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| Recent MGVS Team Photo |
2/20/2015
Newsletter - January 2015
Dear Friends,
Greetings from all of us at MGVS, and a very Happy New Year 2015!
Thank you so much for your help and prayers throughout 2013 and 2014 that enabled us to serve remote communities of the Himalayas of North India. We are sorry we were not able to catch up with you last year about the work of MGVS. It is a joy to finally have this opportunity once again to share with you the progress of our ongoing efforts here in Garhwal.
In May of 2013, MGVS funding partner: TEAR Australia formally evaluated the first three years of the MGVS Sustainable Development Project in Naugun Patti, District: Tehri Garhwal. The in-depth evaluation report appreciated the work of MGVS and the strong relationships our team has fostered with the 710 families of 14 villages of the area since 2010. During the current second phase of the project, MGVS then took on the new approach to development known as Outcome Mapping (OM). We were eager to try out the OM model because we felt it fit with the MGVS approach, which has been holistic, since our NGO’s inception in 1981. And that it would help us further promote a culture of justice in the area. We hope you will enjoy reading about some of the highlights of our work under this exciting and innovative approach, below.
MGVS Kaplani High School and MGVS Donk Primary School have both completed another two years of positive growth as well, with your amazing help. We are especially happy to inform you that in December of 2013, Kaplani School was granted Permanent Government Recognition from the State Education Department of Uttarakhand for Grades Nine and Ten! We had been working toward this goal since 2009. Please read on to learn how this change, and others, have improved the lives of many students and their families in the Kaplani and Suwakholi areas.
Thank you so much for your continued and invaluable support. For joining us in this effort to improve life for marginalized people living in remote areas of Garhwal.
We invite you to visit us and our projects here in India. Please feel free to write to our office as well, at mgvs1@vsnl.com, or at the postal address below.
Warm regards,
Surender Singh
Coordinator, MGVS
Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti
c/o Sajwan Bhawan, Battaghat
Landour Post Office
Tehri Road, Mussoorie – 248179
Uttarakhand, INDIA
On November 13th, 2014, an inter-school debate on gender issues was held in Gaer Village at the Gaer Government High School. District Panchayat Member: Mr. Chaman Prasad, Pradhan of Gaer Village: Mr. Harish Raturi, Pradhan of Village Kyarda: Mrs. Asha Devi and President of the School Management Committee for the area: Mr. Rakesh Notiyal attended. And MGVS funding partner, TEAR Australia’s Program Officer for India: Ms. Thien Nga Nguyen, was warmly welcomed by these local leaders to this event as well, as the Guest of Honour. Nine Students (4 boys and 5 girls) from the two high schools and one inter college of the Naugun Valley area participated in the competition (an inter college provides education up to Class 12). The debate provided an opportunity to the adolescent boys and girls of Naugun Patti to express their views on equal rights for girls and women with their teachers and their peers in a formal setting.
This debate follows the Women Empowerment Mela, held in 2012, as the first inter-school discussion on this sensitive issue of gender roles in this remote valley. It is part of the MGVS Gender Sensitization program, which has been providing training to both adolescent students of the area, at school, as well as 4 men’s and 13 women’s Self Help Groups since 2010. A common theme among the speeches made by girls was the injustice which starts as early as a girl begins school: that she is expected to do chores while a boy is allowed to play after school. That even if she finds time to attend school and study that she may not be allowed to study beyond Class 12. But that her brother will be encouraged to go on to achieve a B.A.
Gaer High School, Class Ten student, Kavita Notiyal, was awarded first prize. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places, and appreciation prizes were awarded to the other six students who spoke as well. MGVS organized the event, provided the prizes and refreshments to all. The principal and the teachers of Gaer High School contributed to the event too, by putting up a tent, preparing the stage and the seating arrangements.
The Koliyana Women’s Self Help Group was established on April 3rd, 2014 by ten women with a strong belief that they could do more to improve their economic status as a group. Koliyana is a settlement of “lower-caste” poor families living on the outskirts of the Kyarda Panchayat. The women deposited Rs. 500/- each as a first instalment and agreed to deposit Rs. 50/- every month. MGVS matched their initial deposits with a total of Rs. 1000/- and with some further guidance, the group now runs an effective savings and loan society. Presently the group has lent Rs. 6000/- out to its members @24% interest, which has helped members pay off debts to moneylenders borrowed @120% interest. After much discussion and planning, MGVS helped this group start a Community Goatry Income Generation Project with 12 goats @Rs. 40,000/- on November 26th, 2014.
Three Mother Child Festivals were held in the Naugun Valley in 2014. MGVS organized these festivals together with the pradhans of the Ghoan, Jamni and Vikol Panchayats to encourage the local village councils of the area to take an active part in improving the health status of their communities. The first festival took place on September 3rd, 2014, at the Ghoan ANM Centre in Pipalsari. ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) – Bundi Devi, ANM (Antenatal Nurse Midwife) – Savita Notiyal and Kandisaur PHC (Public Health Centre) Medical Supervisor – Lalchand Yadav, and 2 Anganbadi (preschool) Teachers: Anita Devi and Vimla Devi, were all present to assist 30 mothers and 30 children throughout the festival.
Children were vaccinated. Discussions on nutrition took place and demonstrations on how to make healthy foods for a balanced diet within minimum resources were held for all to see. Kichiri (a mixed dish with rice, pulses oil etc.) was prepared. Height and weight were measured for each child and prizes awarded to children under five who have completed their vaccination programs and showed improvement in weight. Hygiene talks using charts and pictures were followed by question and answer sessions.
Two other festivals were held in a similar manner on September 24th, 2014, at the ANM Centre in Naag Raja Dhaar for 32 mothers and 30 children, and on November 12th, 2014 in the Vikol Panchayat Bhawan for 20 mothers & 35 children.
MGVS has been systematically working toward building an effective health network between the midwives, govt. nurses, mothers, pre-school teachers, the ASHA health workers, the PHC in Chaam and the single doctor who works there: Dr. Dharmendra Uniyal, since 2010. And a doctor has now visited Naugun Patti, for the first time, when Dr. Uniyal participated in the Mother Child Festival in Vikol Village on November 12th, 2014. He reassured the women at the festival about the safety of hospital deliveries and that the PHC is ready to help them. Dr. Uniyal and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) Supervisor, Subhash Ramola, who was also present for this event, explained how government schemes can be accessed, to the mothers and women present. MGVS aims to continue to build relations between the PHC and health workers of the area.
MGVS collaborated with the Primary Health Centre in Chaam to organize a training workshop on how to improve the health status of the Naugun Valley. The workshop was held in the PHC at Chaam itself, on the 15th and 16th of November, 2013: 21 dais (midwives), 15 Anganbadi (preschool) Teachers and 7 village ASHA workers attended. The training focused on connecting mothers, midwives, and village ASHA workers with their Govt. ANM and the PHC in Chaam. And on how to effectively provide all with easy access to information related to health concerns and government schemes. The PHC doctor, Dr. Dharmendra Uniyal, was the main resource person for the training. He was assisted by NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) Mr. Subhash Ramola and Mr. Mukesh Negi, and PHC ANM: Mrs. Rajni Ramola of Chaam.
The workshop focused on nutrition, vaccinations, superstitions, hospital deliveries, hygiene and HIV/AIDS/STDs. The MGVS team was present for the duration of the workshop and helped with all necessary arrangements, including preparation of information charts and other training materials. This two-day interaction encouraged new thinking, behaviours and relationships among all who participated. This was the first time Naugun Patti Anganbadi Teachers, village ASHA workers and midwives had an opportunity to interact with the doctor in Chaam directly and openly. A good understanding was also further established between the PHC doctor and other workers and the MGVS Team – they agreed their objectives are the same. That together, improving the health status of the area was possible.
A follow-up of the training was held with 14 Anganbadi Teachers of Naugun Patti on August 28th, 2014 and Dr. Uniyal at the PHC in Chaam. Q&A and discussions on the following topics made up the review: balanced diets, breastfeeding, necessary immunizations, govt. health schemes updates, how to maintain an effective working relationship between Anganbadi Teacher, ASHA and ANM, and how to measure height and weight properly. This follow-up was held with Anganbadi Teachers as they play a key role in monitoring the health of children aged 3-5 yrs: they see these children regularly. MGVS provided each Anganbadi Teacher with a weighing machine at the close of the workshop. MGVS continues to visit with Anganbadi Teachers of the area for further individual follow-ups on the two workshops in November 2013 and August 2014.
In May 2013, MGVS moved from being an organization focused on achieving outputs (results) to one that achieves outputs only if they bring us closer to changes in behaviour, attitudes and relationships. This is challenging but one of the major benefits of this new focus is that sustainability is built into this approach that promotes a culture of justice. MGVS has learned behaviour change becomes sustainable for a community when it is supported by new ways of thinking (attitudes), different ways of relating to people, and new networks.
For example, the disability program MGVS has been implementing in Naugun Patti may continue to make change long after our team moves on to another area, if disabled individuals do really value themselves and look at life with hope. If their families look for opportunities for their disabled family member’s growth and well-being. If communities feel enriched when they see disabled community members moving around on pathways the community has specially built for them, rather than accepting disabled persons are to be quietly hidden away in village homes.
We believe that when relationships between individuals, their families, their communities, which include the Panchayat (local councils), the Block Office and perhaps outside NGOs and government organizations, develop, that it becomes easier to support a new culture. And that those same attitudes of shame and discrimination may even fade as a community working for richer lives through inclusion of the marginalized becomes sustainable as a whole.
This is why MGVS has now modeled our project around the Outcome Mapping approach to sustainable development, (first established by the IRDC in Canada). The vision our current efforts aim to promote in the Naugun Valley is: Transformation in how individuals, groups and organisations think, act and relate in Naugun Patti bringing human well being, justice, inclusion of the most vulnerable, and diverse opportunities for everyone to realize their potential. An understanding of the human-environment connection and practical skills in protecting and enriching both will be part of the new culture. We are extremely happy to inform you that MGVS field work, which was always holistic, has accelerated under this approach. Outcome Mapping has encouraged our team to work with anyone interested in the development of remote Naugun Patti, from the youth and the most marginalized in the Naugun valley itself, to Block Office representatives who are often removed from the happenings of their own people.
MGVS organized a meeting with the newly elected (June 2014) representatives of the Naugun Patti village councils, on August 14th, 2014 at Inter College Naag Raja Dhaar. Ten Panchayat representatives attended: 4 pradhans (village council chiefs) and 6 ward members. The purpose of this very special meeting was to establish a friendly relation- ship with these key players in the development of the area, as most government schemes come to villager families through their respective Panchayat and pradhan.
The MGVS Team congratulated the new leaders and representatives and shared the new MGVS Vision and Mission with them. MGVS Coordinator, Surender Singh, explained MGVS’s sustainable development strategies for 2013-2016 and assured the Panchayat members that MGVS was here to help. Not to criticize their work. That together MGVS and the Panchayats can make a difference. The meeting was a success, with much discussion. The Jamni pradhan, Surender was keen to start a new sewing and knitting centre in Jamni Village for women and girls. The BDC (Block Development Committee) Member of Kyarda Village expressed a wish to develop the forest. Others suggested working with progressive farmers and exposure visits to introduce newer farming techniques. Tea and refreshments concluded the meeting.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MGVS SCHOOLS 2013-2014
In December 2013, Kaplani School became a fully government-recognized school under the Uttarakhand Government Education Department. This means Kaplani School students no longer need to be registered with other government schools. And we can provide our students with transfer certificates when they leave Kaplani School. As a direct result of government recognition the number of students has increased from 60 to 71 (29 girls and 42 boys) for the 2014-2015 school session. A total of 60 students (30 girls and 30 boys) have passed their Tenth Grade examinations through MGVS Kaplani High School since 2008: 28 graduates (12 girls and 16 boys) are completing their B.A./B.Sc. degrees and are enrolled in professional training programs, and 12 of these graduates (9 girls and 3 boys) are receiving financial help for their continued education. The Mid-Day Meal (rice and daal) continues to be served at both Kaplani High School and Donk Primary School. Which has resulted in a great increase in attendance.
Healthy teeth are also now part of the MGVS Donk Primary School experience after SAPHARA of Northern Ireland organized a dental educatiion visit at Donk Primary School in February, 2014.
And this year, remote Donk Primary School celebrated Christmas for the first time with a Christmas tree!
Greetings from all of us at MGVS, and a very Happy New Year 2015!
Thank you so much for your help and prayers throughout 2013 and 2014 that enabled us to serve remote communities of the Himalayas of North India. We are sorry we were not able to catch up with you last year about the work of MGVS. It is a joy to finally have this opportunity once again to share with you the progress of our ongoing efforts here in Garhwal.
In May of 2013, MGVS funding partner: TEAR Australia formally evaluated the first three years of the MGVS Sustainable Development Project in Naugun Patti, District: Tehri Garhwal. The in-depth evaluation report appreciated the work of MGVS and the strong relationships our team has fostered with the 710 families of 14 villages of the area since 2010. During the current second phase of the project, MGVS then took on the new approach to development known as Outcome Mapping (OM). We were eager to try out the OM model because we felt it fit with the MGVS approach, which has been holistic, since our NGO’s inception in 1981. And that it would help us further promote a culture of justice in the area. We hope you will enjoy reading about some of the highlights of our work under this exciting and innovative approach, below.
MGVS Kaplani High School and MGVS Donk Primary School have both completed another two years of positive growth as well, with your amazing help. We are especially happy to inform you that in December of 2013, Kaplani School was granted Permanent Government Recognition from the State Education Department of Uttarakhand for Grades Nine and Ten! We had been working toward this goal since 2009. Please read on to learn how this change, and others, have improved the lives of many students and their families in the Kaplani and Suwakholi areas.
Thank you so much for your continued and invaluable support. For joining us in this effort to improve life for marginalized people living in remote areas of Garhwal.
We invite you to visit us and our projects here in India. Please feel free to write to our office as well, at mgvs1@vsnl.com, or at the postal address below.
Warm regards,
Surender Singh
Coordinator, MGVS
Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti
c/o Sajwan Bhawan, Battaghat
Landour Post Office
Tehri Road, Mussoorie – 248179
Uttarakhand, INDIA
AN INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE ON GENDER IN NAUGUN PATTI
On November 13th, 2014, an inter-school debate on gender issues was held in Gaer Village at the Gaer Government High School. District Panchayat Member: Mr. Chaman Prasad, Pradhan of Gaer Village: Mr. Harish Raturi, Pradhan of Village Kyarda: Mrs. Asha Devi and President of the School Management Committee for the area: Mr. Rakesh Notiyal attended. And MGVS funding partner, TEAR Australia’s Program Officer for India: Ms. Thien Nga Nguyen, was warmly welcomed by these local leaders to this event as well, as the Guest of Honour. Nine Students (4 boys and 5 girls) from the two high schools and one inter college of the Naugun Valley area participated in the competition (an inter college provides education up to Class 12). The debate provided an opportunity to the adolescent boys and girls of Naugun Patti to express their views on equal rights for girls and women with their teachers and their peers in a formal setting.
This debate follows the Women Empowerment Mela, held in 2012, as the first inter-school discussion on this sensitive issue of gender roles in this remote valley. It is part of the MGVS Gender Sensitization program, which has been providing training to both adolescent students of the area, at school, as well as 4 men’s and 13 women’s Self Help Groups since 2010. A common theme among the speeches made by girls was the injustice which starts as early as a girl begins school: that she is expected to do chores while a boy is allowed to play after school. That even if she finds time to attend school and study that she may not be allowed to study beyond Class 12. But that her brother will be encouraged to go on to achieve a B.A.
Gaer High School, Class Ten student, Kavita Notiyal, was awarded first prize. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places, and appreciation prizes were awarded to the other six students who spoke as well. MGVS organized the event, provided the prizes and refreshments to all. The principal and the teachers of Gaer High School contributed to the event too, by putting up a tent, preparing the stage and the seating arrangements.
A COMMUNITY GOATRY BEGINS IN KOLIYANA
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| The Koliyana Women's Self Help Group - 26-Nov-2014 |
THE MOTHER CHILD FESTIVAL THAT BROUGHT THE PHC DOCTOR TO THE AREA
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| MGVS Social Health Worker, Manju Singh, leading a discussion on balanced diets for 20 mothers at a Mother Child Festival in Vikol Village; she is assisted by [left to right] ANM: Jyoti Bala, Pradhan: Surender Lal and PHC Doctor: Dharmendra Uniyal, NRHM Supervisor: Subhash Ramola [second from right] and TEAR Australia Program Officer for India: Ms. Nga Nguyen [right] – 12/Nov/2014. |
Children were vaccinated. Discussions on nutrition took place and demonstrations on how to make healthy foods for a balanced diet within minimum resources were held for all to see. Kichiri (a mixed dish with rice, pulses oil etc.) was prepared. Height and weight were measured for each child and prizes awarded to children under five who have completed their vaccination programs and showed improvement in weight. Hygiene talks using charts and pictures were followed by question and answer sessions.
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| ANM Jyoti Bala providing immunization during the Mother Child Festival in Vill: Jamni, Naag Raja Dhaar – 24/Sept/14 |
MGVS has been systematically working toward building an effective health network between the midwives, govt. nurses, mothers, pre-school teachers, the ASHA health workers, the PHC in Chaam and the single doctor who works there: Dr. Dharmendra Uniyal, since 2010. And a doctor has now visited Naugun Patti, for the first time, when Dr. Uniyal participated in the Mother Child Festival in Vikol Village on November 12th, 2014. He reassured the women at the festival about the safety of hospital deliveries and that the PHC is ready to help them. Dr. Uniyal and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) Supervisor, Subhash Ramola, who was also present for this event, explained how government schemes can be accessed, to the mothers and women present. MGVS aims to continue to build relations between the PHC and health workers of the area.
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| Pradhan Basudev Khotari hands out prizes at the Mother Child Festival in Ghoan Village through govt. Village Health and Sanitation Committee funds – 3/Sept/14 |
VILLAGE DAI - ASHA - ANGANBADI TEACHERS CONNECT WITH PHC CHAAM
MGVS collaborated with the Primary Health Centre in Chaam to organize a training workshop on how to improve the health status of the Naugun Valley. The workshop was held in the PHC at Chaam itself, on the 15th and 16th of November, 2013: 21 dais (midwives), 15 Anganbadi (preschool) Teachers and 7 village ASHA workers attended. The training focused on connecting mothers, midwives, and village ASHA workers with their Govt. ANM and the PHC in Chaam. And on how to effectively provide all with easy access to information related to health concerns and government schemes. The PHC doctor, Dr. Dharmendra Uniyal, was the main resource person for the training. He was assisted by NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) Mr. Subhash Ramola and Mr. Mukesh Negi, and PHC ANM: Mrs. Rajni Ramola of Chaam.
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| PHC Dr. Dharmendra Uniyal [left] facilitating a follow-up on the Nov/13 training on nutrition, vaccination and superstitions around health issues with the Anganbadi Teachers of Naugun Patti at the PHC, Chaam – 28/Aug/14 |
The workshop focused on nutrition, vaccinations, superstitions, hospital deliveries, hygiene and HIV/AIDS/STDs. The MGVS team was present for the duration of the workshop and helped with all necessary arrangements, including preparation of information charts and other training materials. This two-day interaction encouraged new thinking, behaviours and relationships among all who participated. This was the first time Naugun Patti Anganbadi Teachers, village ASHA workers and midwives had an opportunity to interact with the doctor in Chaam directly and openly. A good understanding was also further established between the PHC doctor and other workers and the MGVS Team – they agreed their objectives are the same. That together, improving the health status of the area was possible.
 |
Anganbadi Teacher Usha Devi is serving rice and daal (lentils) to pre-school children in clean thaliyan (food trays) at Jamni Village – 4/Sept/14
|
A follow-up of the training was held with 14 Anganbadi Teachers of Naugun Patti on August 28th, 2014 and Dr. Uniyal at the PHC in Chaam. Q&A and discussions on the following topics made up the review: balanced diets, breastfeeding, necessary immunizations, govt. health schemes updates, how to maintain an effective working relationship between Anganbadi Teacher, ASHA and ANM, and how to measure height and weight properly. This follow-up was held with Anganbadi Teachers as they play a key role in monitoring the health of children aged 3-5 yrs: they see these children regularly. MGVS provided each Anganbadi Teacher with a weighing machine at the close of the workshop. MGVS continues to visit with Anganbadi Teachers of the area for further individual follow-ups on the two workshops in November 2013 and August 2014.
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS & NEW ATTITUDES
Outcome Mapping & MGVS
In May 2013, MGVS moved from being an organization focused on achieving outputs (results) to one that achieves outputs only if they bring us closer to changes in behaviour, attitudes and relationships. This is challenging but one of the major benefits of this new focus is that sustainability is built into this approach that promotes a culture of justice. MGVS has learned behaviour change becomes sustainable for a community when it is supported by new ways of thinking (attitudes), different ways of relating to people, and new networks.
For example, the disability program MGVS has been implementing in Naugun Patti may continue to make change long after our team moves on to another area, if disabled individuals do really value themselves and look at life with hope. If their families look for opportunities for their disabled family member’s growth and well-being. If communities feel enriched when they see disabled community members moving around on pathways the community has specially built for them, rather than accepting disabled persons are to be quietly hidden away in village homes.
We believe that when relationships between individuals, their families, their communities, which include the Panchayat (local councils), the Block Office and perhaps outside NGOs and government organizations, develop, that it becomes easier to support a new culture. And that those same attitudes of shame and discrimination may even fade as a community working for richer lives through inclusion of the marginalized becomes sustainable as a whole.
This is why MGVS has now modeled our project around the Outcome Mapping approach to sustainable development, (first established by the IRDC in Canada). The vision our current efforts aim to promote in the Naugun Valley is: Transformation in how individuals, groups and organisations think, act and relate in Naugun Patti bringing human well being, justice, inclusion of the most vulnerable, and diverse opportunities for everyone to realize their potential. An understanding of the human-environment connection and practical skills in protecting and enriching both will be part of the new culture. We are extremely happy to inform you that MGVS field work, which was always holistic, has accelerated under this approach. Outcome Mapping has encouraged our team to work with anyone interested in the development of remote Naugun Patti, from the youth and the most marginalized in the Naugun valley itself, to Block Office representatives who are often removed from the happenings of their own people.
MGVS WELCOMES NEWLY ELECTED VILLAGE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
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| The MGVS Team shared our new mission and vision with the ADOs of each department at the Block Office in a joint meeting in their main hall. MGVS answered many questions about each area of our project work over the past 3 ½ years in Naugun Patti. Block Officers became especially interested in working together after we explained our new focus would be on behaviour changes, including addressing superstitions – 15/May/13 |
MGVS organized a meeting with the newly elected (June 2014) representatives of the Naugun Patti village councils, on August 14th, 2014 at Inter College Naag Raja Dhaar. Ten Panchayat representatives attended: 4 pradhans (village council chiefs) and 6 ward members. The purpose of this very special meeting was to establish a friendly relation- ship with these key players in the development of the area, as most government schemes come to villager families through their respective Panchayat and pradhan.
The MGVS Team congratulated the new leaders and representatives and shared the new MGVS Vision and Mission with them. MGVS Coordinator, Surender Singh, explained MGVS’s sustainable development strategies for 2013-2016 and assured the Panchayat members that MGVS was here to help. Not to criticize their work. That together MGVS and the Panchayats can make a difference. The meeting was a success, with much discussion. The Jamni pradhan, Surender was keen to start a new sewing and knitting centre in Jamni Village for women and girls. The BDC (Block Development Committee) Member of Kyarda Village expressed a wish to develop the forest. Others suggested working with progressive farmers and exposure visits to introduce newer farming techniques. Tea and refreshments concluded the meeting.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MGVS SCHOOLS 2013-2014
In December 2013, Kaplani School became a fully government-recognized school under the Uttarakhand Government Education Department. This means Kaplani School students no longer need to be registered with other government schools. And we can provide our students with transfer certificates when they leave Kaplani School. As a direct result of government recognition the number of students has increased from 60 to 71 (29 girls and 42 boys) for the 2014-2015 school session. A total of 60 students (30 girls and 30 boys) have passed their Tenth Grade examinations through MGVS Kaplani High School since 2008: 28 graduates (12 girls and 16 boys) are completing their B.A./B.Sc. degrees and are enrolled in professional training programs, and 12 of these graduates (9 girls and 3 boys) are receiving financial help for their continued education. The Mid-Day Meal (rice and daal) continues to be served at both Kaplani High School and Donk Primary School. Which has resulted in a great increase in attendance.
Healthy teeth are also now part of the MGVS Donk Primary School experience after SAPHARA of Northern Ireland organized a dental educatiion visit at Donk Primary School in February, 2014.
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| SAPHARA, Northern Ireland Dentist performing a dental exam at MGVS Donk PS - Feb/2014 |
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| SAPHARA dental hygiene training |
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| Christmas celebration at Donk PS |
MGVS in Action - Photo Highlights 2013-2014
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| 18 schools receive water filters |
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| Adolescent Health Program |
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| Aelam Singh Vikol TOILET |
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| Bindalkoti PS boys planting trees |
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| Cooperative Meeting on Marketing |
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| CORSTONE Bhuwna Devi of Ghoan |
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| Health & Sanitation Rally 2013 |
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| Kaplani Class 8 students |
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| Sunderi Devi and Flour Mill |
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| Vimla Devi planting trees |
1/30/2013
Newsletter - December, 2012
December 17, 2012
Dear Friends,
Greetings from MGVS!
It is our great pleasure to share the news of progress of MGVS efforts out here in the Himalayas in North India with all of you. With the collaboration of your support, we have come a long way, and looking back even just this past year, we are deeply grateful to you for your help, which has made changes in the lives of marginalized persons of this area possible. We have provided some of the highlight stories of the year in this newsletter for you.
The main area of our development project continues to focus on fourteen villages of the Naugun Valley, located in a remote part of Tehri Garhwal, while MGVS Donk Primary School and MGVS Kaplani High School are still running well on the outskirts of Mussoorie. If you would like to learn more about the details of any aspect of our work, please write to us at mgvs1@vsnl.com We welcome you to visit us here in India, to share our work with you in person as well.
On behalf of the MGVS team of teachers, community workers and volunteers, I would like to let you know that your continued support, mean so much to us. Thank you for your interest in our work and your prayers of encouragement.
We, all of us here, wish all of you the very best for 2013!
Yours faithfully,
Surender Singh
MGVS Coordinator
Health Awareness in Action
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| MGVS Health Social Worker, Raj Kumar assists Govt Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, Mamta Kaushal, during a Mother Child Health Care Day in Jamni Village, in explaining the importance of proper nutrition, hygiene, and immunization. |
Networking Saves a Life
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| Pushpa Devi at home |
Women Working Together to Increase Income and Reduce Workloads
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| Sunderi Devi was elected preseident of the Women Farmers Organic Cooperative in April. |
Enabling Persons Challenged by a Disability
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| Kumari Saru of Village Pokhri |
Women Empowerment Fair
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| Pramukh, Mrs. Rajni Sajwaan speaks at the Women Empowerment Mela in May. |
On the 20th of May, 2012, approximately one thousand villagers from the valley and the surrounding areas, attended the Women Empowerment Mela in the remote valley. Many families and schools participated. Government officers operated two stalls at the fair as well. Thauldhar Block Pramukh (Head Chief), Mrs. Rajni Sajwaan, was chief guest and the previous Pramukh, Mr. Jyot S. Bisht, attended the event as a special guest. The mela was the largest community event held in the valley til date. The community was encouraged to own the process all the way, and this may have been why all seven pradhans of the area jointly contributed Rs. 7,000/- toward financing the mela! Local Block officers were surprised at the organizational skills of the people of the Naugun Valley, and soon after the mela, the Veterinarian doctor for the area, finally made a visit to check on the animals in the villages and provide training on goat and livestock care, after multiple requests over two years.
Income Generation Projects Bring an End to Poverty
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| Sugam Das in his shop |
Natural Liquid Fertilizers are Doubling Yields
From April to September of 2011, natural Liquid Fertilizer and PSB (photo-snythetic bacteria) trainings were provided on five farms in Lalori, Ghaon Malla and Ghaon Talla villages in one agricultural pocket of the valley where pesticides and chemical fertilizers are also being used. PSB training and follow-ups were also provided in Village Vikol. A total of 32 girls, 85 women and 30 men participated in the trainings and follow-ups. A handful of villagers of the area took the training on as an experiment and continued to connect with MGVS right up to November 2011 with questions and reports on progress. The liquid fertilizer was made from cow-dung & cow urine, bitter grasses, walnut leaves and veggie peals etc. and water. Training on organic farming methods was also provided during farm demonstrations.
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| Liquid Fertilizer Training in Lalori Village provided by MGVS Coordinator |
Adolescent Total Health
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| Gender Training with 9th & 11th Class at Naag Raja Dhaar |
Kaplani School Furthers Education Dreams
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| Seven Kaplani School Graduates join MGVS scholarship programs for further studies |
Kaplani School Gains Recognition
In June, 2012, Kaplani School acquired permanent government recognition for classes up to the Eighth Grade, and MGVS has since applied for permanent government recognition for Classes Nine and Ten. A formal inspection of the school campus is also complete and the Chief Education Officer of Dehradun has sent his recommendation to the state office in Ramnagar for final approval. We are praying the process will be complete soon and that Kaplani School will then be able to provide our own students with transfer certificates. We are assuming that the Heidi Parker Memorial Building, which Mr. Robin Parker so generously gifted to the community, will help us to meet government criteria. Words cannot describe the hope Mr. Parker’s contribution has brought to Kaplani School students in this regard.
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| Class 7 students participate in English skits directed by students from N. Ireland |
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