Child Group Story

Today Aawaj Child Group marked the first meeting on cleanliness and disease prevention following the analysis of the current situation and indicator development. The session began with a review of the previous meeting, where participants shared what they had learned. Many expressed how joining this child group had been an exciting and learning-filled experience. Some even mentioned that they rarely get opportunities to speak so freely and joyfully in other settings, which made this group special. Except for 2-4 individuals, all members attended the meeting.

Icebreaker Activity: The Train Game

Before digging into the topic, I engaged all participants in a fun and interactive game called the “Train Game.” Stations like Nakpur, (check nose) Nangpur(check nails), Kanpur (check ear), and Kapalpur (check hair are clean or not) were created, along with a station inspector. The rule was simple: passengers could advance through the stations only if they passed inspections based on station-specific requirements; otherwise, they were disqualified. By the end, only three passengers successfully passed all the stations, while the rest were disqualified.

The game was new and enjoyable for everyone, and the feedback reflected their excitement. However, I noticed some participants felt disappointed about being disqualified. Using this as a segue, I transitioned into today’s topic—cleanliness and its profound importance.

Discussion on Cleanliness

While everyone was familiar with the term “cleanliness,” I realized there were many aspects that children had not fully understood. I explained that cleanliness is not just about personal hygiene but also about maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings, homes, and environment.

When I asked about the current state of cleanliness in their homes and schools, many admitted it wasn’t very good. I emphasized that cleanliness is as vital for our health as nutrition and wellness. I explained how a clean environment ensures a healthy life, while a polluted one can lead to illnesses, no matter how nutritious or delicious our food is.

The children listened intently as I discussed how a lack of cleanliness can lead to diseases like colds, pneumonia, malaria, typhoid, COVID-19, stomach aches, and diarrhea. This realization made them see the importance of cleanliness in a new light. I taught them how to manage personal hygiene and dispose of waste properly to prevent environmental pollution and its harmful effects on our health.

Commitment to Change

The discussion inspired the children to take their health into their own hands. They committed to:

• Maintaining personal hygiene
• Properly managing waste at home and in their surroundings
• Educating their peers about cleanliness
• Formulating action plans to bring about behavioral changes in their daily lives

The children understood their responsibilities clearly and pledged to start implementing these changes immediately. They also shared their enthusiasm for improving in future sessions of the Train Game, promising to succeed in passing all the stations next time.

Conclusion and Next Steps

I announced that I would visit each child’s home in the coming days to monitor their progress in changing their behavior. I also informed everyone about the next meeting, scheduled for 2081/09/20 (Saturday 4^th January 2025), where we will discuss children’s rights and their four core areas.

The meeting concluded successfully with unanimous agreement and a shared commitment to making cleanliness and health a priority.

November 2024

Namaste,

Today, (23^rd November 2024, Mangsir 8) we began the second meeting of the Awaj Child Group by reviewing and reflecting on the discussions and learnings from the first meeting. It was heartening to hear the children share, one by one, what they had learned in the previous session. Many also mentioned how they had shared these lessons at home, which filled me with joy.

The focus of today’s discussion was situation analysis and indicator development. As I had informed everyone in the last meeting about this topic, the children came prepared. I explained the agenda in detail and emphasized the importance of speaking openly and fearlessly about the problems they observe in their families, communities, and schools.

After receiving their enthusiastic agreement, I began asking a series of questions I had prepared. A total of 38 children participated actively, helping identify the following issues:

Family Issues:

• Lack of regular personal hygiene practices (bathing, brushing teeth, cutting nails and hair).
• Absence of toilet at home.
• Limited use of soap and water for hygiene.
• Lack of balanced and nutritious meals.
• Over-reliance on outside/junk food.
• Frequent scolding and physical punishment from parents.
• Lack of sports materials at home.
• Excessive time spent on mobile phones or watching TV.
• Not being part of any child group so far.

Community Issues:

• Unhygienic surroundings, with visible garbage inside and outside homes.
• Influence of bad company and substance abuse.
• Serious concerns such as child marriage and caste-based discrimination.
• Gender discrimination between boys and girls.

School Issues:

• Corporal punishment, scolding, and beating by teachers.
• Insufficient teaching and learning about child rights and protection from violence.
• Irregular school attendance by children.
• Lack of sports materials and extracurricular activities in schools.

Together, we discussed how these issues could be addressed and set time frames for solving them. The children categorized the issues into those needing immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions, based on their severity and impact. I carefully noted these timelines.

As the session was detailed and took more time than usual, the children appeared quite involved but slightly tired. To end on a lighter note, I facilitated a game called “Small Fish, Big Fish,” as I had promised in the last meeting. The game tied into today’s topic, teaching that regular, smaller tasks are easier and quicker to accomplish. However, solving larger problems may be challenging and time-consuming but can bring lasting benefits to everyone. The children understood and appreciated this lesson, as reflected in their feedback.

Finally, we summarized the day’s discussions and concluded the meeting, scheduling the next one for 2081/08/29 (14 December 2024).

October 2024

Namaskar,

With the support of Slisha, a Child Group was formed under the WAWCAS Program in Simra Bhawanipur, Ward No. 8, Gujara Municipality, Rautahat. The group includes 35 children from WAWCAS women in Group No. 6 and 8. and it’s the fourth such group established by the organization in Rautahat.

In the first meeting, 42 children were present. After discussion, the group was named Awaaz Bal Samuh (“Voice Children’s Group”) with the unanimous agreement that 35 children would be regular members.

The meeting started with introductions. Since the children and their families see each other frequently in the community, everyone was familiar with one another. During the discussion about the organization and its program, it was evident that many already knew about it. When asked, some children mentioned that their mothers had talked to them about it, which made us very happy.

We discussed the purpose of the Child Group, which aims to raise awareness of children’s importance and encourage them to actively participate in various activities. The children listened attentively as we explained what a Child Group is, how it is formed, and its objectives. They asked questions whenever needed.

We also talked about the responsibilities of group members and democratically elected the following positions: Chairperson: Pratiksha Chaudhary, Vice President: Diksha Chaudhary, Secretary: Deepika Chaudhary, and Treasurer: Aarti Kumari Ram, with all others serving as general members. By the end of the discussion, all questions and curiosities were addressed, leaving everyone with a clear understanding.

The children expressed happiness, knowing this organization had also supported their mothers with capital, business training, and meetings. Participants were given a chance to share their thoughts, which made everyone even happier.

With the formation of this Child Group, the children now have a space to gather, play, learn, and enjoy themselves. They’re feeling a growing sense of determination and enthusiasm. From today, they’ve pledged to choose a good path, envision their future, and work towards self-improvement. The next meeting is scheduled for November 23, 2024 (Mangsir 8, 2081)

Dear Readers,

Seeing the children’s excitement and interest in this program fills me with joy. Just as the mothers share what they learn with their children, I hope these children, too, will share their knowledge with their siblings and neighbors. With great hope, I plan to dedicate my time to support this group.

Warm regards,

Binod Kumar Ram