Inspiring Kids to Be the Change

Inspiring Kids to Be the Change

Overview:

While parents and teachers do teach about the importance of adopting good sanitation and personal hygiene habits at home and in school, what you tend to find is that the method of teaching doesn’t include the underlying values, isn’t fun, and is given in an authoritarian style, all of which prevents the learning child from self-realizing the importance of the habits, which disinclines them from becoming ingrained, self-motivated behaviors.

It is specifically these areas we like to focus on in our awareness programs at primary schools. We have found that when you approach a child as an elder brother or sister and not an authority figure, make your activities fun, and frame the importance of sanitation and hygiene in the right context (e.g., that your body is like a temple and a gift from God, so how are you going to treat it it?) that you will inspire kids to make a change on their own.

Program at Vadasar, Moti bhoyan and Khatraj of Primary Schools:

In June, 2013 around seven karyakartas from ESI conducted a full day’s worth of programs at the Vadasar, Moti bhoyan and Khatraj Primary Schools located in the block area of Kalol in Gandhinagar district, Gujarat.

It was an inspiring and energetic day, which resulted in all the kids from the different classes taking a heartfelt pledge to keep their nails trimmed, comb hair and brush teeth daily, and always wash hands after going to the bathroom.

One to two karyakartas were assigned to each class and spent the entire day sharing with the kids. The program always starts with prayer and rapport building. Again, we want to set the right context for the importance of sanitation and hygiene. That there is a spiritual component involved, and that we are sharing the information out of love and respect for humanity and Nature. We are not parents or teachers, but servants in the Gandhian tradition of world harmony, genuinely interested in the welfare of kids and their community.

We use a number of values-based activities to help support the learning, such as fun songs, inspirational videos, drama skits, and games. We also use charts of all the various practices like nail cutting, teeth brushing, and hair combing and give live hands on demonstrations of them—these demonstrations, especially, the kids enjoy.

At ESI, we like to make dustbins out of old oil tins. We paint them with a sanitation slogan and creative images, which makes them more fun to use, which increases the likelihood that they will be used. A few of these bins were donated to the school.

All of us were moved deeply by the kids’ enthusiasm and commitment to improve their practice of sanitation and hygiene. In addition to the personal pledge they took, the kids all decided to share the values they learned forward throughout their community.

MSW student visit at ESI campus

Students of MSW, II year from Bhavangarh came to ESI for their annual exposure visit on 5^th January 2013. There were 105 students and 5 faculty members in all.

They were seated in the Maytri Hall where in the Vision and Mission of ESI, Safai Vidalya and Manav Sadhna was shared by Subhash Bhai. Also was communicated to them the ideals of a good social worker with reference to the book Hind Swaraj and otherwise. To work with the community rather for them. The key to become a true social worker is to work with true love and compassion. To focus not just on “pravriti” but on “anuvriti.” (Not just activity but also the emotions behind them.) And also to burn your ego, burn your I to open your eyes to the true world. And the most important mantra is to connect with the grassroots. Build a strong bond, true in service only then an effective transformation can happen.

Jayesh Bhai also addressed the group; passing to them the gospels of true service are indispensably connected to spirituality. It is only through the change in you that you can bring the required transformation in the outside world. Also one must understand the concept of Jai Jagat, wherein we see the whole world as our own master and we pray to thee. Giving examples of Nipun Bhai, Pacho, Lavanya, Phd from USA and Sanchi, who work for the cause of the sex workers Jayesh Bhai build up the student’s enthusiasm and gave them the much needed courage to keep going and mot give up!

After the tea break, Sureshbhai introduced the concept of giftivism (servicespace)by giving away smile decks and smile cards to the students, the ripples were such that the students themselves committed to apply the smile cards in the next 9 days in the field.  The ripples were seen such a student came up to say “It shook my world today! Changed the way I perceived love for myself and my fellow beings.

The pilgrimage tour of Sanitation for grassroots

Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat and it is the cleanest most and greenest capital city in Asia. However it is not that great in terms of sanitation and cleanliness in its villages. How to bring awareness about sanitation in the villages is a challenge.

In look out for the possibilities of change district development officers had visited Environment and Sanitation Institute, ESI Sugadh 1 or 2 times. Learning about the strong culture, values and work about ESI officers felt that ESI can be a change maker in making Gandhinagar a Nirmal district. They immediately set up a meeting on 24^th Dec,  which was attended by about 60 people.

The meeting was attended by Suresh Parmar who floated few ideas:

·         Pilgrimage of Sanitation: how ESI is playing the role of pilgrimage of sanitation

·     Action Interaction model : Interaction complementing action and vice versa can only be the sustainable way, how can we ensure the same

·     Small Acts Big Difference :  small actions such as cutting / hand washing / combing can play big role in shifting the mind

·   Focus on understanding: for toilet construction the focus should be on understanding rather than on construction of toilet itself

It was discussed that there are many villages in GandhiNagar, and to address the scale a pilot is to be run targeting leaders of 100 villages. 110 village leaders including Sarpanch and village administrative officers were invited for a day long retreat on 31^st Dec in two shifts.

Shift 1 : 57 leaders from 50 villages

DRDA – District Rural Development Agency, conducts few such visits to various institutions and the officers had a that it would be difficult to hold attention of Sarpanch (village head) for more than an hour.

All 57 leaders were welcomed at the institute and were offered tea.  During tea in the company of nature they felt bonded with the campus. In the first session PadhmashriIshwarbhaipatel’ssafaisadhna and his work on low cost sustainable rural technology was shared.  A humble effort was made to make understand the work through documentaries.

In the second session sharing was done about ESI. On listening to optimal and beautiful utilization of all five elements of nature i.e. earth, water, sun, air and sky, all participants felt happy.

The vibes were visible that everyone is on sanitation pilgrimage. Deriving inspiration from Gandhiji’s quote “be the change you want to see in the world”, many shared that the change will begin with self only.

All the participants were here just for 90 minutes but they stayed more than 3 hours challenging the notion that it would be difficult to hold their attention for more than an hour clearly it’s the impact of the space !

Shift 2 : 53 leaders from 50 villages

At 2 PM the first session started with a visit of institute wherein participants were shown five elements in action through roof water harvesting, architecture of the building, bio gas plant, ground water harvesting, air ventilation etc. Everyone felt if cared properly nature gives us a lot

After (sansthadarshan)  the visit of ESI – tea with compassion was served that brought the change in the topic – Giftivism i.e. how can you become the gift to the villagers. “Jaat ne badlo ,gaambadlachhe” change yourself the village will change !

Suresh Parmar shared the concept of Laddership : Cooperate - co create than leave behind while taking everyone together. Few inspiring and motivating videos such as  Share and care and Lead India were shown followed with a question and answer session. In total the classroom session lasted for two hours.

Everyone felt immense gratitude for the space. They shared that no one gave us direction in this manner before, and that had they got the directions earlier they would have been different people.

Nandini van – a vehicle customized to spread awareness about sanitation has veen to more than 6000 villages, Suresh bhai shared that Nandini can visit their village if there is request for sanitation and other awareness programs.

Throughout the day 110 village leaders visited, we surrendered to them, because of purity of our heart, their heart connected to us. With deep listening a glow of inspiration on almost everyone’s face was visible.

31^st December, the last day of the year, is birthday of our noble friendNipun Patel, a firm believer of laddership . He is spreading awareness about Gandhi and Vinoba’s ideas while living by example, the day whole was dedicatedto him and his humble efforts!

Ripples and Impact:

·         Many people shared that the knowledge we attained here, it would do magic

·         Village leader (sarpanch) of Vasai village shared that he will bring 25 people from my village.

·     Another leader shared willingness to construct a Demo toilet and committed to take responsibility of campaign

·         At least 60 people connected and took contact number with the commitment to do small acts of kindness

·         Already got invitation from 24 villages to bring Nandini van to the village, villagers showed willingness to bear the expenditure

·         8 – 10 people called and asked how to take it further

LOVE FROM NANDINI VAN

Hello!

So  its been a while since you have been on the Nandini but I am sure that

the memories with Nandini still remain fresh in your hearts. I am happy to

inform that with your help and the help of hundreds of other dedicated

volunteers such as you, Nandini is even today travelling across rural

Gujarat with as much zeal as what it had on it's journey, if not only more!

As a means of keeping interested people updated with Nandini and in order to

give Nandini a voice, I have decide to begin a blog for Nandini, where

experiences of volunteers, photo stories and conversations with the people

met on journeys across villages will be put up. As I am just in the process

of beginning things, it would great if you could contribute to the blog with

your experiences when on Nandini. Do remember that someone somewhere might

just turn a new leaf and want to make a difference in the society by just

reading your story in our blog. Contribute with your story and help Nandini

spread her wings even farther.

Send in your stories or pictures or whatever you have to share about Nandini

to nandini.esi@gmail.com with BLOG written as the subject line.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Suresh

Nandini - Sanitation on Wheels

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Nandini Service on Wheels

Environmental Sanitation Institute

Sughad, Dist. Gandhinagar

Pin - 382 424, Gujarat, India

Telefax: 079 - 23276127

Cow donation with compassion

Cow-Donation with Compassion

Norata is a tiny village in the large Patan district of Gujarat. With a  population of a little over 2000 people, it is also known to be a very religious village. Norata procured this reputation from a famous saint, Narbheram who spent his lifetime there, his life dedicated in service to the villagers.

Norata predominantly has a residing population of the ‘Thakor’ community. This community had a tendency to while away a lot of their time in vices of alcoholism and gambling. Narbheram’s dedicated mission was to inspire and encourage the conversion of these residents. Life long commitment and service to this cause eventually brought about the desired change. Narbheram is today remembered fondly in and around Norata, as the saint who brought about this conversion of the villagers.

Kantibhai Halaji Thakor and him wife Shri Shankaben are resident of Norata village. He possesses no land, and he barely manages to sustain his family by providing labour services to various land owners in the village. He lives with his wife, Shankaben Thakor, and his 7 year old mentally and physically disabled son. Kantibhai also does not have his own ‘pucca’ house and lives with his family in a mid hut.

We approached Kantibhai, after careful consideration and understanding his requirements and limitations of being able to sufficiently provide for his family. We offered a cow for the sustenance and nutrition of his family. A cow provides for required nutrition, especially for his child, and also is a means for income through milk and manure.

Kantibhai and his family were very grateful when we made his offer and immediately offered to use this opportunity to give service to others also. He promised to give a part of the daily milk provided, to other underprivileged children in the village who are in need, and also distribute the manure as fertilizer, instead of selling it.

We provided a cow who also has a calf and Kantibhai was happy with the prospect that his son will also get a young companion to play with.

The cost of the cow provided to Kantibhai is Rs 10,500.

Additional Rs 500 provided for the transportation costs in bringing the cow to his village and home. Rs 2,000 provided to Kantibhai for the initial needs of the cow, for fodder and seeds, which in future will be looked after by him.

Thus, a total amount of Rs 13,000 has been donated towards Kantibhai Thakor’s family and this amount promises to be well used towards providing a new lease of sustenance to this family in need.

NANDINI SERVICE ON WHEELS

    

Nandini Mobile Van

Environmental Sanitation Institute

                       

The Environmental Sanitation Institute is involved in a number of projects from building sanitation facilities

to training educators and masons. Although the Institute has a lot of past experience in the field of rural grass root education, it currently does not have any such programs. The Sanitation and Health on Wheels project is an opportunity for ESI to restart such initiatives within rural communities. This project seeks to raise awareness of prominent sanitation and health issues, provide basic health services, increase the felt need for sanitation facilities, and provide an environment for volunteering all within rural communities.

A custom-built, professionally-designed Sanitation and Health on Wheels bus houses more than four staff members and volunteers. With sleeping and bath facilities, the bus provides the flexibility to visit any region at any time. A state of the art multimedia installation also provides the flexibility of media rich educational programs. Utilizing ESI ‘s extensive experience and commitment to service, by working alongside villagers and building a rapport with the inhabitants, the project aims to motivate rural Gujarat to take control of their village and make it model of cleanliness, good health, and environmental sanitation.

In order to make significant progress in India’s current state of health and sanitation, the majority of India’s population must practice proper sanitation methods.  Since 70% of India lives in rural regions, creating awareness among the rural masses is crucial to the overall sanitation progress in India.  The mobility aspect of Sanitation and Health on Wheels allows the ESI training teams to conveniently reach rural communities with all the materials and facilities to make these visits most effective. Since some of India’s rural population is illiterate, educational awareness must be conducted through creative verbal modes of communication.  The media tools that Sanitation and Health on Wheels is equipped with allow communicating sanitation and health concepts through visual presentations, songs, plays, and hands-on experiments demonstrating the consequences of ill hygiene and unsanitary habits.

Additionally, the rural cultures of India do not readily trust methods rooted in urban organization.  Activities

should be conducted such that the educators gain the trust of their community in order to implement behavioral change with regards to habits.  ESI’s experience in working with villages has proved that completely immersing into the village culture is the best way to earn the respect of the village residents.  Although the issue at hand is education, ESI has learned that the relations formed with individual members of the community form the communication structure for gaining the trust of the community. The Sanitation and Health on Wheels team will assimilate these principles into the daily activities in target villages in order to effectively address health and sanitation habits. 

Objectives

•  Sanitation
• Health
• Value Based Education
• To enlighten the people about various schemes of sanitation and drinking water of State Govt. and Central Govt.
• To generate felt demand for sanitation facilities through awareness creation and health education.
• To encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies in sanitation.
• To accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas.
• To impart training about water, sanitation, health and hygiene to NGOs, Panchayats, school teachers and children for behavioral change in the areas of water and sanitation.
• To bring about an improvement in the general quality of life in rural areas.
• To provide opportunity for sharing experiences in maintenance of safe drinking water and environmental sanitation.

For more details contact

Suresh poondiya                                                                                                                                        Jayesh patel  (Director):

+91-9978596172                                                                                                                                      Enviromental Sanitation Institute

(Coordinator of Nandini Mobile Van)                                                                                                     SUGHAD, Near Narmada Main

Email: nandini.esi@gmail.com                                                                                                                    Canal, Ta./Dist. Gandhinagar

SAFAI VIDYALAYA                                                                                                                                     Gujarat-382 424, INDIA

Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad-380 027                                                                                                            Tel./Fax: 079-23276127

Tele./Fax: 079 – 2755 8052                                                                                                                        Email: esi.sughad@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                                      Website: www.esigujarat.org.