EHA

SHIFA PROJECT:

It was a crucial year in the life of the project as it marked the end of the time period for the existing project area. The exit plans were put in place and responsibilities were handed over to the communities.

In order to consolidate the work done through this project, regular meetings were held in all the 53 SHGs to finalise and formalise the action plans and to deal with handing over of all the documents. Immunisation, delivery and post natal registers were handed over to animators. The DOTS volunteers have been trained in dealing with the government system and have enough net works with Government officers to be able to continue working without major difficulties. Referral books and registers have been handed over to the volunteers. The 8 libraries set up in different panchayats as post literacy activity were handed over to responsible persons. Health curriculum for school health clubs were handed over to teachers in local schools. VHSCs were helped to make action plans and the responsibilities were handed over. Thus every effort has been made to sustain the efforts of the program in the project area.

Relief work:
Fire devoured Kasampur village leaving about 500 households homeless, 4 dead and about 80 persons with minor burns. They also lost their belongings, cattle, savings and dreams.

A quick needs assessment was done and a disaster committee was formed in the village level which was held responsible for the community kitchen and the distribution of relief materials.

Medical services were provided in the village and patients who were referred to Herbertpur Christian Hospital were treated free of cost. Basic amenities were distributed to 14 families. 225 needy families were provided roofs for their houses. 165 school children received school bags, books and uniforms. 5000 saplings were planted by the communities.

In order to do the above-mentioned, the staff trained on stress reactions associated with disaster. The CISF personnel were trained in disaster and resuscitation.

PEHEL PROJECT:

This project is designed to work with 108 Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSC) set up as part of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in two blocks.

The project was initiated with extensive rapport building with Government officials. Staffs were trained on NRHM and VHSC by NRHM officials. TOT manuals and reading material developed for VHSC training were distributed. Training on Panchayati Raj Institutions was done for the team. A MOU signed with NRHM has resulted in NRHM department providing technical support for the implementation of the project.

Targeted Intervention:
With the aim to decrease the spread of HIV-AIDS, the project selected and trained Peer Educators who in turn develop relationships with high risk groups in drop-in centre meetings and hot spot visits. Needle exchange program, condom distribution, referral to Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre and STI are carried out.

Two preferred providers from the hot spots were trained by Futures’ Group attached to USACS on the syndromic management of STI/RTI. They extend their services not only to the hot spots but also to other groups.

ANUGRAH PROJECT:

This program has become a community based rehabilitation program for 113 children through early intervention group, learning centre, A/C therapy group and home based program. The anganwadi workers of 3 blocks were trained on early identification of disabilities. This is expected to result in early detection and initiation of interventions to help children with disabilities. The project has also provided CBR training for Tezpur and Raxaul units of EHA thus enlarging their scope of influence to other parts of India.

Staff and some of the community facilitators participated in the North India Regional Consultation on Child Sexual Exploitation and a consultation on child protection.

In Jassowala learning centre 4 children participated in the Special Olympics and won 5 medals. Children from local schools visit the learning centre and interact with the children thus facilitating greater acceptance of one another. The work is also extended to other neighbouring villages and schools.

In Dhakrani learning centre 3 children participated in the Special Olympics and won one medal each. About 20 children from other schools play with the disabled children regularly. Over a period of time the children are cleaner and are able to sit, concentrate and perform their tasks. An adult literacy program has been started with the view of involving them in caring for those with disabilities.

It is hoped that the learning centres are helping to bridge the gap between “normally” developing children and those with developmental needs.