November 2024
Namaste,
Today, (23rd 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).