1. Kajla Jan Kalyan Samiti (KJKS)
Re s toring rights in Midna pore , West Bengal
2. Not so long ago, Midnapore was in the
grips of socio-economic neglect and
decline.
The Midnapore area
consists of 263 villages,
spread across 2 districts:
East and West
Midnapore
3. Largely inhabited by a rural population, the area was prone to
droughts and cyclones that made the soil saline and non-arable.
4. Left without a sustainable livelihood, farmers were forced to
migrate.
5. Impoverished and living in abject poverty, child labour, child
trafficking and child marriage/dowry were on the rise.
6. In both districts the government had failed to appoint new teachers,
causing a poor teacher-student ratio and drop in the quality of
education.
7. Teachers weren’t trained in implementing new child-friendly
methods, nor were they monitored to ensure standards of
education were met.
8. Children welfare was
abysmal. Many were not
covered under the Integrated
Child Development Scheme,
didn’t get nutritional
supplements and were
engaged in child labour and
other forms of exploitation.
9. Tha t’s whe n Ka jla J a n Ka lya n S a miti (KJ KS )
– a loca l NGO – inte rve ne d to bring a bout
cha nge .
10. Joined by CRY, KJKS shifted the focus from welfare
activities to an all-round approach towards bringing about
sustainable change.
11. How CRY
works the severe lack of rights in East and West Midnapore
Identified
Identified KJKS as the NGO operating locally, who had a deeper
understanding of the problems faced by people
Worked closely with them to develop a comprehensive and holistic
plan for long term change rather than immediate resolution
Focused on restoring children’s rights to survival, development,
protection and participation
Aimed to better the socio-economic situation within the community
by addressing the problems faced by the village in agriculture
Spread awareness and encouraged the villages to play an active
role in bringing about change
12. Ka jla J a n Ka lya n S a miti
Has been supported by CRY since 1992-93
Has grown over the years from supporting 4 villages and 100
children to 237 villages and 13,500 children
Through awareness building and advocacy, they have
systematically strengthened their credibility in restoring rights
Over the years KJKS has built a positive rapport by working
with the bodies such as Child Welfare Committee who
address child rights and work towards restoring them
13. Today, the villages in Midnapore have experienced
change in multiple aspects of their every day lives.
14. The villagers are more
aware of their livelihood
rights and the various
government schemes
available for them.
15. They participate in planning along with Gram Unnayan
Samities and Health Committees.
16. Monthly meetings are held to discuss issues about livelihood,
health and hygiene, communicable diseases like TB, AIDS.
18. High school sensitisation programs and study camps help
empower the youth to claim their rights to information and
participation.
19. Children stand up to candidates from political
parties and demand the restoration of their rights.
20. They spread the word through Information boards,
newsletters and other modes of communication.
21. Parents, teachers and members of Kishore-Kishori Bahinis (youth
adolescent groups) actively work together to improve the standard of
education.
22. Collectively, they have developed teaching-learning
material, to engage students and encourage them to
study.
23. A new curriculum that focuses on holistic learning and a childfriendly environment has evolved from this activity.
24. Children now participate in creative writing, art, theatre
and also develop Nutritional Kitchen Gardens that aid
learning.
25. There has been an increase in enrollment and retention of
students.
26. KJKS volunteers and villagers work with the local police and the Child
Welfare Committee to rescue and help child domestic workers and other
children in need.
27. Mamoni Bera & Kakoli Mondal were sent to Kolkata, to work as domestic
labour. They were rescued by KJKS volunteers and today both go to
school.
28. Active participation and awareness building has
given strength to the change movement in
Midnapore.
29. Today, the people and
children have a voice, and
are able to stand up for their
rights and positively
influence stakeholders and
decision makers.
30. The s tory of cha nge ha s re s tore d the
rights of ma ny in Midna pore . It is cha nge
tha t will impa ct the future ge ne ra tions
too.
31. Several other communities await
change.
Help enable it for them too.
Donate | Volunteer | Spread the word
To know more visit www.cry.org or email us at webinfo@crymail.org
