CYSD

Bhimkund, a tourist place, is located in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, which has been included under the child development programme area of CYSD. Golapa Kalapadia, a sponsored child lives in Bhimakuda village with her father Khatu Kalapadia, a daily wage earner, two elder sisters and one younger brother. The children lost their mother few years back. Father, Khatu single handedly used to manage the family with much difficulties and high responsibilities. But, the family situation became worsen when her father was unable to work anymore due to serious health issue. Even they do not possess any farm land for cultivation. The situation compelled her two elder sisters to manage the family by doing daily lobour as well as making plates out of Sal leaf.

In the month of March, the government declared lockdown to fight outbreak of COVID-19. Following which the normal movements and activities got stopped. Golapa’s family income source also affected severely. After a few days, the family being a ration cardholder, the Government supported them with some rice and money.  But, they could not go out to buy other consumables items due to closure of market place.

Meanwhile, the news on distribution of relief material to the sponsored children’s family jointly by CYSD and Plan India spread across the area. Getting the information, Golapa’s father rushed to the relief distribution camp in the locality and received the survival kit along with hygiene kit. On reaching home, when her father opened the packets, they saw a list of dry food and consumable items containing rice-5 kg, dal-2 kg, flattened rice-2 kg, sugar-1 & slat-I kg in one packet;  and a list of  sanitizers like, washing powder-400 grams, 3 pieces of soap, a mask and one packet of sanitary pad in another bag. Taking a long respite, Golap’s father thanked CYSD & Plan India for the help during acute crisis. “Do you know Papa, all these essential commodities are sent to us by my Sponsor Parents through CYSD-Plan. Today, I feel so happy. Truly, the survival kit is no less than  ‘Sanjeevani’ which will give us new life during this lockdown situation. We can survive with the food material for a month or so”, said Golapa with her emotional tearful eyes. “Yes, a friend in need is a friend indeed”, Khatu added.

16 years boy, Nadara Badra had never imagined that he would shoulder a heavy financial burden of eight-member family after the death of his father, 2 years back. At the age when his mates enjoying school life, he was in search of an earning source for the survival of his family members. His mother’s widow pension benefit is inadequate to feed three sisters, two brothers, a blind elder father. His elder sister works as a daily wage labourer to support the family expenses. Unfortunately, she was mentally, physically and socially harassed in a love affair and became a teenaged mother of an abandoned child. This added further burden on the family too. Finding no other way of earning, Nadara started a small business of vending handmade snacks mixture in a local hat near his village Kendujhiani to maintain the family.

Nadara’s family live in Kendujiani village of Thakurmunda block in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.  Thakurmunda is one of the operational areas of CYSD where the child development programme has been implemented with the support of Plan India. Nadara being a Sponsored Child (SC) under this project, his progress is regularly monitored by the programme team.

Owing to the declaration of lockdown by the Government to combat outbreak of COVID-19, opening of local hata (market), selling and buying of any kind of products got restricted. Local administration has been monitoring the lockdown closely. “We faced acute problem in arranging two meals a day. All means of subsistence were ended. We did not have any reserve funds to purchase essential commodities at higher costs from the market then to survive for a few days. Our pauper condition had never familiarised us in buying essential commodities in Kg rate. We found it difficult to stay at home in lockdown too. Since our is a kuccha mud house with one room to stay, it was impracticable for 8 members to maintain physical distancing”, shared  Nadara with tears rolling from eyes.

At this grave situation, CYSD team reached Nadara to support his family with survival kit (dry food and consumable items) and health and hygiene kit.

“I was waiting when the lockdown will remove and we will restart to work for wage earnings. Our struggle against starvation is now at the extreme point.  Thanks a million to CYSD & Plan India for rescuing us and helping to overcome the extreme hunger with the food packet for next 15 days. Corona lockdown will be a memorable occurrence in our life time” said Nadara with folded hands to the relief distribution team.

Being a young Community Resource Person, Mansai Saunta works for Asana and Kerimity Gram Panchayats of Kundura block, Koraput, one of the tribal operational districts of CYSD. During the lockdown period owing to Covid-19 pandemic, Mansai was actively involved from selection of beneficiaries to distribution of relief materials under Integrated Farming System program, in partnership with Ford Foundation.

Respiting from relief work, Mansai shares, “COVID-19 has affected the whole world. Our region is no escape, not much because of Corona pandemic but due to the lockdown declared by the Government. Following the outbreak, people in our place were in fear and doubt of life; the ultra-poor and people from the lower income strata suffered miserably; and the health and human resource became standstill. But, the timely support of CYSD in terms of dry food & consumable packet along with hygiene kit helped them survive for two weeks or so”.

Followed by the relief work, Mansai has been actively involved in organising number of awareness campaigns in both the Panchayats on maintenance of social distance, hand wash practice, use of mask, staying at home, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness around to combat COVID-19.
“I am indeed thankful to CYSD team for giving such a platform to work as a frontline soldier, helped me learn from them and be a part of the noble work meant for the people in need,” says Mansai delightfully.

A 42 years old self-inspired guy, Umachand Baral, having rich experience on community mobilisation jumped into outside to fight COVID-19 outbreak while the Government announced lockdown across the nation. His prime motto was to protect all innocent tribal people including women, men, children who do not know about this deadly virus and its formidable consequences.

While interacting with Umachand, it was learnt, he did not have much knowledge about Coronavirus and its far-reaching effect, but his prime intention was to be among the people of Kudumuluguma GP in particular and Khairiput Block of Malkanagiri in general with whom he has spent most of his valuable time to bring some changes within them.  Be it awareness, empowerment, protection of child rights or even child marriage, he has proved his involvement with utmost sincerity at the ground zero.

During initial phase of the pandemic, after getting a virtual orientation, he stayed with the community and discoursed among the community people about not to be panic and be a doctor for self-protection by acquiring appropriate information and right knowledge first. Starting from Block to Gram Panchayat or village everywhere Umakant is required by all sections of his society without whom the work is incomplete.  Through his personal endeavour and with the co-support of the Child Development Project, he has been able to make aware thousands of community people regarding how to practice hand washing, physical distancing, face mask wearing, be safe at home, avoidance of public/community gatherings, etc. He knew, there is no medicine or vaccine to get rid of Coronavirus but only awareness and above practices can save people at large.  He says, “Every day is a new day for me and all of us. CYSD-ChildFund have given me a wonderful opportunity to serve the poor and marginalised people in particular and the community at large”.

Undoubtedly, Umachand is no less than a warrior of Conora. He is a source of inspiration for many young volunteers and community resource persons during this Pandemic situation.

“The outburst of COVID-19 and following it, the lockdown has caused a lot of distress for the rural people, especially for the landless, physically and mentally disabled, people without ration card, migrant labourers and old ultra-poor people” says Gupta Prasad Gouda, a Community Resource Person  from  Bhaluguda village of Ramgiri Gram Panchayat of Boipariguda Block, Koraput. Gupta is working as a CRP for 12 revenue villages of two Panchayats namely, Mathapada and Doraguda under his native block, one of the operational areas of CYSD.

During the first week of April, CYSD planned to distribute some relief materials to the socio-economically poor and distressed people of the aforementioned GPs, following certain criteria.  “We were thinking how to reach out to those people in distress at this difficult times and commission the relief distribution work of my organisation. With the support and cooperation of local ward members and Sarapanchs of both the panchayats, we did a survey in the villages for finding the right beneficiaries. Without any hassle, we distributed the survival kits (dry food and consumable items) and health & hygiene kits to the selected community people as per the criteria set”, shared delightful Gupta.

“From the beginning of post relief work until now we have been conducting awareness campaigns on the importance of maintaining social distance, use of mask, hand wash practice demonstrations, staying at home and keeping hygiene and cleanliness around”, he added.

In fact, standing behind the people in need at this critical hour has solved much problems in the ground. People felt very happy receiving the relief materials and realised the importance of   awareness campaigns organised for them. It sustained them for few crucial days. “Since we were deeply involved in the relief work, the village people now have accepted us as their rescuer during crisis. In community, a sense of respect and recognition has been established for us. Now the people feel, CYSD is trustworthy for them. Corona has paved an opportunity to get connected with the people in distress and I am overjoyed to be of any use for them at the hour of their need too”, says Gupta with full contentment.

Certainly, this confidence level of Gupta witnesses that at any point of time if the organisation will go and ask the community for piloting any kind of innovative projects in these two panchayats, they will come forward to cooperate us.

The Forum in its regular meetings, being convened by CYSD, deliberated several issues including the returning migrants, management of quarantine centers and the urgent need for collaboration between Government and Civil Society at the ground. A Memorandum with CSO feedback and recommendations was shared with the State Government. A model protocol for managing quarantine centres (Ekanta Niwas) was provided. ABHIYAN, a Member NGO of the Forum has initiated a regional hub in the Jajpur district to support various Panchayats in Jajpur and Kendrapara districts in running the Centres through a proper Dincharya (day long activities schedule). This offers a model for other districts as well.

A 28 years old community health worker, Laxmi Mohanta puts her best efforts in preventing the spread of Corona in the tribal village of Taramara in Thakurmunda block, the operational area of CYSD in Mayurbhanj District of Odisha.  Taramara being her own village, she has been gathering detailed information about people who are home quarantined in the village and others who could be vulnerable to this deadly virus.

The villagers say, Laxmi stands as a pillar of strength and great support for 38 socio-economically poor and distressed families of the village by supplying food kits and medicines to them”. During this pandemic, she has been continuously conducting awareness programmes, educating people especially the mothers and youth group members in the community on social (physical) distancing, washing of hands with soap frequently and wearing of face mask while stepping out.  Besides, she is also engaged in distribution of ration for three months to the poor and distressed families, facilitation of community kitchen & quarantine centres and tracking of migrant returnees with the active support and guidance of Block Administration and the Gram Panchayat.

Laxmi reflects, CYSD has inspired and empowered her with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude through imparting series of training programs, which is now helping her to deliver services as an active frontline soldier in the face of global pandemic outbreak. As a community health worker (ASHA), she follows a string of demanding jobs by addressing the comprehensive health care needs of 202 families with population strength of 1058 in the village. The incidence of child and maternal death in her village has been notably reduced to zero. She has significantly brought improvement in health situation of children, mothers, and adolescent girls through intensive door-to-door awareness drive.

To her credit, Laxmi has been recognised by the District Administration as the best ASHA worker. Besides, for her health service knowledge she was awarded with a trophy and cash prize of Rs.2000/- at State level Quiz Competitions organised jointly by the All India Radio, Cuttack and the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha.

“I convey my sincere gratitude to CYSD for building my capacity in terms of skills and knowledge required to facilitate the healthcare services, like adolescent health care, social education, child health care, pregnancy care, administering safe delivery, care of lactating mother, growth monitoring, public health counselling, etc. I am now able to perform my duties in a desirable and impactful manner ensuring safety and security of the people of my village”, says Laxmi proudly.

The deed of Laxmi indeed inspires other health workers in the locality to become silent warriors during this Covid-19 pandemic and go a long way in serving the community.

While the sudden outbreak of Corona has made the world suffer in many ways, Odisha is no exception to this. The pandemic, in particular, has made the lower strata of the society the most vulnerable. The poor people’s food security is completely in haywire.

In Koraput district, Kailash Patra, a 30 years young Community Resource Person, while delivering the relief materials (food items and other essential commodities) to the poor and distressed families of Kumbharguda village in Kundra block, jointly supported by CYSD & Ford Foundation, an old woman with tearful eyes and relief packet in hand told him,

“I have received 3 months’ advance pension amount at a time supported by the Government under old age pension scheme, but I am finding no way to purchase the food items from the local market or haat for survival. But, because of you, I could receive the much needed immediate support at my door step.  God bless you, my son.”

In mid of April when CYSD decided to distribute some survival kits to the most vulnerable and socio-economically poor families in 2 gram panchayats of Kundra block where there exist 20 hamlets including revenue villages with 8000 households, it was too difficult and challenging to identify about 100 such poor families with limited physical presence of staff members.

At this critical situation, Kailash from Jantaput village of Massigaon Panchayat of Kundra block came forward in close association with the concerned two Panchayat functionaries, Anganwadi Workers (AWW) and ASHA members and worked hard in finalizing the beneficiaries list, venue and date of distribution in the presence of PRI members.

“Since the outbreak of Corona, with the support and guidance of CYSD team members, I have been closely involved in the community and organizing number of awareness campaigns and sensitizing people through demonstration to practice  handwash frequently, maintain social (physical) distancing in public places, like PDS distribution centre, water fetching points, MGNREGA work sites, community kitchen centres, farm fields, etc and staying at home more often, catching up with friends virtually instead of in person”, says proud Kaliash.

Kailash, having matriculation education, was associated with CYSD as an education volunteer initially for 3 years. And later since 2005 he has been involved as the Community Resource Person (CRP) in the intervention of Integrated Farming System (IFS) programme of the organization.

The heroic efforts put by hundreds of community resource persons, like Kailash in fighting Corona outbreak at the ground is praiseworthy.

“Living in outside city and getting a job there can fetch handful of money but not relationship. A big full stop to go outside, no more to Vijawada, never, but will continue to stay in the village engaging myself in sustainable agricultural activities” strongly reacts Rajendra, a 16 years old migrant returnee of Pandraguda village in Kadamguda Gram Panchayat of Khairput Block, Malkanagiri

Rajendra Muduli, being a sponsored child under Child Development Programme of CYSD (Case No.323) was in regular touch. He lives with his mother Basanti, two younger brothers and a sister. His father passed way a few years back, who was the only bread earner for the family. Being the elder one, Rajendra was forced to shoulder the family responsibility along with the widow mother. Despite the hardship, he studied up to Matriculation (10^th Standard). Out of his little understanding, he poised courage to take the responsibility of his father leaving his study career halfway and got prepared to feed the five-member family at the cost of his tender physical labour on daily basis. He was quite happy being engaged in household agricultural work along with causal daily wage earning.

In last February, his maternal uncle ‘Guru’ insisted him to find a job outside considering the poor financial condition of the family. Both of them proceeded to Vijawada city in Andhra Pradesh, close to Malkanagir in order to work as daily labourer in a private construction group.  But, as because he was minor, the Programme Staff constantly counselled and reminded him to come back to village and get trained under DDUGKY to become a skilled person; and  he has enough time ahead to work outside and lead a dignified life style.

By the day end, earning Rs. 500/- was a big amount which triggered Rajendra’s dream more colourful and realistic to become a good husband if marries a village girl soon after. In addition, overtime work can also pave scope for accumulating extra income. “The lockdown situation emerged out of COVID-19 outbreak nation-wide smashed all of my dreams and pulled me into a great disaster. The subsequent closedown of construction site work announcement by the Company made me gobsmacked. I could only realise, I may survive and support the family if goes back to village”, shared Rajendra hopelessly. Being a tribal boy, the simple thinking provoked him time and again to go back village and be safe in family. His uncle was bound to agree with his proposal leaving any other better options around. Since the public transports were completely banned by that time, finally they planned to return Malkangiri anyway by walk.  However, on their way back home, they were caught by the police at Motu check gate, the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh border place  and kept them under 14 days quarantine. Afterward, he reached in the village after facing several problems during the journey. Now, he is at home with his family members and happy being in the village. He keeps busy in collecting Kendu Leaves on daily wage basis and alongside looking after the onion and green gram cultivation in his farm land.

Rajendra compares, it is worth livening in village, leading a healthy and peaceful life style with dignity, while getting engaged in agricultural work in a sustainable manner.

Following the lockdown declared by the Government on 22^nd March owing to Corona pandemic, the movements of tourists/visitors were gradually restricted. The owners of hotel industries shuttered their normal business in Kochi of Kerala state. “I was working there in a hotel namely, Donut Factory Hotel as the Waiter. My inquisitiveness for returning the native place in Puri district of Odisha to see my family members went high”, says an 18 years youth Sk. Asraf Uddin who is camped at the Temporary Medical Centre (TMC) in Palanka Panchayat, his own village.

Asraf’s father Jainul Uddin is a petty fish vendor at Brahmagiri daily bazar. Elder brother being an auto-rickshaw chauffeur used to carry the children to school and earns a minimal monthly remuneration. The yearly livelihoods of six-member family – parents, a brother and two sisters somehow gets managed. Last year, with much difficulty, before FANI, her elder sister could get marry. “The economic plight prompted me to supplement the family’s income in a dignified manner and destiny fetched him to join in a hotel at Palampally Nagar of Kochi, Kerala, only 3 months back travelling all the way from Odisha”, shared Asraf to CYSD’s field volunteer placed in Brahmagiri.

Following the nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Odisha Government declared that the migrant workers those staying in other states may register their name, if they want to return Odisha during this critical situation. Asraf registered his name online (Regd No – G5153141). Knowing the fact that one train would start transporting the migrant workers from Kochi to Odisha on 2^nd May, immediately he booked a ticket and boarded that particular train. On 4^th May early morning, the train arrived at Berhampur and along with other co-passengers, he was picked up by the Odisha Government Bus to Krupajal Engineering College at Bhubaneswar for Coronavirus infection testing. After medical test, a vehicle of Brahmagiri Block Office took him to the Quarantine Centre set up at his own Gram Panchayat, Palank on the same day and reached there around 12.00 noon.

“Today is the 6^th day of Asraf Uddin’s quarantine. He will continue to stay till 21 days at this quarantine centre. He is availing all facilities provided by the Govt. Two more returnees namely, Sukant Swain, an ex-serviceman who was stuck while returning home just after taking retirement from service; and Sk Ramjan Khadim from Hyderabad have also joined the Centre. A total of 90 migrant returnees have registered to stay at this centre. We are taking all possible precautionary measures for the safety of all inmates. Work distributions have also been made among the staff members”, said Trilochan Behera, the Sarapancha and TMC In-charge of Palank Gram Panchayat.

“Being in Palank, my own village, I am now in comfort zone, eliminating the pains I have born to cover up the long journey from Kochi to Palank and respiting here happily.  No more I will spend sleepless nights here. After medical testing, I have no fear of Corona attack. I am quite happy with the arrangements made at the center and will adhere the prescribed Covid-19 rules for the greater safety and security of my community too”, said sensible young boy, Asraf.

This disciplined behaviour of Asraf Uddin is indeed laudable which will show the right path to other migrant returnees quarantined at the TMC.