Alternate livelihoods for the poor and marginalized (THE TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT)
PRABHAT with support from VEDANTA FOUNDATION, Mumbai carried out the programme in phase wise, activities conducted in consultation with the cluster traditional leaders of Bissamcuttck, Muniguda and Kalahandi Blocks. We have undertaken following programmes
A. Mapping & Baseline Survey
One of such measures was preparation of socio-economic profile through SOCIAL MAPPING of the proposed mining villages of Niyamagiri Hills in the EASTERN GHAT REGION of Odisha. Based on the need and recommendations, the SOCIAL MAPPING was conducted in 25 villages under Kalahandi & in Rayagada districts of Odisha.
During the process of SOCIAL MAPPING, in depth group, discussion is conducted with different Stake holders including women, youths and traditional leaders on different need based development initiatives in villages to ascertain major gap, issues & problems identified
B. Sensitization & Capacity Building of Traditional leaders
3 workshops were organized at Chatikona Kalyansinghpur and Muniguda that covered four different blocks namely Bisamcuttack, Muniguda, Kalyansinghpur and Lanjigarh. The habitants are Dongoria and Kutia Kondh.
Even though the entire process was two years long interaction with the community members and sharing with local authority and line departments, yet the benefits and credit goes to the local volunteers and the tribal who showed interest and could access the benefit through their own efforts. However, the basic objectives can categorically be outlined as below:
· To trace the exact beneficiary from among the leaders.
· The re-juvenate leadership quality and if diminishing enhance it.
· A network of local leader’s that will help stakeholders to execute at regional level.
· To examine the internal aspiration and hidden wanting of Dongoria Kondh and transmit them through their leaders
· Meeting conducted at village Kurli with SHGs being participated by President, Secretary and 56 Members of different SHGs to select trainees for Tailoring and Embroidery.
· Two tailoring and Embroidery centers started functioning for trainees. One at village Kurli and the Second one at Chatikona. 90 trainees are receiving training.
· Seed money distributed to 20 SHGs as an assistance to start production units.
- Three Design Development Training Centers are opened and imparted training on Dongoria Textile to 45 trainee
C. Early Childhood Education & Education for Non-School Going Children
The outcome of the two programs not only relates to education alone, but also it has increased rapport with parents of children of 5 to 10 years who had not yet gone to schools. 40% children will join formal schools in the coming academic year, which is a good sign.
While Supervisors of PRABHAT pay visit to the centers, the parents came forward with appreciation. Children got breakfast and food of this kind, which the parents could never provide them.
Study materials and bags were also distributed to children. Now, the parents could dream something wholesome for children that they share with visitors.
Over the years, even though a number of schemes have been implemented e.g. text book, cycle etc. by the Government – but the glow of happiness seen in the face of children, while they received the bag and study materials – was a matter of great satisfaction for PRABHAT.
D. Vocational Training on Masonry and Plumbing
Vocational Training on Masonry and Plumbing was organized in 3 Gram Panchayatas of Chandrapur Block for the tribal people. Even though they were very hesitant and did not show any interest towards this at the beginning but ultimately, after a thorough counseling and exposure to some areas of Kalyansinghpur and Muniguda they became ready to learn & adopt this practice as a source of earning.
30 tribals trained on Masonry and 23 tribals were trained on Plumbing. They all have shown interest in developing their career as a professional. Most of them said – they will prefer this job rather than going for cultivation. However, they have been counseled not to abandon their traditional practice of agriculture – since they are son of the soil.
E. Basic Computer Training
PRABHAT in collaboration with Vedanta Foundation, Mumbai, had undertaken Vocational Skill Training for the poor, marginalized and weaker sections of the society to help a hand. We have organized basic computer training program for the tribal students who had passed 10th Class and Intermediate. The locally trained experts imparted theory and practical classes with hand holding support. 250 students undergone computer training. Certificates issued to students.
F. Tailoring and Embroidery training:
PRABHAT, in collaboration with Vedanta Foundation, Mumbai, had undertaken Tailoring and Embroidery training for the poor, marginalized, and weaker sections of the society to help a hand. We have tailoring and embroidery training for the tribal students who had passed 10th Class and Intermediate. The trained experts teach theory and practical classes with hand holding support. 285 girls had undergone training. Certificates issued to students.
