csa maiiler volume 29 jan - 2014 goa, madhya pradesh, maharashtra and odisha, members have been...

Children's Committee - In Focus!

Children's Committee - In Action!

Adoption Facilitation - Adoption Rocks!

CSA Activities - A Picture is Worth a 1000

Words!

Lend Us a Helping Hand!

News Flash - CSA Happenings!

AFFECXN (Read: AFFECTION), is a Newsletter

published by Catalyst for Social Action (CSA).

Established in September 2002, Catalyst for Social

Action (CSA) is a Not-For-Profit organisation

dedicated to the cause of child welfare and

adoption.

CSA works as a “catalyst” focusing on a holistic

approach to child welfare and rehabilitation in the

following domains -

Transforming lives of orphan children via

initiatives ranging from providing education

and training, health and hygiene plans,

nutritious meals and overall well being

Promoting and facilitating adoptions

wherever possible

In the area of enabling holistic care of children, we

support a number of child care organisations in the

areas of Nutrition, Hygiene, & Health, Education &

Vocational skills, Infrastructural support and

Recreation activities. We have made and continue

to make a valuable difference to 1600+ children

across 48 homes in 4 states that we support.

As part of our Adoption Facilitation process, we

work with existing rural institutions to facilitate

adoptions. We have successfully facilitated over

200 adoptions so far since inception.

�

�

CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE - In Focus!

In this edition, in focus is the formation and running of Children's committees. Its relevance, roles & responsibilities of members - all these and much more....

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act [JJ Act], 2000 is the primary legal framework for juvenile justice in India. The Act provides for a special approach

towards the prevention and treatment of juvenile or children and provides a framework for the protection, treatment and rehabilitation of children in the purview of

the juvenile justice system.

An offshoot of the JJ Act is the formation of Children's Committees at every childcare institution.

Officer in Charge of every institution for juveniles or children are to facilitate the setting up of Children's Committees to ensure involvement of children in running of

the institution. The committee shall be constituted solely by children.

CSA has been mobilizing childcare agencies we work with, to form Children's Committees and we have been successful in guiding children to help form these

committees. The children's committees are to maintain a register for recording the activities and proceedings, and place it before the managing committee meeting

every month. There are also provisions for setting up of a complaint redress mechanism in every institution and a Children's Suggestion Box – accessible to children –

where children can drop their complaints in writing.

The underlying purpose is to provide guidance on how to function and equip children in improving their confidence levels, engage in decision making, come up with

ideas to improve conditions of the institution, develop educational, vocational & recreational plans, support each other in managing crisis, make suggestions that

would be beneficial to all the inmates.

We have helped children with selecting their leaders, explained the roles & responsibilities of each member, get them to conduct periodic meetings, maintaining

records and minutes of the meeting. It has been observed that on the whole, children are very receptive and have been enthusiastically participating and contributing

their time, talent & ideas for various initiatives. Some of the younger children are still in the process of learning to execute their tasks as committee members but in

general are quite excited!

Some of the initiatives / tasks that Children's committee members have been managing -

�At all locations, committee members are keeping stock of hygiene kits supply and following up with their peers to ensure that they are following do's and don'ts

shared during oral & personal hygiene awareness sessions

�In Goa and Mumbai, 'Health & Hygiene' minister demonstrated hand washing techniques and encouraged their friends to follow

�In Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, members have been planning different recreational & cultural activities on different occasions all by themselves

with little or no help either from the institute's management or CSA

Children's Committee is an excellent means of empowering children and gaining hands on experience on various life and management skills right there at the

orphanage itself....

Children's Committee - In Action!

Children's Committee members in Goa - demonstrating hand washing techniques to other inmates

A Drawing competition organized in Goa - President of Children's Committee handing

over Prizes to winners

Children's Committee members in Madhya Pradesh - Formation and explanation of

roles & responsibilities

Children's Committee members in Maharashtra - Chart showing names of children in charge of

different roles

Committee Members in discussion

Adoption Facilitation - Adoption Rocks!

Adoption is a beautiful, life transforming experience. It is a blessing for the child and parents and unfolds joys which know no

bounds! Some angels who found their families in the past few months can be seen below.

This poem beautifully illustrates the feelings of an adoptive parent the moment they set their eyes on their 'miracle' angel...

Kissed an Angel

Today I kissed an angel

I knew it from the start

The first time my angel smiled

at me

I gave away my heart


This angel child of mine

Though not of my creation

My child by God’s design


My heart is dancing wild

A family, by a miracle

Blessed by this angel child

--Author Unknown

Rajesh Duraiswamy and

Subhashini adopted 4 months old

girl child Nethra - Nov 2013

Ramesh KV and Mamatha

Ramesh adopted 10 months old

male child Idhant - Oct 2013

Neelakantan P. and Sindhu N

adopted 6 months old girl child

Supriti - July 2013

NEWS FLASH - CSA Happenings!

Support to Children in Orphanages:-

Health & Hygiene Support

�Medical camp conducted in December 2012 in Mumbai for 100 children by doctors and specialists from Wockhardt Foundation. De-worming done, children in need of spectacles

have been provided with the same, vaccine administered to all kids, children above 12 years of age were given teeth fortifying toothpaste. For girls found to be anaemic, doctors

suggested intake of leafy vegetables to reduce iron deficiency and iron fortifying capsules were provided.

�Skin Care sessions are being conducted this month across the board to educate children on how to take care of their skin and how to identify common skin infections such as insect

bites,hives,rashes,dandruff etc and seek help & timely medication.

�In Pune, as a follow up to Health checkups, children in need of spectacles have been provided with the same at the Observation Home Boys,Observation Home Girls and Nirankar

orphanage. At BVJSS, Budhrani Eye hospital sponsored spectacles, eye surgery, medication etc.

�A Dental Mobile Van regularly visits orphanages on voluntary basis to address dental problems. Regarding ENT treatment, case papers have been prepared and the BVJSS institute

can take children to the hospital for follow up treatments; expenses will be borne by CSA

�In Odisha, dental treatment was carried out at 3 orphanages and many children have been treated for dental decays and other dental issues

�In Goa, Hygiene kits distributed to 230 children. CSA also conducted an awareness session on good hygiene practices via a presentation and also showed a video on dental care.

Treatments for dental and eye problems have also begun. 5 children have been prescribed spectacles too

�In MP, de-worming session has been done for children from few orphanages

Nutrition Support -

�Many children were found to be underweight post medical health check ups. Hence, additional food items such as pulses and ghee is being provided on a monthly basis to improve

the diet of 25 children from Girija orphanage at Kharghar, Mumbai

�12 children from Matoshree children’s home, Pune are being supported with grocery items to supplement their regular food intake

�Around 110 children from Bapuji Seva Sadan, Odisha will be receiving nutrition support to boost their overall health

�130 children from Bethesda Life Centre, Goa are being provided with milk, pulses and ghee to help overcome underweight issues

�36 children from KSSS, MP are being provided additional nutritional support in the form of milk

Education & Vocational Skills Support -

�BVJSS, Pune were finding it challenging to fund uniform stitching expenses for 400 kids. We helped fund a larger portion of the costs while BVJSS paid the rest. Children received

new uniforms on Republic Day, 26th Jan 2014

�Children from Nirankar orphanage, Pune are provided with a tuition teacher who helps with their homework and assignments

�CSA is taking care of the transport expenses / school bus fees of children going to school from Nirankar,Pune

�With a view to helping girls from Observation Home at Bhiwandi stand on their own feet, CSA commenced a Basic Tailoring unit in December 2012. Over this period, they have

mastered basic tailoring, gone on to do an advanced course and then, around 40 girls also underwent a course in hand embroidery. They have made beautiful hand embroidered

handkerchiefs. A fresh batch of girls commenced course from January 2014

� Batch of 20 girls will complete their 3 month tailoring course by January 2014 at Observation Home-Girls Pune

� In MP, we have set up a Computer Training facility at Asha Kiran orphanage inorder to provide computer education for 80 children

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�46 children were provided new sweaters and woollen caps at GASVS and KSSS, MP for the winters

�Overall academic performance was reviewed in MP with teachers, school authorities and children were oriented on prioritising and using their study time to the best of their

abilities. A tuition teacher has also been appointed at KSSS, MP to help children with English, Maths and Science subjects

Infrastructure Support -

�CSA provided financial support to GASVS, MP to get electrical wiring changed & living area painted

Fun and Recreational Activities -

�On the occasion of Diwali, 100 children from Bapuji Seva Sadan, Odisha enjoyed sweets,cakes,chocolates & soft drinks. Later they also enjoyed bursting crackers outdoors

�CSA celebrated Diwali in Goa with 230 children across 5 orphanages

�We celebrated Diwali with 34 children from Jeevan Jyoti orphanage in MP

�CSA arranged for Children’s day activities at Observation Home - Girls, Observation Home - Boys, Nirankar Balgram and Matoshree Ashram in Pune. Totally, 267 kids enjoyed

these activities. At OH - Boys, different games like musical chairs,chess,carom board competitions were held and prizes were give to the winners. A large cake was arranged for

this occasion and children cut the cake. District Judge from Juvenile Justice Board was the chief guest and he spoke about Chacha Nehru on this occasion.

At OH - Girls, a dance program was arranged & all the girls enjoyed dancing to various songs and enjoyed eating some delicious cake

Nirankar orphanage children played dumb charades and received gifts for their participation;they were delighted to cut the fruit cake and enjoyed the snacks served

Matoshree orphanage children relished the cake, chips and chocolates and were very happy to receive gifts. All in all, children enjoyed Children's day celebrations conducted

�CSA celebrated Christmas with 400 children from BVJSS, Pune. Different types of group fun games were planned like musical chairs, straw game, numerical games etc. Children

were served a special meal. Children were also treated to cake & chocolates. Children were happy to receive exam writing pads. Children made their own Christmas tree and

decorated it beautifully. It was a fun day and the true essence of Christmas was shown - that of spreading joy and cheer!

�In Mumbai too, we celebrated Christmas with 30 girls from Balikashram. Cake decoration competition, one minute games,snacks,prizes and gifts were highlights of the day.

Volunteers from Anglo Eastern Shipping accompanied our program officer and had a good time interacting with the girls

� We conducted a drawing competition for 65 boys from a newly identified orphanage - Vivekanand Balakashram in Thane, Mumbai. The theme revolved around their'village &

how they would like to see it develop'. Volunteers from Standard Chartered Securities were present and they had sponsored special lunch for these children. They also played

cricket with the boys and everybody enjoyed a lot

�Under the 'Joy of Giving Week' initiative, Givaudan India had collected funds internally and contributed towards providing a TV set,games,sports utilities and snacks to 65 children

at Balmandir, Panvel - Mumbai. One minute games were also conducted and the children had a lot of fun

�Under the 'Joy of Giving Week - Grant a Wish' program, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co.Ltd. staff visited several orphanages in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh spanning about

400+ children and gave them cakes,chocolates,snacks and various indoor and outdoor games - most of these items were things that children had wished for & it was a pleasure to

fulfill their wishes!

�In Odisha, around 135 children went for a picnic and had a great time

�In Goa, 130 children were treated to 'Pizzas' which many children relished for the first time in their lives! In one of the children's homes, we gifted them a full length mirror &

children were thrilled to see themselves in the mirror! Children enjoyed ice creams,snacks and received gifts too. We organized a greeting card making activity too


Other News -

�One of our team members successfully completed a course in the field of Art Based Therapy [ABT] after undergoing training for 9 months. ABT encompasses the usage of different

art forms while working with children in order to achieve individual goals in a therapeutic relationship

�'Airtel Delhi Half Marathon'- Employees of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance ran to support CSA at the Delhi Half Marathon and raised close to Rs.Three Lakhs for us

Adoption Facilitation:-

�7 adoptions have been successfully facilitated since October 2013 by CSA [Maharashtra-3,Odisha-3, Madhya Pradesh-1]

�In Goa, through consistent efforts, we have been able to successfully place a five & half year old girl child for adoption. Since the last two & half years, there were many hurdles as

far as paperwork and her 'legally-free for adoption' status was concerned;issues have been resolved and now little Maria has been united with her adoptive family - she is no

more an orphan

Stakeholder Training & Sensitization:-

�CSA Goa was invited by the Directorate of Women & Child Development (WCD) to attend a half day awareness programme on Government Foster Care Scheme

�CSA roadshows were done in Goa, Mumbai and Pune Accelya Kale offices to create awareness amongst staff regarding the work we do, support required and how they can

engage and help. Post these sessions, we have received a heart warming response in the form of payroll giving,nutrition support,volunteers,hygiene kit support etc.

�A workshop on 'Understanding CSR from Corporate and NGO Perspective' was held by CAP - Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy in Dec 2013 and our co-founder Mrs. Bharati

Dasgupta was invited to represent the NGO sector and be part of the panel discussion alongside other noted personnel from the NGO and Corporate world

Advocacy & Research:-

�We filed our first RTI petition in Goa under the Right to Information Act 2005. RTI was filed with respect to obtaining data and reports on inspections done under the JJ Act,2000

Registration for Children's Homes in Goa

CSR Partner Activities with Accelya Kale [Patron Sponsors]:-

�'Pune Marathon Dec 2013' - CSA along with Accelya Kale employees participated at the Pune marathon to promote and create awareness. Group of 20 participants ran the

charity run along with CSA banners,posters.The event went off well and many people were interested in knowing about CSA and the work we are involved in

�'Mumbai Marathon Jan 2014' - Staff from Accelya Kale and CSA participated in the dream run. We also had some of our longstanding supporters run the full and half marathon

and raise funds for CSA

�'Christmas celebrations at Girija, Mumbai' - As part of the festivities, we organised Christmas celebrations for 25 boys from Girija orphanage at Kharghar. Children decorated little

cup cakes and the best cup cakes won prizes.They also enjoyed playing 1 minute games.Santa Clause was the 'show-stopper' for the evening and gave away prizes to winners and

also handed gifts to all children. Volunteers from Accelya Kale together with CSA distributed snacks to the children and had a fun evening with the kids. Media personnel covered

the event and an article featured in the Times of India and Sakal, a popular Marathi newspaper too.

On the occasion of Christmas, CSA gifted children with cartoon print T- Shirts

CSA ACTIVITIES - A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words!

Hygiene Kits distributed to 230 children in Goa

Wockhardt Foundation team of doctors & specialists conducted Medical camp in Mumbai for more than 100

children

Eye check up in Goa | Dental treatment Odisha | De-worming session MP |Skin awareness Mumbai

Nutrition support Goa | Sweaters and woollen caps given to children in Madhya Pradesh


Computer centre set up - MP | Spoken English support - MP | Tuition teacher support - Pune

Diwali celebrations - Goa | Childrens Day celebrations at orphanages in Pune

Electrical wiring and wall painting support at GASVS - MP

Christmas celebrations - Pune


Fun times at Mumbai orphanages with staff volunteers from Standard Chartered Securities and Givaudan

Children enjoying pizzas, ice creams, gifts and a full length mirror in Goa!

Christmas celebrations - Mumbai


'Joy of Giving' activities conducted at orphanages in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh with staff volunteers from ICICI Prudential Life

Insurance Co. Ltd.

Accelya Kale staff enjoying Christmas celebrations with children from a Mumbai orphanage


CAP workshop on Understanding CSR Bill

CSA and Accelya Staff at Mumbai and Pune Marathon

CSA roadshow to Accelya staff in Goa

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”

Donate today and become an active 'catalyst'!

Online Bank Transfer:

Volunteering:

We have a long way to go before we can truly say that sustainable, value based care and support is being provided to

children in adoption agencies and orphanages.

CSA believes in the highest standards of governance and transparency and will share project specific information with

you.

We invite you to support our cause in the form of individual or corporate donations / sponsorships. We have a host of

donation options to choose from and you can select appropriate options that suit your philanthropic needs. Kindly get

in touch with us for further information on donation options available.

Cheque: Made payable to “Catalysts for Social Action” and sent to -

Address: CSA, C/o Accelya Kale Solutions Ltd, 3rd Floor, Modi House, Eastern Express Highway, Naupada, Thane (W),

Mumbai 400 602

To know more, call us or write in

To know more about how you can volunteer, get in touch with us

Landline: Mumbai - 022-67808888 | Pune - 020-24227090

Email: | Website:

Join our Facebook page:

[email protected] www.csa.org.in

https://www.facebook.com/CSAadoption

LEND US A HELPING HAND!

csa maiiler volume 29 jan - 2014 goa, madhya pradesh, maharashtra and odisha, members have been...

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