Dumaria block
of East singhbhum district is predominantly tribal populated. 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 migrate in 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 domestic consumption and 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.
The schools initiated by AID has now given opportunity for
the girls to attend the centers in the morning hours and in the evening
hours the mothers attend the centers. Education, health, recreation are
the major components for the girl children. The mothers concentrate on
practical education, reproductive health awareness, thrift and credit and
skill training program.
Around 650 girl children and 520 mothers are attending
these centers. The centers are progressing well and now there is new hope
among them. Moreover this is the only time they get relief from domestic
work and time for interaction with their friends. They say that they enjoy
the center activities as it is very relevant to their day to day life.
Sagi Murmu
is 8 year old girl who has been picking forest produce for the last
four years. She is also responsible for taking care of her 3 sisters and
one brother at home. She has never entered a school nor felt the touch of
a book. Now Sagi is enrolled in the AID school for girls. She say's on the
first day initially when I had to catch the slate, pencil, my fingers were
trembling. I was exited and at the same time nervous. When I used to see
my brother going to school, I also very much want to attend the school.
But I was not allowed because I have lot of work to do at home. Now I am
also proud to go to school . Incidentally Sagi Murmu is trying to teach
her small sister at home. Several such tribal girl children are now
getting avenues for education.
Shanti Sardar
mother of 4 children now attends the educational classes for the mothers
in the evening hours. She also sells vegetables in the weekly market since
the last few months. She say's I got this confidence after attending the
classes. Now I also know the amounts for purchase and selling which my
teacher taught me at the center. I get atleast a profit of Rs.100 per
week. I am using this money for buying food for my family and reinvest in
the petty trade's . Shanti is also motivating the other women to join her
to form a co operative.
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