JAMGHAT: A Group of Street Children

Dulari Bai

2010-08-10T13:35:00.001+05:30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPzpOIIlmO4

2010-08-10T13:29:00.002+05:30

2010-08-10T13:22:00.000+05:30

Jamghat Outreach Program

2010-08-10T13:03:00.002+05:30

Jamghat- A group of street children is a Registered NGO since 2003. We are working with the runaway- home and homeless children in and around Jamamasjid and Hanuman Mandir area. We have fifteen children in indoor centre to whom we provide medical care, counseling, food and lodging specialties with education and vocational training. In outdoor centre there are about 25-50 girls and boys to whom we provide medical care, counseling and food as a day care centre with education and vocational training. Though we have much more in our indoor and outdoor centers, our heart was always with the children out there in the streets, without any guidance or nobody to share their life situation. With much thinking and planning we begun a programme for them called the Outreach Programme, with two staff (Sunil and Deepankar) and a Volunteer (Priyashanker) from CYDA Pune. The following is a study, research and experience of them.

We are there from 10.30am. To 5.30 pm. during which we roam around Jamamasjid and try to gather children at one place for different activities to attract children . Our activities are as follows;

1. ANTAKSHARI (Cross singing completion)

2. CRICKET, FOOTBALL, KABADDI

3. DRAWING COMPITION

4. STORY TELLING

5. COUNCELLING

6. THEATRE TRAINING WHICH EXPOSES SOCIAL ISSUES, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND HUMAN VALUES

The Fantasy world

As we started our work we found many surprising things. The situation around Jamamasjid is very pathetic. The different age groups live over there on the streets or in open space are addicted towards ganja, charas, smoke, and tobacco etc.we found a common thing among all the kids, women, and men that is a type of chemical which is known as solutionwhich is used to repair cycle tube puncture and the whitener pen for correction respectively.

They put these chemicals in a small piece of cloth and suck it. It is very injuries to health. There are many people, who have been taking these drugs for years. These drugs are easily available in the market around this place. By sharing, we came to know that they inhale these drugs to kill the pain of their body, to get relaxed and most importantly they find themselves in a fantasy world after the drug.

The sources of income

People over there, earn by selling (plastics, iron, tin etc), begging, gambling etc.some are rickshaw puller and some have small business on the streets. They have families but not responsibility. They have hope but not dream. They waste all their money in addiction. Parents take drugs and they share with their children too. They spread the chemicals from the tube on a piece of cloth which would cost Rs.2 to Rs.5.

These drugs are openly marketed and there are people who don’t take it but sell it. We found very few children with some dreams to do something in their life. They want to leave the drugs and be good citizens.

Activities:

After seeing such situation around jamamasjid, we started to do different types of activities like games, storytelling, theatre etc. we try to involve them as much as we could so that they would forget their addiction of drugs for few hours. Actually we prefer to communicate to the kids because we could mould their minds easily than the elders. We motivate them by telling good stories with good examples. While doing this we found out some of them are very good at acting, dancing, mimicry, drawing and Shayari telling. But they don’t have platform. All their talents are vanishing behind the curtain of addiction. We try to collect good kids from streets and send them to Jamghat outdoor centre for their education.

The young girls, boys and women are very much Vulnerable. At the age of 13 to 14 they get married. There relation breaks due to lack of education and maturity. They also marry with two three men/lady. Men persecute the women and that is the end of their married life and then the drug life begins followed by prostitution. There are many found with bad health we really help as much as we could. We give them first aid and try to send them to hospital.

Obstacle:

There is no proper place where we can sit with the children and do some activities properly. Every day we change our places. Sometimes under the tree and sometimes under the sun we work. It is very difficult to work during the midday because of the hot temperature. There are parks but not allowed during day time. They start to fight on small issues. Every day we see fights among them. Some local people create problem by trying to break the chain what we make.

Conclusion:

Sharing the life style of the people around this place, during these past few weeks, certainly enriched us so much that we have an experience that would last forever.inspite of a bad surrounding they have humanity. They want to change their self. They have hope from us. They wait every day for us so that they can play with us. They have too much pain within them and want to share with us. They respect us. The rich experience we have we would like many people to have. So we loaded some video clippings and images in our website. Please visit our website www.jamghat.in

Happy Day!

2009-03-05T13:22:00.004+05:30

March 3rd has been declared Happy Day across the world by G4S president Mr. Hudson! The goal is to bring fun and games to children who do not have the privilege to have such fun, as they are often required to take on the burdens of work and household chores from childhood onwards. In Delhi, G4S organized a day long event of games, rides, music, dancing, treats, and delicious food for 500 children, on the grounds of hte British High Commission.44 children from Jamghat/Max India Outdoor Program attended and had an absolute blast! Copious amounts of chocolate and ice-cream were consumed, every child danced their heart out and sang to the songs performed by G4S staff. It was lots of fun for everyone and we thank G4S for inviting Jamghat to the event! Jamghat Team

Greenathon!

2009-03-05T13:03:00.006+05:30

On the 7-8Feb. 2009, NDTV hosted the first ever 24hour live telethon in India. The focus of this telethon was environment and the goal was to raise money for solar powered lamps that TERI distributes to villages that have no electricity. Because the theme was green, the event was called the GREENATHON. Environmental events took place in Chennai, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Delhi throughout the 24hour period and NDTV covered it all live. In Delhi, Swechha (www.swfc.org.in) organized the event- a 24hour Yamuna river clean-up, complete with live music performing on a floating stage! Two-thousand people came and helped pull 12 truckloads of garbage from the river...and our Jamghat boys were right in there helping to send out the message that we want clean water in Delhi's lifeline, Yamuna! We are very happy that the event was such a success and that Jamghat got to help make history in India, by partaking in the first ever Greenathon! Save Yamuna...Care for your planet...keep your recyclables separate from medicianl waste and food to help keep the kabari wala safe...enjoy green plants in your home...don't toss wrappers from any windows....keep India beautiful! Jamghat Team

Website!

2009-03-05T13:01:00.004+05:30

Hey Everybody! Jamghat is proud to announce the launch of our very first website! While we work out the kinks, please visit it and browse around...there are lots of photos of all the children you so kindly support by following this blog and our endeavours. www.jamghat.in Hurray! Jamghat Team

Blanket success!

2009-01-18T20:37:00.004+05:30

Last night we conducted a Blanket Nightwalk with about 30 helpful sets of hands. We hired 2 rickshaws to roll the blankets along beside us, while we walked, distributing to those who were sleeping with no cover.

Though at times we had a small group following us and begging, we feel wholeheartedly that this experience was much more efficient and successful.

It is a slightly strange experience to cover a man sleeping on concrete with only a bag or maybe a sheet to cover him. I guess I expected that when they awoke, they would pour gratitude. But instead I received blank stares and somewhat cold response. Sometimes the person jumped up and begged for another. Most of the time they simply stirred and went back to sleep with no acknowledgement whatsoever.

Despite the small part of me that wished for thanks, I feel invisible donations are better. In this way the nature of hte act remains pure and the need for recognition is denied. This is better.

Thanks again to everyone that donated and to those that helped distribute! Blanket Success!

Blanket BlowOut!

2009-01-14T11:21:00.003+05:30

On Saturday, January 10, we took 200 blankets to the Outdoor Shelter in Jama Masjid, with hopes of calmly walking through the area, speaking to people, determining if they were in need of a blanket, and quietly distributing them.

This was the plan

This is not quite what happened!

We probably should have realized that this was impossible, especially having 2 foreigners in the crowd to draw attention. What actually happened was that as soon as we were noticed, a mob of about 70 people surrounded us and frantically scrambled for blankets! There was no way for us to determine who was in need or not, and for fear of being trampled (at least that was my fear!) we quickly let people take them and returned to the shelter to think of a new tactic.

People followed us back to the shelter and before we knew it the whole room and staircase up to the 2nd floor, plus (I imagine) the entire lane leading to the building, was FULL of people all wanting a free blanket. We tried to get everyone to sit, but with more and more people pressing up the stairs, the mood changed from organization to urgency and soon we had chaos inside.

Unfortunately we had to ask everyone to leave as shopkeepers in the lane were worried about business and the landlord was concerned about the building.

So attempt one was not too successful.

However, we have a new plan. After talking to some people we've decided that we will be invisible donors, walking through various parts of the city at night, seeing who is sleeping without a blanket and quietly laying it over them. A sort of Blanket Focused Nightwalk if you will.

When we decide the date, we will let you know and would be delighted if you'd like to help. It will take many arms to carry 160 blankets around the city!

Winter cold brings us together

2009-01-05T12:23:00.004+05:30

Every Monday to Saturday, our Jama Masjid Day Care Centre is open for street children to have a safe, warm, residence for the day. In the 6 months since this Day Care Centre opened, we have had more and more children joining and regularly attending the programs. On a slow day we'll have about 20 children come, on a busy day, up to 50 children of all ages fill our small Centre.

These children have become close to our hearts. We have learned their stories and heard their struggles and triumphs. We have seen them change habits, partake in chores, dance along with movies, and get excited about learning to read and write.

As winter set in, we became worried about the well being of these 50 children, having to sleep on the street through the cold nights. With this in mind, we sent out a request for donations to buy blankets and have received an overwhelming response! In just 2 short days, we have received enough money to buy 100 blankets to distribute as needed!

In the next day we will buy and deliver the blankets, enough for the children and possibly for any family members as well.

Thank you to all who supported us financially and in kind. Our rejoices continue thanks to your endless support and encouragement!

Annual Play, a success!

2008-12-15T17:35:00.003+05:30

Throughout November Jamghat, in collaboration with Khoj FOUNDATION ( http://www.khojfoundation.com/), successfully staged 10 performances of the play "Humein Naaz Hai"!

Once per year Jamghat creates a professional stage play and performs it in such places as India Habitat Centre, Shri Ram Centre and various universities including Delhi University and Lady Shri Ram College. The topic of this play is about various aspects of homelessness and is used as a means to create awareness and generate funds for Jamghat.

"Humein Naaz Hai", written and directed by Lokesh Jain, received rave reviews in the Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/21/stories/2008112150630300.htm) and extremely positive audience responses at each performance. This resulted in many donations and several wonderful new volunteers!

We are so proud of and grateful for our 35 volunteer actors! These actors gave endless hours of rehearsal time and showed immense, passionate commitment to our organization. That is the best gift of all!

Thank you to everyone that attended, to companies and organizations that supported us, to Lokesh Jain for his incredible work and coaching, and to the amazing, dedicated actors... our achievements are dedicated solely to you!

Warm Regards,

Jamghat Team

Continuing to Grow

2008-12-07T13:06:00.000+05:30

Hello Jamghat Supporters! We have a flurry of activity happening in Jamghat: new volunteers, a website in the works, and here, as you can see, a new blog site! Thank you for following us through our changes and evolution. As we get settled into the new blog, we will continue to keep you posted on all our events and achievements, so keep checking back! Updates to come, until then, go outside and find a child to laugh with!