TPP JP Camp & KP Bachatgat Meeting
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The last leg of the camps included medical checkup at Toplepada and Janathepada. Additionally, we visited Kaspada to meet the ladies of bachatgat (Self Help Group) to discuss different avenues to make earning during their free time.
We had started our journey with Janathepada in 2012. Since there are multiple schools in the vicinity, the total count of the school does not exceed 35. Compared to the other schools in this area, Janathepada scores well in every aspect due to constant support by Suhrid foundation. Most of the kids were accompanied by their mothers, who were quite particular about their kids health. Toplepada is surrounded by people, who are comparatively well educated and this reflects on their kids. Majority of the kids were in good health per se. Scarcity of water in resulting in they facing dry skin related challenges.
We have started supporting a warli artist in Janathepada. Though this art has originated from Palghar district, most of the tribals have forgotten it. We are supporting a young artist by way of not only buying his creation but promoting as well. The idea is not only financially support the painter but also encourage him to train few more young kids, who can make living out of it. Due to lack of education and poor communication skills, these people are not in a position to secure government or even private jobs. Farming is just one way of making the living but gets impacted by unavailability of water throughout the year. Hence, instead of jobs, it is better to engage them in these kind of activities, which can not only revive the forgotten art but also help the young kids earn well enough to avoid migrating to different places.
As mentioned in the earlier articles, though the rainfall is substantial to get one crop, most of the males in the village migrate out to make living by working at construction site or fishing or working in brick kiln. Females stay back and take care of the kids during this period. We have thought of getting some work (such as stitching cotton bags, pouch etc), which they can do at home and earn as well. Apart from supplying the raw material, providing the sewing machine, training the ladies, we would also help them market their products outside. One of the “police patil” from Janathepada made around 2000 bags to the shop keepers, who needed alternatives for the plastic bags.
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