Director
addressed the participants on the
significance of International Women’s
day, stressing upon working for women
empowerment and against gender
discrimination and female feticide.
The program concluded with prize
distribution by Mrs. Jamna Varadhachary,
chief guest for the day.
Niramaya gratefully acknowledges the
local donors and women and girls from
the community who helped make this
program a huge success.
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The running competition being
flagged
off by Dr. Janaki Desai
Fugdi being played by the
women and girls
Dr. Harshal with the contestants
in Niramayas version of KBC |
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Threading the needle
competition |
Tying maximum knots on
a rope in one minute |
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Dr. Shamla addressing the women
crowd on International Women's day |
The prize distribution ceremony |
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Niramaya’s newsletter and the new
mobile van were launched with great
fanfare on Tuesday February 6, 2007
at a function at Krishna Hall near
the Niramaya office in Dadar.
The program commenced with a Welcome
speech by Dr Rupesh Mahajan, who was
instrumental in the
conceptualization and execution of
the newsletter. Dr K S Varadhachary,
our Chairperson, released the
newsletter, after a prayer and
lighting of the ceremonial lamp by
our Chief guests, Mr. Narendra and
Mrs. Jyoti Popat, Dr Varadhachary,
and Dr Janaki Desai.
Mr. Narendra Popat, who along with
Pratham USA had generously funded
our earlier Maruti Omni van, had
also donated the money for the new
Tata 410 Van. It was fortuitous that
he was visiting India as the van was
getting ready for the road, and
Niramaya was very happy that he
agreed to be the Chief Guest at the
function. He inaugurated the van by
handing over the keys to Dr Desai,
who in turn handed them over to
Sanjay Utekar, Niramayee and van
driver.
Five
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