The 16th October' 2010- 'Coming together for a cause for children in need'

‘Coming together for a cause for children in need’

People First Initiatives:

People First Initiatives is a collective action of few like-minded people from diverse fields cutting across caste, creed, age, sex and religion. We came together because we believe in strength of togetherness and the contributions (small/little/substantial) that the group can make in one’s lives and society, at large. We firmly believe that every individual has inherent potential and is worthy enough of a life with - dignity and respect.

A cause currently being taken up:

In the group’s efforts to start taking initiatives, it took up the cause of Carmel Jyoti, Manipur- a home for Children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. The group felt that it was no time to sit back and watch issues which affect each one of us, but rather to be part of the change process and contribute at its best possible level with support from every individual possible, in making those change which matter most to those needy. The group knew that Carmel Jyoti is a genuine home that does tremendous wonders for children infected and affected by children but striving hard to serve to these children through bare minimum it has. As a result it was very clear to every member of People First Initiatives on the need to take up the cause of Carmel Jyoti, keeping in mind the principles enshrining the best interests of children staying at the home.

The group to assist Carmel Jyoti, Manipur initiated a resource mobilization campaign under the broad theme ‘Coming together for a cause for children in need’. It was decided that the campaign will be ongoing and will not have any time frame as the home is in dire need of resources to take care of medical care, education, nutrition and other needs for the children staying at the home. Hence, the group will constantly assist Carmel Jyoti in any resource mobilization activities going on currently as well as any activities in future at its possible level for well-being of children. The group will try to build networks and strengthen the home’s existing networks with individuals, groups, agencies and others concerned.

As part of the campaign the group decided to hold a medical check-ups programs and interaction cum communication exercises for and with children of Carmel Jyoti, Manipur on 16^th October’ 2010. The need for medical check- ups was expressed

by the Sister-in-charge as the children at the home have been deprived of such check up for a long time, despite repeated requests to concern government authorities.

Hence, the group contacted Dr. Jashobanta, Paediatrician (experienced paediatric HIV physician) of District Hospital, Thoubal and Dr. Bembem, Nutritionist, at Regional Paediatric ART Centre, JN Hospital, Manipur for the 16^th program at Carmel Jyoti, Manipur.

Pre-event process (Before 16^th October’ 2010)

The pre-event processes were equally thrilling and challenging at the same time. Letters by the respective members were widely circulated to  their dear and near ones, friends, friends’ friends and others, in efforts to mobilize support for Carmel Jyoti, Manipur, and particularly for the event on 16^th October’ 2010. The group got immense support from many individuals, friends and others and promised support, in whatever way they can in days to come. For the members it was an overwhelming experience as the support garnered (at least through mails) was humongous. Though the group was assured of support from some friends outside Manipur, however, it was able to mobilize resource only from friends in Manipur for the 16^th event.

The group was able to mobilize a total sum of Rs. 9000/- (excluding the cost for banner, rice, eggs and others) for the 16^th program.

The following people (friends) made the financial contributions and their details are given as follows. The amount has been withheld as requested by some of the contributors. All contributions were made at their personal level and have nothing to do with the employers mentioned.

1.     Ms. Ng. Monota- State Program Manager, State Health Society, Manipur

2.    Mr. Milan Khaling- Addl. State Program Manager, State Health society, Manipur

3.    Ms. S. Rina Bai- State Training Coordinator, State Health Society, Manipur

4.    Ms. Randhoni L.- Program Manager, Solidarity and Action Against the HIV infection in india (SAATHII), Manipur

5.    Ms. M. Chandrama- Administration and Finance Officer, SAATHII, Manipur

6.    Ms. L. Reena- Block program Manager, State Health Society, Manipur

7.    Ms. I. Velory- Block Program Manager, State Health Society, Manipur

8.    Mr. A. Romendro Singh- Consultant, public Health, MoHFW, GOI

9.    Ms. I. Dolly Devi- Computer Operator, Hrangchal Gas Agency, Manipur

10. Mr. L. Madan Gopal Singh, Auditor, A.G. office, Manipur

11.   Irungbam House Church of Lamsang

Mr. M. Samuel, ART Counsellor of Manipur State AIDS control Society, contributed by being with the group the whole day and spending his valuable time with the children.

On 16^th October’ 2010 (The day):

I.        Medical Check-up

The day started at around 9:30 a.m. The doctor was picked up from his home in Imphal and was taken to Carmel Jyoti, Manipur. It was a simple arrangement at the home for the medical check-ups. The team members handed over 20 kilos of rice, 120 eggs and 2 kilos of local vegetable for lunch to the Sister Pauline of Carmel Jyoti. The materials were contributed by one of our well wishers. Another Rs. 100/- was handed to the cook to purchase some water bottles for the doctors.

To streamline the medical check-ups and to make it easier for the both the Nutritionist and the Paediatrician, the children were first asked to see the Nutritionist and then, the Paediatrician. The basic information of the children were noted by the Nutritionist and they were assessed for growth, weight, ART side effects and also were counselled for nutritional aspects in presence of the Sister Regina of Carmel Jyoti, Manipur. After which the children were referred to the Paediatrician for detail medical check-ups of the complaints they had.

Some of the diagnoses made by the doctor are listed just for reference (Please bear us for any wrong spelling mistakes in the diagnoses)

·         URTI

·         Gastritis

·         Conjunctivitis

·         Stomatitis

·         Taenia Versicolor

·         Giddiness

·         Pharyngitis

·         ARI

·         Coryza

·         Eczema

·         Sinusitis

·         Dermatitis

·         Headache

·         Enterocolotis

·         Impetigo

·         Diminished vision and watery eyes

·         Rectal prolapse

Mr. Samuel. An ART Counsellor also conducted interactive session on ART drugs with children who finished medical check-ups. Many of them also sang and dance.

 After the medical check-up of the children there was a small debriefing session with the doctors and Sisters along with the members from People First Initiatives. Taking opportunity, the team extended heartfelt appreciation to the doctors for their time. The team also requested if the doctor (Paediatrician) will be willing to come every month to perform medical check-ups only for children having genuine problems and he was informed that the team will be able to support with a sum of Rs.500/-(voluntary contribution by the members). The doctor requested for time to think for the same.

For the medical check-up the Paediatrician was paid a sum of Rs. 1000/- for the valuable time he gave for the children and the Nutritionist was paid a sum of Rs. 500/- as token of appreciation for her time too. The payment was made from the contributions that the group had from friends and others.

After that everyone broke for lunch. The lunch was good too.

Our friends Ms. Monota, Ms. Rina, Ms. Randhoni, Ms. Chandrama and Mr. Sadananda also visited Carmel Jyoti during the medical check-ups and assured support in years to come in whatever form they can.

II.     Interaction cum Communication exercises

After lunch the children were granted some time for rest before the afternoon session started. The interaction cum communication exercises constituted of three exercises (1) Knowing self, (2) Expressing ourselves and (3) Treasure hunt.

The names of the exercises were assigned by the team members and any resemblance to any other exercises could be coincidental.

1.  Knowing self

All the children were asked to sit in a circle and were asked to introduce stating their name, class, address, hobbies and dreams/ambitions in life.

A packet of chocolate was kept at the centre and every child had to eat one before they start saying about themselves. They were to look around to everyone present when introducing themselves to others.

Many children were hesitant in coming forward and saying about themselves though some were pretty enthusiastic and did it sportingly. However every child was given opportunity do so or rather they were motivated to stand up and say about themselves to others with pride.

The idea of conducting this exercise was to get the children familiarize themselves with each other. It was also aimed at building the confidence level of these children by creating time to think about their selves and encouraging them to share it with their fellow mates. The team members wanted to reassure the children to not worry about anything and that they should try pursuing their dreams of wanting to become whatever they want to in lives, regardless of the circumstances they have been put into.

The exercise was good fun and every child enjoyed it as expressed by many of them and also seen from their beautiful facial expressions.

2.  Expressing oneself

There was no theme as such for the exercise but the children were asked to express their selves in the way they wanted to. It could be in the form of drawing and paintings, songs, poems, stories and others.

Every child was given a chart paper, a pencil, eraser and a packet of crayon colours.

They were given about twenty minutes for the task. Many children drew landscape, few wrote poems and few wrote about the feelings experienced during the day.

The idea of this exercise was to help the children expressed in mediums that they were comfortable with. What the group wanted to emphasize was the fact that any feelings (good or bad) should be shared with others. Many a times, it so happens that some feelings start playing havoc in one’s growth and that if any child experiences such feelings then they were asked to share it with their Sisters and that it should not let it affect them in any ways.

The Sisters were asked to choose the best three each from drawing and writing categories. The winners were given small prizes and all other children were given chocolates as consolation prize.

3.  Treasure hunt

The team wanted to end the day with a fun filled event and hence treasure hunt was organized. The treasure was a mixture of chocolates and was kept with Sister Pauline. The rules were explained. There were a total of four clues before finally leading to the treasure.

III.   Closing session

The winners in the drawing and writing categories were handed prizes by Sister Pauline, Sister Regina and Mr. Samuel respectively.

The team members of People First Initiatives also thanked the Sisters and the children for the time spent and their coming together for the cause we all believed in.

Lastly, the team members handed over a sum of Rs. 3, 835/- to Sisters of Carmel Jyoti, Manipur for procuring medicines that the doctor had prescribed for the children. The team also assured them they would constantly try assisting the home and try mobilizing more resources from dear and near ones, friends and other philanthropists in days to come.

The children sang a song thanking the People First Initiatives.

Note: The entire day event has been documented (photo as well as video) for the record of People First Initiatives. Only few photos are being put here with consent from Sister Pauline in best interests of children staying at Carmel Jyoti, Manipur.

IV.     Way forward:

The People First Initiatives will try assisting Carmel Jyoti, Manipur at every possible level through mobilization of resources and creating and building of networks with possible donors, philanthropists and others, who may possibly help the home and the children living there in the long run.

A sincere appeal to each one of you

Please do come forward and help People First Initiatives in serving for causes that matter most to the needy and helpless lots. We assure you that your helping hands reach out to the cause that u want to contribute in as we believe ‘Togetherness is Strength’. We cannot do it alone but need all possible support from each one of you.

Please do feel free to write to us for any comments, feedback, contributions and others at: peoplefirstinitiatives2010@gmail.com

You can make your contributions at:

Name of account: Athokpam Romendro Singh

Bank: SBI

Branch: Imphal, M.G Avenue

Account no: 10929468517

Annexure: expenditure details

Annexure: Expenditure details of 16^th October’ 2010

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The total money mobilized was Rs. 9,000/-
SL.NO.	PARTICULARS	DATE	QUANTITY	RATE(Rs.)	AMOUNT(Rs.)	VOUCHER NO.
1	Register no.16	14/10/2010	1	120	120	3207
2	Register no.8	14/10/2011	1	60	60	3207
3	Wax Crayon	14/10/2012	1 pkt	75	75	3207
4	Non-dart(eraser)	14/10/2013	1 pkt	50	50	3207
5	Pencil Box(big)	14/10/2014	1	50	50	3207
6	Pencil Box(medium)	14/10/2015	1	40	40	3207
7	Pencil Box(small)	14/10/2016	1	15	15	3207
8	C/Pencil	14/10/2017	5 pkts.	25	125	3207
9	D/Paper	14/10/2018	12 pc	55	55	3207
	Total				590
10	Milk Roll (sweets)	14/10/2010	1	45	45	3273
11	Koble tsf (sweets)	14/10/2011	1	45	45	3273
12	Eclairs (sweets)	14/10/2012	1	45	45	3273
13	Mixdy (sweets)	14/10/2013	1	20	20	3273
	Total				155
14	Camera hiring	16/10/2010	1 day	500	500	APR
15	Honorarium for the Nutritionist	16/10/2011	1	500	500	APR(1)
16	Honorarium for the Doctor	16/10/2012	1	1000	1000	APR(2)
	Total				2000
17	Wax Colours	16/10/2010	15pc	10	150	Motijan store
18	Wax Colours	16/10/2011	25pc	10	250	Mangal Stationary,Keishampat
19	Thumb pin	16/10/2012	1 box	15	15
20	Envelope	16/10/2013	5pc	1	5
	Total				270
21	Payment towards JYOTI CARMEL CARE CENTRE under the theme"Coming together for a cause"	16/10/2014			5835
	GRAND TOTAL				9000