‘Right’ ya ‘Wrong’

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for Kajal, Kavita, Sumit, Shiva and their 4 friends who will finally be able to enroll themselves in a school. I along with my fellow volunteers at CRY will be getting them admitted to the Khezarabad MCD School.
Today when I went to the community at Taimoor Nagar to enlist the names of the children who have not yet been admitted to any primary school, I saw a number of them playing in the narrow lanes of the unregistered slum. These were supposed to be the school hours for most children of their age. I realized that this task was almost done for me. But to my surprise or dismay I was told that not even one of them needed an admission. In fact all of them were already enrolled. Somebody there told me that most of them there couldn’t even spell or write their name properly. Just then I remembered something similar which I had witnessed earlier, my perception for which had totally changed after I saw this. I was however able to list out the names of the ‘Lucky 8’(The literacy rate of India suggests that most people here have not been so ‘Lucky’).
I would now tell you that ‘something similar’ which I already seemed to have gone through. It was rather an experience back in April last year when I used to volunteer for another NGO. There I happened to teach a child who was in his 3rd standard. Having started my duty in high spirits, after just two weeks I was all out of patience. Not because I was bored, rather it was because each day we sat to study, I had to remind them the basic alphabets. He knew far less than most of the other children of his age do. At that time all I could do was pity him for his lack of attention. Maybe he could not grasp things as quickly as his classmates.
But it was today that I got the reason behind Nikhil’s condition. Is it that somewhere we are failing in assessing the children right? Mere promoting them to next level or class will not solve the problem but an honest attempt to assess them right and to bringing them at par with other children will definitely make a difference.
Unhappy and highly dissatisfied with our present education system, I thought that maybe our efforts to enroll those 8 students to school would make no difference at all. But then I saw a ray of hope. I noticed that I had already started calling them ‘students’. Even if 3 of them know the real value of good education, it would indeed bring forth a difference. I also realized that working here for only 6 months had made me all the more aware of child rights and the importance of human resource development. Today I know about the elements which make our ‘Right’ a ‘Wrong’. Having penned down my experience, I am sure I have been able to make many people like you more aware. As somebody once said ‘Being alive is a common road. It's our awareness that makes us different.’
Now I have to gear up for tomorrow, its going to be a big day. 


Abhinav Kapoor

Will this budget give a boost to children's Right to Education? - Write to the Finance Minister NOW.

Dear Friend,

We, the volunteers of CRY, request you to join us in demanding that in the upcoming annual budget of the government of India, at least 6% of the GDP be allocated for education of children. To create awareness and build public pressure, it will take each one of us to make our voices heard. Please copy & paste the content of the letter given below and email it to our Honourable Finance Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee at the following address pkm@sansad.nic.in.

Click here to read CRY's wish list from the Union Budget 2011 (on indianshowbusiness.com).

Warm regards,

A CRY Volunteer Initiative

To Sri Pranab Mukherjee, Honourable Finance Minister, Government of India. Dear Sir, Over the course of the last 63 years, generations of children have not had access to education. Many of those who have been able to access it, have got very poor quality education due to shortcomings in infrastructure, teacher numbers and/or teaching quality. We need to ensure that future generations of children, those born in the 21st century, are not deprived of their right to education and a childhood. As responsible citizens, we must ensure that all children get quality education. This right is highly dependant on how much financial resources do we commit to our children's education from the public exchequer. The Indian government's expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been a dismal 3.40% in 2008-2009. In 2000-2001 it was 3.94% and had dropped drastically to 3.01% in 2004-2005. The target of an expenditure of 6% of India's GDP was set as far back as 1968 by the Kothari Commission but is yet to be achieved.The target of 6% of GDP’s expenditure also finds a mention in manifestos of all the political parties. With the upcoming Annual Budget of the Union Government of India, we request you to increase the budgetary allocation towards education, especially elementary and secondary education, so that it achieves the target of 6% of the GDP of India. Sincerely, (Your Name)

‘Migratory Birds’

The eagle with its infinite span of wings,
is unable to fly again
The trauma of leaving the homeland
continues to haunt ...

-         Rajender Krishan  

These lines from the poem ‘Migratory Birds’ by Rajendra Krishan reflect the pain of migration and the agony of leaving behind one’s homeland.

My internship in CRY spanned over 8 weeks during which I did a project on the impact of migration on the workers who have migrated to Delhi for the commonwealth games constructions. The project was challenging and interesting at the same time. My mentor, Smita Sinha was very supportive of the whole project. Her insights into different matters were very helpful. Also, Leena Madam’s information on various events concerning the project was extremely useful.

At many junctions through this project, I have learnt new things and unlearnt some old ideas. Being a graduate in economics, I have studied different theories on rural-urban migration; however, it was only during the project that I realized various linkages among different factors involved in the whole phenomena. It became clear that the ground reality is so much different than the models given in the books.

To gain access to the CWG sites I needed a letter of authority from the Sports Authority of India or CPWD. However, a whole 2 days of running around the offices of these places went in vain with no permission granted for entry into the sites under the SAI. Thus, there was a fear that the project would not start, but then, where there is a will there is a way and so a way was found in the Siri Fort Sports Complex. There also problems did come up in the beginning with the guards at the site trying to pose problems but eventually they calmed down.

The workers’ plight at the site was a shock to me. It was not until I had seen for myself that I started believing in the reports about the conditions of the workers. To be able to work in the searing heat of Delhi; to be able to sleep in heated tin shacks with no fans; to be able to survive on Rs. 5000 a month for the whole family; that is courage. These people, who are working so hard for their living, do no realize their worth. They are laying down the bricks for the biggest multi-sports event in the history of Delhi, yet, their rights are being severely violated and the government is hardly taking actions.

It was a great experience going to the work site and talking to the workers. It was difficult to break the ice but once I started meeting them regularly they were ready to talk about their problems, their fears, their ambitions and their dreams.

Looking at the problems related with migration and the misery faced by the construction workers, on such close quarters, I felt disheartened and wondered how whether their miseries would ever get over. But it was one case during my survey that inspired me. A boy of 18 years of age was working at the site. His family back home consists of an old mother and a younger brother. Due to the death of the father the elder brother had to start working to support the family. He wants his brother to study and become an engineer. The best part was that he himself wanted to continue his studies once his brother would be able to complete his graduation.  This boy had not lost hope. He believed in himself and the truth that things will work out in his favor eventually.

Thus, the thought that hope of something better will always happen, inspires me to work harder in this field and be able to contribute my bit to the society.

-

Ankita Singh,

Summer Intern

Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar

 2010

Volunteers Meeting with Chairperson,NCPCR.

“There would be many more who will appreciate your efforts for the battle for schools that many children are going through. And there are many children who will need hundreds and thousands of volunteers like you to get support,” says Dr. Shanth Sinha, Chairperson, NCPCR in conversation with 2 Delhi CRY volunteers, Abhinav Jaipuriar and Latika Nayar. 

The chairperson encouraged the volunteers to come back to the commission with reports and complaints from the ground on any CR issue.She appreciated the  current work of the CRY Volunteers’ to get out of school children enrolled into schools and said “First of all let me appreciate the work being done by you as CRY volunteers. By your efforts to bring out of school children into school, you have touched the core of the problem of RTE. There would be many more who will appreciate your efforts for the battle for schools that many children are going through. And there are many children who will need hundreds and thousands of volunteers like you to get support. Mostly we think there is a teacher and there is a school, which makes it easy for a child, but you have pointed out the problems of getting children to enroll in schools. I must really congratulate you for what you are doing and it is not to flatter you but it’s remarkable that you have undertaken this kind of work". The interaction ended with the volunteers bringing a message for All which was as follows: 

 "Your endeavour and energy makes your contribution to the RTE very significant, and helping us link ourselves to the lives of those who have been underprivileged. More than anything else, I think it will transform us. I think it is a great opportunity to be part of CRY and be part of the RTE law. Wish you all the best". 

Volunteers with Dr. Shantha Sinha, Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of child rights, on 27^th December 2010 at the NCPCR office, New Delhi

750 Girls, 3 Toilets: Fight for their right to an education and an environment where they can learn

I started volunteering with CRY about one month ago, and it's opened my eyes aplenty already. I've been working with the Volunteer Action team here in Delhi and I've met several other volunteers who initiated or started various public action groups at CRY. I am impressed. I am impressed that at relatively little financial cost to an NGO, people are making a difference. I am impressed that there actually are plenty of us that want to make a difference. I am impressed that CRY never turns volunteers away but instead utilizes their passion and skills to do good.

I went to an MCD primary school where a group of volunteers in partnership with the Principal of the school have really turned things around: there was no sweeper in the school because the MCD had not employed one - children were trying to keep the school clean themselves instead of studying. There is  now a sweeper, thanks to the Principal and the volunteers,  There also weren't enough teachers at this school (there still aren't) but the situation has improved with the recruitment of more teachers, again thanks to the Principal and volunteers and I'd like to give special mention here to Ms. Sony who lives in Dakshinpuri where this school is located. Ms. Sony works for ActionIndia, and dedicates a great deal of her time and energy to ensure children where she lives have access to the education that is their right. She's one of the many unsung heroes in India working towards a better future for generations to come and CRY is thrilled to team up with her in an effort to improve MCD schools.

Children at MCD Primary School (No.1) along with the Principal in Dakshinpuri
Photograph By: Madhureema Sen, CRY intern

There are still problems at this school: 750 girls attend this school in the morning and for all these children there are just three toilets. This does not lend itself to a clean environment which every school should have. I know Ms. Sony and the other volunteers from the Dakshinpuri Public Action Group are helping principals in several schools to make the kind of improvements that will encourage attendance and allow students to flourish. This fight needs more of us, so no matter which colony or neighbourhood you live in - look around, get out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and do more. It's frustrating to make changes - they move slowly; building relationships and trust takes time. But one person can make a difference..... they can start a movement that surpasses their own vision.

By: Priyanka Jhala, CRY Volunteer, Delhi

A call for action...

My internship at CRY was something which can be referred to as a perfectly proper and professional experience. The butterflies hovering inside my stomach before joining CRY, thinking about what exactly is going to happen and what all work I will be told to do, flew away exactly after my orientation session taken up by my mentor, Ms. Leena Prasad

I was assigned to make a photo feature in terms of Right to Education Act and its impact on Delhi’s slum children. My excitement almost touched the sky after hearing that I have to go to the various CRY supported slum areas and click pictures. What could be more exciting than this?

But all the differences in my own thought process rushed in as soon as I visited the areas to click pictures. I wonder what could be the reason which brings such a lot of differences and inequality in our society. Children not going to school and those who are going to school are equally in a bad shape as they are being subjected to differences in terms of gender gap, castes, class and race.

India, as we all feel great about (or at least I used to feel till joining my internship) for being a totally democratic country and every citizen enjoying their rights, if not according to the Constitution, at least through humanity, is diametrically opposite when I actually visited the slum areas.  The problem is so deep-rooted that sixty-three years after attaining independence a major part of the society is still stuck where it was long back. Girl children being avoided and deprived, whereas, even if the male child is getting more importance, his family either hasn’t got the means to educate him or the means provided by the government is violated.

Photograph by Soumyajit Roy at Dwarka , South West Delhi 

What exactly can we do about it? Is it the middle class mentality to shrug their shoulders off saying, “the problem is too deep-rooted you see...What can we do about it? We belong to the middle class after all”. This is what I learnt from my internship. It’s not about belonging to any particular social strata. It’s about standing up and making a change. Can we stop thinking about what the government is meant to do wait comfortably for good? Can we not join our hands for the respect of humanity and make a change?

By: Soumyajit Roy, intern, CRY - Child Rights and You

A step towards a better tomorrow...

At times, a small incident, a 5 second conversation, an 8 yr old child can make you realise the harsh realities of life. While interacting with the Children at the Taimoor nagar slum area, I was still unaware, untouched by the truth…until I met her. A small girl peeped at me while she helped her mother make rotis. My eyes caught her. I went inside; her mother smiled at me and offered rotis. “I am full, Kaki!” I replied. As her mother went inside, in an attempt to have knowledge about what future the girl dreams for, I asked the girl, “So, u tell me, what is the one thing that you would like to change in your life?”  The Girl stared at me for some time and then replied, “I would exchange my parents with yours, and then I would have everything that you have!” Her answer just shot back at me like a bullet. I stood up and left the place. 

Photograph by Madhureema Sen at Taimoor Nagar slum area

Her words left me wondering. Is it really my credit that I am now a PG student doing my masters in Advertising? Should I really take pride in flaunting all the latest gadgets that I have? No! The answer came from within. I should rather be grateful to god, my parents, and most of all my destiny. I have been fortunate enough to be born out of rich, well established and educated parents. I had the privilege to enjoy all my rights, all the luxuries of life…by chance! Had I been born in the dingy lanes of Taimoor nagar, things would have been totally different. Sometimes mere statistics don’t touch us…but to witness a live situation where you can actually relate to the statistics of the 34% of the girl population dropping out from schools for poverty, child marriage, caste and gender discrimination, is impactful.  


At CRY - Child Rights and You, I got a chance to be aware of such ultimate truths. Most of the time, we neglect our responsibility by blaming the government and the system. It’s high time we stop the blame game and do our bit. I, as a CRY volunteer, tried to convince and make the parents of the Taimoor nagar slum area aware of the benefits of education – how it would help their children shape their future, how education changes one’s perspective and life style, how it could help them build a better tomorrow. The effort lies not only in getting children admitted to schools, but to retain them in schools and decrease the rate of school drop outs and that can be ensured only when the parents of the dropped out children are convinced about the benefits of education. Getting a child admitted to a school is no doubt a change that we make in the system, but the focus should be on a permanent change by making sure that the child doesn’t drop out from his/her school. Work not just for development but a sustainable development… a change that stays and creates a better tomorrow.

If a few hours from my life, few convincing words to create awareness can make an impact in the system and help at least shape up the future of one underprivileged child, then why not? If I could make a difference, then why not You? Rise! Be the changemaker…

By: Madhureema Sen, Intern, CRY – Child Rights and You