East - Singhbhum Chapter

AID -Jharkhand 

Health Alert Hazard In Singbhum

East Singhbhum in Jharkhand is a degraded forest zone. It is predominantly a tribal populated area. 
The only source of sustenance is forest based produce and agriculture, which is restricted to one crop
per year due to lack of water resources. The male members most of the time migratesin search of work.
The entire domestic burden is shifted to the girls and their mothers.

During every season in the year different forest produce is picked up namely mahua flowers, sal seeds, kendu pattas, tubers and fruits. These collected produce is used for selling in the market as well. The major time of the girls is spent in collecting these produce from the forest. They are also involved in other domestic works and sibling care. Hence these girls did not have any opportunity to attend schools.

Management and operation

The project is operated and managed  by AID Jharkhand (East-Singbhum Chapter) together with the help from local women's group Mahila Mukthi vahini (forum / union).

Activities In East-Singbhum

The education programme includes teaching and provision for :

·               Literacy

·               Numeracy

·               Recreational activity

·               Health services

·               Financial awareness for mothers

·               Awareness to undertake services that generate more income for the family

The classes for girls are held in the daytime and for mothers during the evening.

A I D Jharkhand also undertakes teacher training both in and away from the villages.

Objectives

The objectives are to improve their living standards by improving knowledge through education and instruction in the basic principles of how to improve income and standards of health.

It is expected the project will last for between 3 to 5 years.  If it proves to be successful, this period may be extended but is currently planned to end in March 2003.