Work An Hour 2000

Work an Hour 2000 was a remarkable success in terms of the amount of money raised and the effect it has had on the projects it supported. Over $84,000 was raised and 6 projects were supported. Below is a summary of the projects supported, financials on how the funds were disbursed and details on how the proposals were carried out.

Projects

1. VOICE, Mumbai, Maharashtra
2. Irula Project, Thiruvallur, Tamilnadu
3. UMBVS, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
4. Sahanivasa, Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh
5. Jeevan Gnanodaya, Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu
6. IOI Project, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu

Financials

VOICE, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Bharathi trust (BT), an organization working for the upliftment of the Irulas and headed by a lady named Siddamma planned to create motivational centers that would prepare the Irula children to join the mainstream educational system. The goal of the the Asha-Irula project was the creation of 8 motivational centers/transitional schools catering to Irula tribals residing in the Thiruvallur district of Tamilnadu. The schools are a source of immense pride to the Irulas and community involvement is evident at every stage.

WAH 2000 funds were need to start the 8 centers. These schools are currently operational. Drought conditions affected the distribution of the Irula population and so a ninth motivational center had to be added. The funds sent to BT over the last year have been utilized thus far to obtain land, construct the buildings, train teachers and provide meals to the children. Interaction of the teachers with the children commenced even as the construction of the school was in progress. A dedicated team of Asha Stars has been working closely with the people at the project.

For more information about this project, visit the project website.

UMBVS, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Urmul Marusthali Bunkar Vikas Samiti, Phalaudi, a society formed by and for weavers was started in 1989. UMBVS proposed to address the educational needs of the children of migrant farmers in JaiSalmer. Jaisalmer is one of the most backward districts in the state of Rajasthan. The Indira Gandhi canal has already reached Mohangarh Tehsil. The distribution of irrigated land in this area to dalit farmers is currently underway. Most of the allottees have begun occupying their piece of land. The area is vast, relentless, scattered with sand dunes and finding a hospital or a school here is impossible.

UMBVS would like to set up schools in the Mohangarh district till the administration can get its act together and provide for the same. The plan was to set up 15 schools in the area, each having two teaching staff members. Land for construction of the schools, and also labor for construction will be the contribution of the villagers themselves. Work on the schools was put on hold since the WAH funds did not reach the organization in time for the school year. The work will be done this year.

For more information about this project, visit the project website.

Sahanivasa, Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh

Sahanivasa has been working in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh since 1985 on organizing dalits, landless laborers, and women on a variety of issues. These include implementation of land reforms, organizing for minimum wages and tenancy rights, organizing for gender equity and rights, monitoring, documenting and disseminating information about human rights violations and organizing local actions to address such violations. Sahanivasa also lobbies actively for changes in existing laws, new laws and implementation of the laws governing these issues.

WAH funds were to be used to start a coaching program for Dalit youth in their 10th standard and to strengthen the primary school program in 15 dalit villages. Since the after-school support/coaching program started last year, the Dalit students pass percentage in the 10th standard has improved in these centers drastically. Out of 296 students, 228 have passed and the pass percent (at 77%) is even higher than the state average.

For more information about this project, visit the project website.

Jeevan Gnanodaya, Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu

Jeevan Gnanodaya school for the deaf and mentally retarded is an institution run by the Jeevan Gnanodhaya Charitable Trust, in Chengalpattu near Chennai. It was started by Mr.Devarajan in 1989 with 5 children and now has 105 students in 11 classes. The students are from very poor rural families - most of the parents being agricultural labourers, small farmers or daily wage earners.

The WAH proposal was for setting up an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at the school. The new ITI building has been constructed and the children will start carpentry classes here as soon as they are done with their 10th standard examinations. By the end of July of 2001, fitter training classes will start. They have also received Govt. permission to start classes for 12th standard from July 2001.

For more information about this project, visit the project website.

IOI Project, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu

The International Ocean Institute, Operational Centre (India) at IIT Madras is a division of the Foundation for Sustainable Development (India). The IOI is a global NGO working for, besides other issues, development of the poorer coastal communities. The dalits are amongst the most oppressed people in this area and are very much in need of support.

The IOI project is aimed at developing children's centers in 3 villages and starting a micro-credit program for the mothers. The plan is to allow the women's groups to eventually sustain the children's centers. Development of a children's center is currently underway. The micro-credit scheme has been planned out and loans are being disbursed to the women.

For more information about this project, visit the project website.