The SAMUHA PLAN programme is based on the
philosophy of child-centred integrated village development. Over the years, we have actively incorporated principles of child-centredness and participation through inclusion of Balavana - Children’s Forests and Children’s Environmental Fairs.

Children are empowered to take on a leading role in bringing their knowledge on development issues back to their own communities through a variety of media including street plays and jathas. As they become more confident of their ability to interact with their peers and gain the respect of their elders, their interest and motivation grows.

Highlights 2002

House Visits by Children’s Club :

The Children’s Club goes on regular house visits to motivate parents of irregular and dropout children to send them to school regularly. Children also come together to clean the school premises, playground etc. Club members participate in pulse polio campaigns, street plays and Village Health Day celebrations.

36 Attend Computer Course :

For the first time, 36 primary school children from nine villages attended and completed a six-week computer course in Deodurg. Basic computer skills and academic learning were imparted through educational multi-media CDs.

Coached Class Students Sit For Exams :

At least 16 children who attended regular coaching classes at Deodurg sat for their Class 10 board examinations this March. These special tuitions were conducted five days a week in English, Math and Science.

Videography Workshop :

PLAN India facilitated a videography workshop at Irkalgada campus. Twenty children, including nine girls, from project villages attended the three-week workshop in October. The children were trained in various aspects of videography including concept development, story writing, picturisation, editing etc. The children independently brought out two short documentaries on child labour and disabilities.

Children’s consultations provide an effective platform for children to have their say about issues affecting their communities.

IN THE PIPELINE...

... facilitation of 50 Children’s Clubs

... computer training for more children

... a children’s magazine to form a platform from which they can voice their opinions and reach out to others

It was an exciting task for 20 children from the SAMUHA PLAN Children’s Clubs. They had to plan, coordinate and organise the Teachers’ Day celebrations. About 100 teachers were expected to attend the event. They divided the tasks - Veeresh took on the musical chairs event, Sangeetha decided to play quiz master, Lingappa decided on the logistics.

It was a flurry of activities the next day. Teachers participated in various events and the judges were children. Everybody went back home that day feeling a sense of joy and warmth.

“Such events should be organised once every three months. It will make us happy and boost our self confidence,” says Veeresh.

“We didn’t feel odd participating in the events. It was a space where the children could explore their potential and we appreciate their good work,” Thimanna, a teacher, says.