International Volunteers Day (IVD) 2012

On IVD 2012, CRY Delhi Volunteers Group completed more than 4 years of its existence. The strong bond developed over the years between individual volunteers and CRY was easily noticeable from the enthusiasm and happiness with which CRY Volunteers and CRY Staff celebrated IVD 2012 together.

Here is how the event proceeded:

•  It all started with a motivational message to volunteers from Puja Marwaha, Chief Executive, CRY.
• The speech was followed by a wonderful theater performance named "A Day in Life of a CRY Volunteer" by CRY staff. The performance rightly captured the incredible significance that a CRY volunteer holds for his responsibilities at CRY.
• Moving ahead, children from CRY's Dakshinpuri PAG (Public Action Group) who traveled all along to celebrate IVD added fun to the celebration through their innocent and funny theater performances.
• The series of theater performances were followed by recitation of a wonderful self-written poem "Kagaj Pe Bana Hindustan" by a volunteer.
• Then followed the felicitation ceremony in which different partners, such as CRY IIT Roorkee Chapter, CRY MNNIT Chapter, etc, were appreciated for their significant contribution to CRY.
• Felicitation continued with appreciation of individual volunteers for finishing respective number of years with CRY.
• Felicitation was followed by cutting of cake by volunteers.
• Finally the celebration ended with lunch.

Overall, the day full of celebration was enjoyed so much by volunteers as well as staff that everyone counts it as one of the best events at CRY.

Images for IVD 2012

Volunteers' Experiences of IVD 2012:

"It was a very enriching experience to meet all the volunteers. They come from different walks of life but have been working together to achieve a common goal and get associated with this noble cause. U get to learn so much while interacting with them. I feel privileged to have become a member of this ever growing and ever jolly CRY family." ---- Sahil Joseph Singh, a CRY Volunteer

Child In You Campaign, 20th to 23rd Nov 2012

CRY has always stood for the cause of children; initially as an agent for relief of children and now as the champion for their rights. The motive behind "Child In You" campaign was to bring people face to face with their childhood, which they had long forgotten in their fast-paced lives. Throughout the event, the venue Delhi Haat seemed to have atmosphere of fun, learning and satisfaction. The event was organised for a period of 4 days and a number of attractions were present for the children in particular and people at large.

The first day started with the announcer reflecting about the need for protecting rights of children and the work that CRY has been doing in this regard. She highlighted the problems faced by children in our country and the need for bringing about a permanent transformation in the mindset of people for rising up for the rights of children, which CRY has been doing all along since its founding father, Mr Rippan Kapoor, took the first visionary steps in this regard. The day was marked by a number of performances by a number of groups of very enthusiastic children, who presented some very mesmerizing performances. They just took away everyone's heart with their flawless performances. In return, children were treated with a very amazing puppet show, which was performed by members of a NGO partner of CRY. Undoubtedly the main attraction of the day was the photo-booth, which provided people with an opportunity to show their support for CRY by getting their pictures clicked with various props prepared by CRY volunteers, which helped CRY to send out its intended message with ease. The excitement among the people was worth looking at. CRY made sure that these pictures are sent to them back in their mails as a mark of thanksgiving. People also had an opportunity to sign oaths regarding standing for the rights of children whenever they feel a child needs them. The motive was to make people sensitive towards the cause of children.

The second day was also as enjoyable as the first day and had people see with amazement what all children can do with a little support from people. Children again came up with some great performances and the kind of dedication they showed, inspired volunteers to work even harder for these little children. Also a balloon release event was organised and lttle children got a chance to show how high their dreams are and how high they wish to go.

Third day again was one with high voltage as the day marked the performance by the very famous, young and energetic Yoked Band, which set the stage on fire, attracting a huge crowd. The performance helped CRY in drawing attention of the crowd towards the idea behind the "Child In You" campaign. There was also an installation erected which had very beautiful wooden birds attatched which could fly when a chord attatched to bottom of each was pulled. Not just children, but grown up people also enjoyed playing with the birds. The installation reflected an idea behind the campaign, which was "giving wings to the desires of children".

The fourth day was more about showing what children are really capable of when they are shown how they could vent their creativity. Two young guys, who are supporting the cause same as that of CRY had helped a few little children to learn to sing songs and they had named their troupe comprising of the two guys with their lot of children they had taught as “Music Basti”. The best part of the performance was that the lyrics were written by the kids themselves and people were awestruck by the simple yet powerful message that the children were able to put forward through their song. There was also a dart board game organised which came with riders that if someone could hit the board perfectly, the person would get a prize otherwise would have to answer questions. People enjoyed this game a lot. Even the announcer was in full flow that day as she got a number of people on the stage and even made a few of them shake a leg with her. Some people even came on stage to share their crazy childhood memories.

Overall,it was a very pleasant experience for everyone who got chance to witness the campaign. All enjoyed to the fullest and and felt as if they relived their childhood for few days.

Authors: Faisal Javaid, Divyanshu

CRY Volunteers Make Inroads to MNNIT Community

Year 2012 marks another expansion of CRY North India volunteers in college community. Earlier this year, on 13th Feb 2012, we reached out to community in and around IIT Roorkee through foundation of CRY IIT Roorkee Chapter.
Here is link to webpage for the recently formed CRY MNNIT Chapter.
Here follows a very nice poem composed by a volunteer at CRY MNNIT Chapter:

Na jane kaise aaj raaste badal gaye,

anjaan raah par hum dur tak nikal gaye,

vo galiyaan jahan maasum si shararatein basti hain,

dukaan aisi jahan muskurahatein sabse sasti hain,

bhatakte huye aaj aisi galiyon se guzar gaye.

BBC News: Photographs Exhibited During GCE Campaign

BBC News shares here the photographs exhibited by CRY and Nazar Foundation during photo-exhibition for Girl Child Education Campaign 2012. The exhibition was held at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, on 6th and 7th Oct 2012 and at India Habitat Center from 8th Oct 2012 to 15th Oct 2012.

Newspapers Talking About Our First Photo-exhibition for GCE Campaign 2012, Held at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj on 6th and 7th Oct 2012

Deccan Herald - Metrolife, 6th Oct 2012, Pg. 2

Online version available here

Newspapers Talking About Results of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Study Done for Girl Child Education Campaign 2012

The Indian Express- Expressline, 4th Oct. 2012, Pg. 2

Times of India, 4th Oct. 2012, Pg. 4

Dainik Jagran, 4th Oct. 2012, Pg. 1

The Hindu, 4th Oct. 2012, Pg. 4

Deccan Herald, 4th Oct. 2012, Pg. 4

Dainik Jagran City, 16th Sept. 2012, Pg. 5

      Links to Online News 

• APN News                                                        
• Live Mint                                       
• Yahoo News
• Sify News              
• India Talkies                                
• India Online News
• Two Circles 
• Times of India

Report of KAP Study for GCE Campaign 2012

A rapid assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on prevalence of barriers to girl child education among lower income groups of the society was done by Research Team and Volunteer Action Group at CRY. Here are presentation for press conference and report for the same.

"Ichha" on The Hindu, Pg. 6, Sept. 18, 2012

Invitation to First Photo-exhibition of GCE Campaign 2012

Provide Us Your Perspective of Right to Education of the Girl Child

A part of Girl Child Education Campaign 2012........

All information will be kept confidential. Your reponse will help us map public perception regarding the right to education of girls in India.

* Required

Name

Age

Location

Contact idemail id

‘Our country gives equal opportunities to boys and girls as far as education is concerned’ *

•  Agree
•  Disagree

‘More girls are out of school than boys in our country’ *

•  Agree
•  Disagree

‘Drop out in girls increases with increasing age’ *

•  Agree
•  Disagree

In our country attaining education for girls is *

•  Very Easy
•  Easy
•  Difficult
•  Very Difficult

If a choice has to be made between marriage and education of a girl a wise decision would be *

•  Marriage
•  Education

Which in your opinion is the worst barrier to girls’ education in our country*

•  Lack of infrastructure in schools such as separate toilets and lack of water,
•  attitude towards education of the girl child
•  Lack of all women staff schools
•  Lack of dedicated transport facilities for girls
•  Others

If Others, Please specify

Almost 3 in 4 female illiterates in the world are found in only 11 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan and India is one of them.' *

•  Agree
•  Disagree

Do you know that there are girls in our country who should be in school but are not going to school? *

•  Yes
•  No
•  Not Aware

If Yes what in your opinion are the reasons *

What would you like to do for such a girl child (who should be in school but is not going to school) *

PicBadges for Girl Child Education Campaign 2012

Click on the URL next to the pic badge that you like and follow the instructions to make it your profile pic badge. Don’t forget to share with all your friends!

Alternatively, you could make the badges your profile picture itself. To do so, save the images at end of this blog-post.

Pic Badge 1     URL: http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2750976/

Pic Badge 2     URL  : http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2751090/

Pic Badge 3     URL : http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2751070/

 

Pic Badge 4     URL : http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2751061/

Pic Badge 5     URL : http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2751058/

Pic Badge 6     URL : http://www.picbadges.com/badge/2751056/

Profile Pictures

GURGAON 

DEMANDS 

FOR

HCPCR

A Gurgaon CRY Volunteers Initiative...

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights:

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) emphasises the principle of universality and inviolability of child rights and recognises the tone of urgency in all the child related policies of the country. For the Commission, protection of all children in the 0 to 18 years age group is of equal importance.

Likewise, for the Commission, every right the child enjoys is seen as mutually-reinforcing and interdependent. Therefore the issue of gradation of rights does not arise. A child enjoying all her rights at her 18th year is dependent on the access to all her entitlements from the time she is born. Thus policies interventions assume significance at all stages. For the Commission, all the rights of children are of equal importance.

What would an HCPCR accomplish?

In order to attain the NCPCR's Mandate of ensuring that each and every child has access to all entitlements and enjoys all her rights, Haryana Commission for Protection of Child Rights (HCPCR) will be setup with primary focus on following tasks:

1. To build public awareness and create a moral force in the country to stand by children and protect their rights. A National Conscience has to be generated that captures the imagination of each citizen to take pride in the nation because it takes care of all its children.
2. Armed with this kind of a mood the Commission's task is to look at the gaps in the policy framework and the legal framework and make recommendations to see that rights based perspective is adhered to by the Government, while it makes its policies.
3. To take up specific complaints that come up before it for redressal of grievances and also take up suo moto cases, summon the violators of child rights, get them presented before the Commission and recommend to the Government or the Judiciary, action based on an inquiry.
4. To arm itself with proper research and documentation. The legitimacy and credibility to what the Commission says and does is based on solid research and data. Though everyone in the country knows that the predicament of the majority of children in our country is vulnerable and that children are not treated well, this has to be substantiated by information; it cannot just be an emotional argument.

Phase 1: Public Awareness and Signature Campaign

Phase 1 was decided to be held over a weekend in a Gurgaon mall, with the idea being to spread as much awareness as possible, and get many people to sign a petition demanding implementation of a strong HCPCR.

Phase 2: Implementation of HCPCR and review

Phase 2 will kick off soon after completion of Phase 1, wherein CRY volunteers will take the result of the Phase 1 to the authorities and put pressure on the Government to ensure a strong HCPCR is formed. Phase 2 involves a periodic review of HCPCR.   

Phase 1 Timeline:

May 2012: Project HCPCR conceptualized

June 1-June 12 2012: Presentation formalized, Gurgaon malls contacted

June 20, 2012: Permission from two Gurgaon malls, City Centre and Mega Mall obtained

June 22, 2012: Site visit

June 27: Logistics procured

June 30-July1: Event conducted by CRY volunteers

Phase 1 Accomplishments

v     More than 250 signatures were obtained on both the days

v      Hundreds more were educated about HCPCR and asked to join CRY in this unique venture.

This was the pamphlet distributed to the people of Gurgaon to create awareness.

References:

1. Mr Binay Kumar, Mall Manager-DT City Centre
Ph- 9999697719, Email id: binay.kumar@ap.jll.com

2. Mr Zubin Thukral, Mall Manager-DT Mega Mall
Ph-9811484543, Email id: zubinthukral@ap.jll.com

The Team:

Sandeep Kaur

Rishabh Jain

Vandana Chaudhary

Sanat Mehrotra

"Abhi Ek Muskaan Baki Hai" as part of Hindustan Times "You Read, They Learn" initiative

For the second time Theater Team of CRY Delhi Volunteers entertained people as well as spread awareness among them about Child Labor and Right to Education through its street play "Abhi Ek Muskaan Baki Hai" at Delhi Haat on 29th June 2012. The theater performance, which was done as part of Hindustan Times "You Read, They Learn" initiative, garnered a lot of public appreciation and attention. Motivated by the incredible public response to the two shows of the play, held till now, the team is looking forward to spread awareness through the play by performing it at several other most visited sites of Delhi.

Complete Article of Hindustan Times in Print

Complete Article of Hindustan Times on Web

Project Visit to Swati, Tigri Center on 30th June 2012

SWATI, a non-profit organisation, has been working for empowering women and children of nearby community for more than two decades. A respected group of workers of the foundation help empower woman through SHG (Self Help Group) and children by providing them coaching classes, remedial classes for drop outs and vocational training. The standing that the organization has in the locality is really incredible.

On 30th June 2012, a team of 23 CRY Volunteers visited Swati, Tigri Center, New Delhi. Overall the visit, which started at 10am and continued till 1:30pm, was divided into 3 major activities:
1) Interaction with 72 children, who gathered on the weekend especially for the event - The children ranged from kids going to play school to matured ones attending class 11th. The talent that the children displayed fearlessly in front of peers and volunteers far exceeded everyone's expectation.
2) Interaction with staff at Swati - The main credit for making the visit successful goes to staff at the center; the event would be impossible on the weekend without their whole hearted support. Fortunately, during the visit the volunteers got a chance to know more about Swati from its staff. Here follows a brief story of the organization as narrated by staff of the center:
"The tale begins nearly about two decades ago when they (founders of Swati together with its staff) started this centre and initiated with a survey to collect data of drop out children from school at all levels - Primary, Secondary and Senior Secondary. After data collection they started enrolling the drop outs and providing coaching classes for enrolled students.  It was the trust between the community and foundation's members that was making things possible. Due to assistance from the organization, girls from the same community will soon graduate from various colleges of Delhi University. Recently a group of women from the community won a bureaucratic battle for a maternity centre, resulting in establishment of the center for benefit of the community. There are still some lacunae, such as absence of staff, to be filled to ensure proper functioning of the center. However, we are confident that we will win all battles."
3) Community Visit - Finally volunteers visited the community being served by the organization to know in depth the impact of the organization on the community. Volunteers were amazed by the fact that each block of houses, i.e., collection of houses on sides of a straight road in the community has its own Anganwadi. Overall, there are 32 such Anganwadis which work in collaboration with Swati to educate children.

Overall, the Project Visit was an incredible experience for volunteers. They got to learn how a social change can be brought at micro level with a group of enthusiastic workers.

Here are experiences of some of the volunteers:
a) "Visit to Swati was  a beautiful experience.We interacted with children from all age groups and involved them in various activities, the best part being children themselves were quiet enthusiastic to take part in all the activities, and many of them turned out to be very talented. It was a treat to watch them dance and sing. I am glad that Swati is playing such an important role in infusing these children with confidence and imparting them education so that they become the bright future of our country. :) "
- Manu Chugh
b) "Visit to SWATI, an NGO partner of CRY was an amusing and delightful experience. Interactive sessions with the kids and their active participation in various activities was a captivating part. A day spent with adorable and juvenile kids revive the old memories of childhood. I feel grateful to CRY to give us an insight and opportunity to be part of such an wonderful venture."
- Vaibhav Jain

Here are links to images clicked during the visit by:
Mahender Adhikari, Vaibhav Jain, Manu Chugh and Malini Minocha.

We, the volunteers group at CRY, wish the organization all the best in its pious endeavour and we wish to stay connected with it in future.

Compiled By: Rahul Kapoor and Divyanshu

KAP 2012 Result for New Delhi and South Delhi

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTISE (KAP) RELATED INDICATORS ON CHILD LABOUR IN 2 DSTRICTS OF DELHI STATE: NEW DELHI & CENTRAL DELHI

CRY Volunteers conducted KAP survey and analysed results with help of researchers at CRY  in short duration of just 3 weeks, from 20th May 2012 to 12th June 2012. The survey brought forward many interesting and important figures about perception, attitude and practices of employers w.r.t. child labor. Report with the findings is accessible here.

Theatre Group: Abhi Ek Muskaan Baaki Hai :)

CRY Volunteers theater group has done a marvelous job on the Anti Child Labor Day in Delhi.

If you want to know more about this group or be a part of this exciting initiative. Check out their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/306254712800209/

Hindustan Times talking about CRY's ACLD Campaign - 12th June 2012

Online Version of the Article

Coverage of Theater Workshop by Asian Age on 12th June 2012

Online Version of the Article

Result of KAP Survey, Undertaken in New Delhi and Central Delhi on Occasion of ACLD 2012, got Published in Hindustan Times Dated 11th June 2012

Online Version of the Article

CRY Volunteers participate in a 5 days theater workshop conducted by Walter Peter at NLUD to change the picture of child labour in Delhi

Pictures are from first day's proceedings .. wait and watch the space for more ....

Volunteer's Work through W.O.R.D.S...!

Share the word..!

Designed by: Manu Chugh

A Day at "Roorkee School For The Deaf"

On April 25th, 2012, CRY Student Chapter IIT Roorkee organized its first ever event. The day-long event was organized for children of Roorkee School For The Deaf, IIT Roorkee and comprised of drawing competition followed by screening of some animated movies.

For more photos of the event please visit: http://www.facebook.com/CRY.IITR
For video clip of the event please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTn9bqlFmOk

The best part of the event was that CRY volunteers were able to bring some more happiness in life of the children; doesn't matter how short or long it was.

CRY is really proud of the initiative and wishes the team of CRY Student Chapter IIT Roorkee all the best for all future endeavors.

CRY Opens Two New RTE Booths at Dakshinpuri and Dwarka

Recently CRY opened RTE Booths at two of its GeoPAGs located at Dakshinpuri and Dwarka. These centers (also known as CACs) will be functional twice a month at both places. On the opening day itself these centers witnessed a lot of community involvement and complaints from people, as evident from following statistics:

Dakshinpuri CAC
            Opening day (27th March 2012 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) statistics:
                 (a) Total participation – over 200
                 (b) Complaints received – 5

Dwarka CAC
            Opening day (30th March 2012 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) statistics:
                 (a) Total participation – over 100
                 (b) Complaints received – 2

Click Rights Photo Exhibitions

Since 17th Dec 2011, under guidance of Ms. Violet Barman, a professional photographer, CRY Delhi Volunteer Group has started using Click Rights to draw attention of goverment towards poor conditions of MCD schools. This is done by putting up photo exhibitions at public places. Overall process followed for a typical photo exhibition is - firstly, CRY volunteers go out to click photographs showing poor conditions of MCD schools; secondly, the phographs clicked by the volunteers are displayed in a photo exhibition at some public place of high footfall; thirdly, public visiting the exhibition is requested to sign a petition, which requests government to improve the conditions.

Till now the exhibitions have been conducted at following places:

1. Dilli Haat on 17th and 18th Dec 2011
2. Select Citywalk Mall on 14th and 15th Jan 2012
3. Miranda House College on 23rd to 25th Feb 2012
4. Kamla Nehru College on 20th March 2012
5. Jamia Milia Islamia on 22nd March 2012
6. IHC on 7th and 8th April 2012

Following are links to some photographs that have been displayed in exhibitions:

Collection of Photographs

Dog Inside Classroom

Poor Drinking-Water Supply

Success of the effort is evident from the fact that till now we have around 6000 signatures to support our petition to government for improvement of conditions of MCD schools. We hope that this huge public support will help us achieve our goal of ensuring proper infrastructure for children studying at MCD schools.

Delhi's RWA Supports Incorporation of Child Rights in Election Manifesto of Political Parties

Delhi's Residents Welfare Association (RWA), the body that covers all RWAs of Delhi supports CRY's demands for incorporating child rights in election manifesto of the political parties in the upcoming MCD elections.

This RWA represents almost every area of Delhi and demands proper facilities for children in the schools from these nominated MCD candidates, which are fighting elections from different wards of Delhi.

Check out RWA Bhagidari's blog.

http://www.rwabhagidari.blogspot.in/2012/04/child-rights-and-you-cry.html

CRY thanks RWA for its support.

This election vote for child rights.

CRY and it's partnerAlliance for People's Rights (APR) demand all political parties to give priority to issues of children in their party's election manifesto.