Category: India

At the start of July we visited a number of Dalit communities in Patna, India to learn from many of the inspiring people who live there. One of these communities was Bintoli, home to one of the 27 Learning Centres we support here for Dalit children.

All the Dalit groups we work with in Patna face discrimination, exclusion and violence, but Bintoli also has to cope with regular flooding. The village is situated in the middle of the river, and becomes an island for about two months a year during rainy season. Over this time the 500 people who live here are completely isolated. They were forced to move to Bintoli from another area when the government built a railway, then half the community lost their land in floods. All the people here now have to rent off the land mafia.

Road to Bintoli in the first week of July.

By mid July it is cut off by flooding.

Read below as we introduce a group of resourceful, dedicated people, who against all odds are making a difference for others around them.

'The Edge' for Dalit Communities in India

1/5/2019

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Despite the fact that discrimination based on caste was outlawed by India’s constitution in 1950, the practice of ‘untouchability’ still dictates the order of modern life for millions here.

The caste system assigns individuals a certain hierarchical status according to Hindu beliefs. Traditionally there are four principal castes (divided into thousands of sub-categories) and a fifth category of people who fall outside of the caste system; the Dalits.

The word Dalit translates as ‘oppressed’ or ‘broken’ and is generally used to refer to people who were once known as ‘untouchables’ because of the impurity and pollution connected with their traditional ‘outcaste’ occupations.

As members of the lowest rank of Indian society, Dalits face discrimination at almost every level, from access to education and medical facilities to restrictions on where they can live and what jobs they can have.

Bihar is in the top five poorest states of India and one of the biggest child labour employers. It is 12th largest state in terms of geographical size but the third largest by population.

Within this dense population it is estimated that 55.9% of children in Bihar State are malnourished, which is the third highest level in all the Indian states. Recent research has also shown that the mortality rate of Dalit children is 76% higher than the rest of the population.

Dalit girls are especially at risk. UN Women state that despite government efforts for reform, across the country they continue to face severe maltreatment, including acid attacks, child marriage, dowry-related violence, honour killings, rape, sexual harassment and trafficking.

Living areas for Dalit communities are often cramped and unsanitary, with no room to build a school. In this area we have facilitated a 'rooftop' school to make education possible.

Abuse of the Dalit caste is particularly high in Bihar. Despite having just 8% of the country’s scheduled caste population, this state has one of the highest numbers of crime cases registered against scheduled castes, contributing 16-17% of all Indian crimes against Dalits.

This combination of persecution, discrimination and poverty leaves Dalit children in Bihar extremely vulnerable. Not only this, but there are high numbers of ‘Musahar’ children who represent the lowest strata of the Dalit caste. The term Musahar literally translates as ‘rat eaters’, a practice which ostracises the Musahar from other Dalit castes and reflects their desperate struggle for daily survival.

Currently, schools in Bihar are legally obliged to include children from all castes, but because of the prevailing prejudice, most of these schools are either abandoned, barely functioning or allowing Dalit children to attend, but treating them with cruelty and neglect.

Dalit children are frequently discriminated against, being made to sit at the back of the class and restricted from touching or interacting with children from other castes. As a result, those who do make it into school often drop out at an early age.

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Dalit Community face exclusion and violence in India’s election

12/4/2019

Veena speaking to rural Dalit community on Human Rights Day.

Yesterday, voting kicked off for the world’s largest election, with Indians in 20 states casting their votes in the first of seven phases, leading up to counting on the 23rd May. With 900 million eligible voters, this is the largest election ever seen, but an illegal yet culturally pervasive caste system is stunting the course to genuine democracy.

International Women’s Day 2019 - celebrating women’s rights in India

8/3/2019

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Last year on International Women’s Day, we highlighted the plight of Dalit women in India, who not only face crippling discrimination and abuse because of their gender, but also because of their caste.

The theme was ‘Press for Progress’ and since then we have been supporting our partners to do just this, ready to celebrate their achievements this year, with the theme ‘Balance for better’.

To help create safe places for vulnerable children around the world, we empower women (and men) to realise their rights. We work with the community as a whole, rather than providing stand alone children's services. Communities have a right to build protective environments for their own children, and over the years we have seen that this ownership is the key to lasting change.

In Patna, India, you can see this in action through the 50 Women’s Groups run by our partner organisation, Navjeevan. The groups offer meetings and workshops which talk about health issues, governments schemes and free services available for poor women. We help these women to access vital medical services, like maternity care, by accompanying them to the hospital, or assisting with filling in the correct paperwork.

As a result of these groups, countless women have started to see incredible change in their lives, many going on to support other women. Take a look at just some of the amazing stories below.

Durga

Durga lives in Patna, India. Last year, her 17 year old son, Vikas, was very poorly with TB. The family couldn’t afford a private doctor and as Vikas was so ill, he wasn’t able to go to work with his father, forcing the family deeper into poverty.

At a Women’s Group run by our partner organisation, Navjeevan, Durga was told about a government hospital that would give her son free checkups and treatment. Durga didn’t realise that free help was available to her and her son. The next day, with help from our staff, she took her son to the hospital in Danapur where he was treated for TB. Thankfully Vikas is now much better and is back at work with his father. Durga says: “I am very grateful to the Women’s Group leader and Navjeevan for their support in getting help for my son".

Neelam

Neelam is a member of one of our Women’s Groups in Stalin Nagar, India. When she was pregnant, she spoke to the leader of the group who explained that she was entitled to a free checkup and was able to deliver her baby in the nearby hospital.

Neelam got help to fill in the correct forms and was able to arrange regular check ups, along with food rations. Neelam then helped two other pregnant women fill out the forms so that they could get the same services.

She said: “Myself and these other women in my group are really thankful to the project and the staff for their kind help and support”.

Rita

Rita and her three children we often left hungry when her husband spent all his earnings on drinking. This led to many quarrels.

Rita asked the leader of her local Women’s Group, for help. She was told that via the Rural Employment Act she was able to obtain work, she just needed to get a job card from the village president.

After supporting her to do just that, Rita started to work and was able to feed her children (who also now attend one of our Learning Centres). She says her husband now respects her.

Urmila

Urmila is the accountant of her local Women’s Group. Before she joined the group she was afraid to express her opinion at home and just obeyed her husband.

But training from her local Women's Group helped to her build confidence and she started to speak out not only in the group, but at home too. At first her husband blamed the project for encouraging her to come out of her shell, but now she says her family and community respect and support her.

Urmila said she was thankful to the Women’s Group for allowing her to "stand confidently and make decisions without fear".

Talak

Talaks’ husband divorced her because of a disability, forcing her to return to her parents home to live with them. They found it difficult to support her financially.

One day, after hearing about her condition at the local Women’s Group, someone from Navjeevan (our partner organisation) came to visit. She told Talak about the government benefit schemes for disabled people and showed her how to access them.

Talak soon got a disability certificate from the village president and was then able to set up a bank account. After that, she applied for, started getting her financial support from the government. She said: “I am so happy that I am not dependant on my parents or others any more and very grateful to the project”.

Baby

Baby’s husband had no guarantee of work everyday and it became difficult to send her children to school. She started working as a domestic helper to boost the family income.

After hearing about the Women’s Group in her village, she soon became a member. With training and support, she started to save and was able to take out a small loan to buy essentials for her house.

After paying back the initial loan, she took out a bigger one and started a small grocery shop in her home. With the income from the shop, she’s almost paid back her loan and has left her domestic servant work. She’s also now able to send all her children to school.

Baby said: “Starting the shop was a turning point in my life. It gave me self confidence and changed my thinking pattern. Today I have recognition in my community as a shopkeeper and I feel proud of myself. Joining the Women’s Group gave me the opportunity to brighten up my life”.

Through your support, our partners in India are ensuring that women and children from some of the poorest and most marginalised communities in Patna, India, are able to access their rights. Our Women's Groups are empowering women to make change and improve their lives, and those of their families. Could you make a small donation to help us continue this work?

£50 can provide a year's training for a Women's Group in India - less than £5 a month.

By making a regular monthly donation to Children on the Edge, you can help ensure our work in India to support vulnerable women continues. Become a regular donor today >>

A great start for Children’s Parliaments in Patna

20/1/2019

Despite the caste system being outlawed, Dalit children in India are shunned by society and suffer from exclusion, discrimination and exploitation. Through 30 Learning Centres, Children on the Edge are supporting these children to break the cycle of caste discrimination.

An important part of this education is helping children understand their rights. This is not only reflected in the curriculum, but recently through the establishment of ten ‘Children’s Parliaments’, where children learn about their rights and responsibilities, develop leadership, and learn the political system and election process of their country.

175 children have been elected from different Centres as ‘Ministers’ and from the Ministers, ‘Cabinet Ministers’ were elected. Project Leader Veena says “Children made their own election manifestos and convinced other children to vote for them. They are very regular for the meetings and everyone wants to be a minister!”.

The Children’s Parliaments hold sharing meetings with local-government officials, leaders and prominent personalities. Veena describes how “They boldly interacted with local leaders, asked questions and shared their difficulties. Their self confidence has increased and they are taking a leadership role in the Centres. They are becoming aware of the duties of citizens".

Their growing role as citizens has already been reflected through a campaign to raise awareness about the need to create a cleaner community and improve the health and hygiene in their local area and in the Centres.

Along with other children and staff members, they swept and cleaned the streets and roads of the village (see photo below), and collected waste, which was transferred to Government Garbage Collection Vehicles. They also participated in the rally, coming up with slogans, and displaying placards related to the benefits of cleanliness and hygiene.

The sign reads 'Mummy and Papa are now determined to get their children immunised for MR (Measles and Rubella).

Avi Karan, Project Officer says “The children exemplified leadership qualities by being the change agents of their communities. The local community appreciated the children’s initiative and pledged to keep their homes, surroundings and public places clean”.

This week, more than 110 children from the Learning Centres and local communities participated in an ‘Immunisation Drive’, which was a campaign to fight Measles and Rubella. The Ministers from the Children’s Parliament took responsibility for spreading awareness as campaigners. They went to the villagers and spoke about the disease and its complications, and talked about the benefit of MR immunisation.

Avi says “While campaigning in the communities, a lot of children and some parents also got interested and joined the rally. The children went to every corner of the village to make parents aware of the deadly Measles and Rubella viruses and the infections caused to children”.

The Parliaments have had a great impact in a relatively short time. Veena describes how “ I noticed that children learned very fast about election manifestos, campaigns and the process, as well as voting, counting and announcing results. They have learned quickly about the duties of different ministries because they have to practice these duties in their roles.

The children have loved being part of the Parliament, with Veena telling how “Recently our neighbour had a party, and was planning to feed 50 children. Some of those invited were in the Children’s Parliament and they had a training meeting on at the same time. Even though they are poor and had a chance for some food, they chose to come to the meeting instead!”

Find out more about the work we support in India and consider donating to grow the project.

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A dash to Bangladesh and India - Five highlights

21/12/2018

After a double trip to our projects in Bangladesh and India this month, our International Director - Rachel Bentley shares five highlights that reflect some great progress for the children we work with.

1. Schools are full of life

Rachel says, "We’ve been supporting nine Community schools for slum dwelling children in Cox’s Bazar for eight years now, and they are the best I’ve ever seen them. The children are absolutely full of life and energy".

Catering for over 900 children in the slums of Cox’s Bazar, these schools have become model learning environments which have shaped our work an hour down the road in the Kutupalong camp, which leads us nicely to the next highlight…

2. Colourful classrooms

“The 150 classrooms we run in Kutupalong camp for Rohingya refugee children are now fully up and running, and extremely vibrant, colourful and creative. Children that have been through such trauma need a safe and happy place to come, where they are free to express themselves. This is certainly evident in these spaces that are filled top to toe with their artwork. After what they have witnessed and what they are going through, these children lack the confidence of their counterparts in Cox’s Bazar, but we know that this model works to bring about a sense of safety and well-being as time goes by and the teachers are well trained to make learning fun and to address trauma.”

3. Oasis areas in the camp

"Not only are the classrooms colourful on the inside, but the shrubs and flowers that were planted when we began building in May are now growing and blooming. The idea is that we create an oasis feel in the barren, cramped landscapes of the camp. There isn’t much room to do this, but we’ve used the space we have to help the children feel they are entering a whole new environment, that is just for them”.

4. Schools on a shoestring

“In India what struck me was how much we are in the right place, supporting Navjeevan in their work. They’re currently providing 20 schools on a shoe string in some of the most awful slums I’ve seen. These areas are worse than Kutupalong, yet they get no media attention or support. Despite the continual oppression Dalit children live under, they are clean, happy and confident at the Centres and learning well, this is an incredible achievement when you see where they live each day”.

5. Computer classes

“Our partners here in India, thanks to the generous support of our donors, have begun IT classes for children and young people in the slums. These have been incredibly popular and are already resulting in young people being able to get jobs they would never have been able to without developing these skills”.

Read about our work in Cox’s Bazar, Kutupalong refugee camp and Patna, India and consider supporting this work as we grow it in 2019 by clicking the buttons below.

Expanding opportunities for Dalit girls in India

10/10/2018

Since 2012, the 11th October has been marked by the UN as the International Day of the Girl. It aims to highlight and address the challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

This year’s theme is entitled ‘With Her: A Skilled GirlForce’ as in the next decade, 90% of girls entering the workforce in developing countries will work in the informal sector, where low or no pay, abuse and exploitation are common. The theme this year seeks to promote the expansion of learning opportunities for girls and calls on the global community to rethink how to prepare girls for a successful transition into the world of work.

The current situation for Dalit women and girls living in Bihar State is desperate. Surviving as part of the lowest strata of a brutal caste system, with the added oppression that arises from being female, traps many women in poverty and abuse.

UN Women state that despite government efforts for reform, across the country they continue to face severe maltreatment, including acid attacks, child marriage, dowry-related violence, honour killings, rape, sexual harassment and trafficking.

Compounding this situation are pervading levels of caste discrimination which despite being outlawed, determine much of the structure of daily society. Dalits are considered the ‘lowest’ of the caste strata and face severe restrictions, exploitation and violence.

The work we support here focuses on supporting women and girls to realise their rights to education, health, income, protection and shelter. We encourage them to develop their confidence and self-esteem and to restore a sense of their inherent self-worth.

We provide access to education for 1,200 Dalit children within 30 colourful and safe environments. Located on rooftops and canal-sides, under trees and inside homes, the Centres are accessible to all. Children learn maths, reading, writing and vital life skills and gain understanding of their inherent worth. They develop knowledge of their rights and will ultimately be resourced to access mainstream education opportunities.

Girls and boys attend focused gender equality workshops, so they can address deep-set prejudice together, along with tackling its consequences in their communities. One 12 year old girl called Aakriti attended the Centres but teachers noticed she was shy and regularly absent. Programme leader Veena says “She looked frightened and anxious. At the same time very little interest in playing and mingling with others”.

Aakriti went to one of the workshops at the Centres about ‘good and bad touch’. During the session many children spoke about sexual abuse they experienced from vendors, men on the bus, and their relatives. After this session Aakriti confided to her sister, telling her that she had recently been attacked and raped by a group of boys. Her sister came straight to the teachers and told them. They called Aakriti to talk about it and she is now having trauma counselling.

Women’s Groups attached to each Centre receive training about their rights along with the practical skills, support and mentorship they need to realise them. They push for protection, counter corruption and hold violent individuals to account in the courts. Sadly when Aakriti’s parents were approached about taking action they refused saying. “If people come to know that she is a rape victim no one will marry her. She will be burden to the family.”

This programme continues to work with families to address this kind of ingrained inequality. Veena says “It is very difficult to break the social stigma attached to rape and sexual abuse of women. Will she ever get justice?”

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600 Dalit children enjoy Summer Camp in Patna

25/7/2018

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Through a multitude of games and activities, hundreds of children have expressed their hidden talents, developed their team work and learned about this year's theme; the importance of saving water.

Coming from 20 of the Learning Centres we support here, children sang about the ‘saving water’ theme each morning whilst waving flags and signs that they had made about the issue. They had practiced these songs at each Centre in the weeks leading up to the event to build excitement and give an opportunity to perform to their friends.

Through quizzes and ‘tug of war’ games, they learnt about issues that arise from water shortage, with the tug of war showing how many people have to fight for access.

Lessons in fine art were particularly popular with the children through the week. Using low cost materials, they created and painted beautifully intricate pieces (see top image) including paper aquariums, wall hangings and flower paintings. Those that participated showed real enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new methods and went on to share the teaching with other children in their Centres.

Children also found out about how water is vital for growing vegetables and learned how to prepare and beautifully present a range of salads. To add a little excitement, each creation was entered into a competition (see the winners above). Sister Veena who leads the work here said “Salad is not often part of their daily diets, so for many it was first time experience and we saw how their self confidence was enhanced”.

Games were a big part of the week and all the Centres competed against each other to win prizes, encouraging confidence, cooperation and team spirit. Veena said “Children enjoyed it thoroughly and learned a lot. They expressed such happiness and gratitude about the week, and it often helps to increase attendance at the Learning Centres”.

These Centres are child friendly environments for Dalit children who face severe caste discrimination as part of their daily lives. Work here tackles the barriers to education by providing a primary curriculum and supporting children to understand and realise their rights. Summer camps like this one, as well as celebrations, competitions, rallies and performances are all a vital part of the work, instilling confidence and encouraging self expression.

Find out more about the work we support in India, and consider getting more involved by clicking one of the action buttons below.

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Kilometre-long chain of children call for greater protection in India

27/4/2018

Children from the Learning Centres we support in Bihar State, India joined with hundreds of their local friends this week, to demonstrate in Patna about the need for greater protection.

Recent cases in the media, highlighting incidents of child rape and murder, prompted the children to come out in force and call for a safer environment. They also chose to highlight issues like dowry, the halting of higher education for girls and the need for greater gender equality.

The children lined the roadsides, carrying placards and singing motivational songs. In a striking expression of their solidarity, 500 children from eight different schools, held hands in a kilometre long human chain, appealing to adults to pay more attention to safeguarding children and their rights.

Sr Veena who leads the work in the urban slums of Patna said, “We need to sensitise and educate adults to create a child-safe environment. The purpose of the human chain was to call upon all our neighbours in the wider community to be alert to issues of child protection and children’s rights”.

Veena and her team have ongoing gender equality programmes as part of their work with Dalit children in the slums of Patna. They have seen significant change in the attitudes towards girls, and made many steps towards their protection and encouragement.

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