Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Developing communities Gowthami Foundation Annual report 2012 JYOTHI SWAROOPA NILAYAM, H.NO 1-25, TANGUTUR (MD&PO), PIN: 523274 PRAKASAM (DT), ANDHRA PRADESH, SOUTH INDIA, Tel: 08592-242299, Phone/Fax: 08592-242620, Cell No:+91-9440265620, email:gowthamifounadtion@gmail.com 1 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Inside From CEO’s Desk. Mission, core values and objectives Board of Directors & Consultative Forum Areas of Intervention Donors & Partners (present and past) Gowthami Foundation Projects undertaken in 2011-12 financial year Consumer Education and Empowerment Initiative (CEEI) Sexual Health Project (Target Intervention on FSWs) IEC activities for affective implementation of PC&PNDT act Thematic programs initiated by the foundation Environmental orientation programme to school education Distribution of Nutrition Food for Positive Children Awareness program on Road Safety Awareness program on PC & PNDT Act 1994 [ Save the Girl Child) Awareness on HIV / AIDS Program ISM & H Program Awareness program on Badi Bata Legal Literacy camp for FSW World Health Day Program Doctors Day Program Distribution of Books for Poor Exhibition Stall on HIV/STI/AIDS Pulse Polio Immunization Program International Women Day Celebration World TB Day Program World Aids day program Looking for future Taking off… 2 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Another significant year have passed dealing with making change poverty and From CEO’s Desk Dear Partners in development, Greetings, It gives me immense pleasure to present to you Annual Report of Gowthami Foundation. This year marked the 32n Anniversary of Gowthami Foundation. As I write this, I have a tendency to look back in wonder. For Gowthami Foundation, these years have been a great journey of gaining great insights and learning. It has been like a roller-costar ride and we have taken everything in our stride and enjoyed the journey. We had resolved to be a “learning organization” and by and large we remained the same. We have never been fully satisfied with our performance and our vision of kept driving us. We have always set high standards for ourselves and have been doing everything possible to achieve the same. Foundation, through its partnerships with Governments and donors, has been trying its bit to contribute to the improvement of quality. We are increasingly concerned about not having our own laboratory to work at the field level, both in rural and urban areas. We have been having an internal churn resulting in the possibility of Gowthami Foundation getting involved in some Safe water drinking projects through direct field implementation for model building, piloting innovations and for knowledge building. I hope that during the next year, the thinking would translate into action and we will have many interesting stories to report to you from our field labs. I would like to thank all our donors, State and Central Governments and, most importantly, the communities, who have been the purpose of our existence, to have helped us learn, grow and deliver. We hope to achieve much more in the years to come. Warm regards, R.P.Ankaiah Chief functionary- Gowthami Foundation 3 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Mission, core values and objectives Mission: To empower underprivileged individuals and communities to have more influence over the factors that affect them by providing information, skills and services thereby equipping them for appropriate responses. Values: 1. 2. 3. 4. Commitment towards grass root development. Result oriented endeavors enshrining professionalism and pragmatism. Women and child development at the epic-centre of all programs. Meaningful collaboration with all agencies in implementing initiatives and programs directed towards social development. Objectives: o o o o o To provide quality education to all sections of society with due emphasis on technical and vocational education by establishing schools and institutes and providing special care and concessions to the downtrodden sections of the society. To increase awareness on general health & sexual health, nutrition, sanitation, sex education by providing information, knowledge, skills and quality health care services. To improve basic amenities in rural areas by working in coordination with local self-governments, departments and government agencies. To contribute to the socio-economic development of women, protection of children, consumer awareness and fight relentlessly against all forms of discrimination. To respond to all disasters both manmade and natural and actively involved in preparing, supporting and implementing relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities arising thereof. 4 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 About Gowthami Foundation INTRODUCTION: Gowthami Foundation [Formerly known as Gowthami Educational Society] was started in the Year 1989 with service moto and discharges diversified charitable activities. The main office of the society is at Tangutur, Prakasam District on NH5 Chennai to Vijayawada. The Organization got Registration with the No.171/89 on 05.07.1989. To channelize foreign funds and it got registered with Registration No.010330056 on 12-031996. In Addition to collect contribution from the generous persons it got registered 12(A) & 80(G) as per the IT Registration Act, 1961. Gowthami Foundation a registered non-governmental, non-political, non-religious organization in the year 1989 with aim to deliver and services to the underprivileged community including fishermen and schedule tribe in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The organization delivered services to the people by implementing various developmental programs but not limited Education, Health and Women & Children. Gowthami Foundation is pioneer in non-formal education in Prakasam District. It has indepth gross root experience and strong rapport with people in the project areas of Prakasam District. Gowthami Foundation response and addressed several issues where and when need raised except Tsunami relief. It responded to HIV/AIDS, cyclone relief, education etc. Gowthami Foundation has experience in working with government department very closely. Gowthami Foundation gained expertise in formation and support to Self Help Groups [Micro Finance from RMK & NMDFC], reproductive and child care, women empowerment, Importance of Girl child and PC & PNDT Act, consumer rights, child rights and participations, youth trainings(self employment) ,providing and addressing solutions various issues own way. The organization is dedicated to contribute in reaching of UN millennium developmental goals. 5 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Projects undertaken in 2011-12 financial year Project-1 Consumer Education and Empowerment Initiative (CEEI) Project title Consumer education and empowerment Initiative Project site Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool, Guntur Districts Project beneficiaries 375 Tribal villages covering with 3,00,000 communities Funding agency Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Total Project tenure 01.09.2011 to 31.08.2013 Reporting period 2011-12 financial year Brief of the project: Consumer is the real deciding factor for all economic activities. It is now universally accepted that the extent of consumer protection is a true indicator of the level of progress in a nation. The growing size and complexity of production and distribution systems, the high level of sophistication in marketing and selling practices and forms of promotion like advertising, etc has contributed to the increased need for consumer protection. Recognizing this, a well placed organisational set up has been created both at the Central and State level. At the central, Department of Consumer Affairs, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the nodal organisation for the protection of rights of consumers, re-addressal of consumer grievances and promotion of standards of goods and services, etc. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is the most important legislation enacted to provide for effective safeguards to consumers against various types of exploitations and unfair dealings, relying on mainly compensatory rather than a punitive or preventive approach. The Act has set up a three-tier quasi-judicial 6 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 consumer disputes re-addressal machinery at the National, State and District levels, for expeditious and inexpensive settlement of consumer disputes. It also postulates establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at the Central and State levels for the purpose of spreading consumer awareness. The Weights and Measures Unit, under the Department of Consumer Affairs has been set up to promote use of exact and correct weighing and measuring instruments. It is engaged in formulation of quality standards of goods or services as well as their certification through Quality Certification Schemes. Further, Consumer Welfare Fund has been set up to provide financial assistance for promoting and protecting the welfare of the consumers. As a part of the initiative of the fund, the Centre for Consumer Studies (CCS) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) has been set up to facilitate in-depth action research in the area of consumer protection and education. The success of spreading consumer movement in the country would depend upon the level of consumer vigilance about their rights and responsibilities. Target group Tribal communities in Prakasam, Guntur, SPSR Nellore, YSR Kadapa and Kurnool Districts of Andhra Pradesh with 29 mandals, 375 villages. Objectives of the project: 1. To educate tribal population on Consumer Rights in 375 Tribal Villages of Prakasam, Guntur, SPSR Nellore, YSR Kadapa and Kurnool Districts of Andhra Pradesh. 2. To empower tribal population on Consumer Rights in 375 Tribal Villages of Prakasam, Guntur, SPSR Nellore, YSR Kadapa and Kurnool Districts of Andhra Pradesh and to solve any issue raised regarding Consumer Protection at the local level. 3. To strengthen existing structures or systems for Consumer Protection. In case required, to establish structures or systems for Consumer Protection. 4. To create and enabling environment for the Consumers to enjoy quality, safety and price of the goods in the market. Activities undertaken: 7 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 1. Selection of Office Staff & Cluster Coordinators (Field Staff). 2. Rapid Assessment and Selection of Volunteers for Rapid Assessment (Base Line Survey). 3. Design, Develop & Distribution of IEC Materials. 4. IEC Mobile Vans (Education on Wheels). 5. Kalajatha Performances. 6. Training of Project Staff. 7. Village Level Community Monitoring Meeting.s 8. Conducted Educational Campaigns on Consumer Rights in School to educate children & teachers. 9. IEC Activities through Short Films. 10. List of Registers 11. Other Activities : a. Key Stakeholders Meetings. b. List of Lawyer Panel and Advocacy Meetings with Police and Lawyers. c. 1to1,1to Group sessions. d. Conducted Experience Sharing Meetings. e. Consumers and Vendors Meetings (Disputes & Settlements). Telephone F2F (Face to Face) counseling. Major achievements Created awareness on Consumer Protection Act 1986 in 375 Tribal Villages With 305866 populations Project-2 Sexual Health Project (Target Intervention on FSWs) Project title Sexual Health Project (Target Intervention on FSWs) Project site Prakasam Project beneficiaries’ 870 Female sex workers Funding agency NACO/ APSACS, Hyderabad. Project started on 2000 Reporting period 2011-12 financial year 8 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Brief of the project: Gowthami Foundation has been running a T.I project in the area of 25 villages in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh. T.I project which stands for targeted intervention project has been working in different areas of Prakasam District for female sex workers to prevent HIV infection amongst them. The area is mixed Population of industrial and residential colonies. Since it is situated at the border and very busy in transition the prevalence of HIV infection is very high due to merger of bridge population and TGs.Now T.I project is providing services to 2000 FSWs with the help of community and staff who are belong to the project. Area of Operation 25 villages in Tangutur, Zarugumalli and Kothapatnam Mandals in Prakasam District Aim of the Project Prevention of HIV infection among female sex workers Objective of the Project To Sustain and proper use of Condoms. To mobilize the Community for development community participation. To reduce the vulnerability of HIV infection among the FSWs through awareness generation. To reduce STI/STD among targeted population. To create an enabling environment to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on FSW. Project Strategy Outreach communication Health Services Condom Promotion Care & Support to PLHA Enabling Environment 9 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Community mobilization Key activities of the project Identification of New KP. Conduct one to one sessions. Conduct one to group sessions. STI identification. STI treatment. STI fallow up. Referrals to ICTC. follow up – ICTC KP meets. Condom Demo and Re Demo FGD/ GDs are at community level. CBO meets. Conduct community events. PE’s trainings. Staff trainings. Hotspot Meetings. Provide behavior change communication material. STI’s Refer to Govt. Clinic. Refer to self treatment Provide meeting immediate needs to Positive People. Refer to CD 4 count . Refer to ART. Refer to DOT. Refer to Care & Support. Refer to CCC. Clinic STI clinic is one of the important part of T.I project. FSWs are treated in the STI Clinic and provided medicines with free of cost, after that they are referred to ICTC center for HIV testing, HRGs with STI problems are tested VDRL and treated for that. Challenges 1. Prevention of HIV infection among FSWs. 2. HIV testing of all the registered HRGs. 3. To bring positive attitude within community people towards Female Sex Workers. 10 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Major achievements 1. Benefited 870 FSW BCC service utilized. 2. 870 FSWs are utilized Regular Medical Checkup, ICTC, RPR Tests 3. Who identified positive FSWs 12 members referred to CD4 Test and DOT . 4 member s Non-ART and 8 members with ART. 4. 12 positive members referred to DOT (TB Project-3 IEC ACTIVITIES FOR AFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PC&PNDT ACT Project title IEC ACTIVITIES FOR AFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PC&PNDT ACT Project site Prakasam District Project beneficiaries General public Men 20-45 years, women 18-35 years Funding agency Ministry of health and family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Project started on 2010 Reporting period April 2011 to March 2012 Brief of the project: Sex-ratio (number of females per thousand males is one of the most important indicators used for study of population characteristics. The sex-ratio which is highly skewed towards the male child has been a matter of concern for many decades. Demographically, the child sex ratio of 914 (2011 census) does not promise well for the future of the country. Declining number of girls in the population as per the 2011 census indicate that the child sex ratio is adverse for girls and this could lead to serious socio-cultural problems and population imbalances in the country. The high number of ‘missing girls’ is indicative of the poor status of the girl child and of women. 11 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 While the 2011 Census (provisional) data has shown an improvement in overall sex ratio from 933 in 2001 to 940 females for every 1000 males during the last decade, the number of girls to boys in 0-6 year’s age group fell from 927: 1000 to 914:1000. The most common reasons to explain the consistently low levels of sex ratio are son preference, neglect of the girl child resulting in higher mortality at younger age, female infanticide, female feticide and maternal mortality. One of the reasons attributed to the lesser number of girls in the age group (0-6) is the practice of sex selection. Medical technology has contributed in reinforcing negative patriarchal systems that demand male heirs. The Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 has been enacted by the Government of India to: Prohibit sex selection before or after conception. Regulate, though does not deny, the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques including ultrasonography for detecting genetic abnormalities or other sex linked disorders in the foetus. Allow the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques including ultrasonography only at registered places and by qualified persons defined under the law. OBJECTIVES Project has been initiated with a vision to strengthen the partnership with civil society in order to facilitate effective implementation of PC&PNDT law at ground level with the authorities. The overall goal of the scheme is to halt and reverse the skewed sex ratio in the country through appropriate linkages with State/District Appropriate Authorities for effective enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act. 1. Facilitating the Appropriate Authorities in information collection through identifying incidences of female infanticide/female feticide, catching the wrongdoers using decoy customers and effective inter-state coordination for checking incidences of sex selection in border districts. 2. Medical audit of PNDT records, especially analysis and evaluation of Form-F submitted by clinics registered under PC & PNDT Act and monitoring the renewal status of such clinics in collaboration with the Appropriate Authorities. 12 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 3. Identifying the incidences of female infanticide/female feticide and make the complaints against the violators and follow up the complaints with Appropriate Authorities. 4.Follow-up of the ongoing court cases, including support to District Appropriate Authorities for building a credible case against violations of the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act and suggest/take action for speedy disposal. 5. Breaking the chain of referrals (doctors, field workers, dais, etc), if any, for doing sex selective abortions. 6. Involving the field functionaries and PRIs for capturing data on Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), early registration of pregnancies and improved birth registration. 7. Conducting awareness-cum-training for public prosecutors / Judiciary in collaboration with National/State/District Legal Service Authority and Appropriate Authorities; 8. Analyzing the data to see if particular families/castes/communities have adverse sex ratio and find out the reason of adverse sex ratio; 9. Conducting awareness training programmes for effective implementation of PC & PNDT Act for nodal officers for PNDT in the district/sub-district, medical fraternity etc. Target group Special focus is laid down on the following target groups. Slum dwellers People dwelling on the sea shore SC, ST and Minorities People living on daily wages Orthodox and conservative families People on superstitions and blind beliefs Students & youth General public men 20-45 years, women 18-35 years Poor migrant people such as Budabukkala, Gangireddula etc., Pregnant, recently married couples and their family members. Activities Apart from sending the philosophy behind the PC & PNDT act to the above said target groups our society has been seeking cooperation and solidarity from Doctors, Lawyers, 13 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Women organizations, Youth Clubs, Social activities, Teachers, Police, Women and Child Welfare Department, District, Mandal and Village administration and Panchayat Raj Institutions. 1. Selection of staff (Project Officer, Supervisors, Resource Persons and Field staff to Survey at district and village levels. 2. Identification & survey of 50 villages in 6 revenue mandals of Prakasam district. 3. Survey at district level. 4. Conducting awareness and Training Programmes. 5. Village, block and district level meetings with “PRI”. 6. Organizing meetings with pregnant women and their families at village and block level. 7. The inter-personal group discussions with young married women or men. IEC materials. Major achievements 1. Completed details survey in 50 villages and at district level. 2. Detail documentation of village level information on total population, No. of young married men & women, pregnant women and total child births taken place. The details are as follows. 3. Total pregnant women registered [during project period 1.8.10 to 31.7.11] – 798 4. Deliveries during the project period – 596 5. Abortions – 13 6. Newly married couples registered – 482 7. Children died during delivery male-4, female-4 8. Child birth male-270, female-326 14 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Thematic programs initiated by the foundation 5. ENVIRONMENTAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMME TO SCHOOL EDUCATION Environmental education (EE) has been introduced as a regular course in formal school education system in India following the directive of the Honourable Supreme Court of India. Prior to this directive several programmes were current in the country related to EE in schools and communities. Through this programme it was expected to orient school children to its immediate environment using locale-specific examples and materials. To do so a range of activities were initiated including production of locale-specific print materials, training modules, practical activities and so on. School programme is one of the major programmes of GF since its inception. GF develops, coordinates and conducts number of educational programmes for school children who involve the training of teachers and the development of educational materials as well as assistance in the development of such materials by other groups. In order to facilitate the instructional process in the class room, the GF has developed educational packages for teachers based on environmental themes. These are designed to help teachers get an understanding of a wide range of instructional activities and approaches for the promotion of environmental education in schools. Target group 30 mandals namely Tarlupadu, Kurichedu, Tallur, Donakonda, C.S.Puram, H.M.Padu, Pamur, Ponnalur, Vetapalem, Karamchedu, Parchur, Ballikurava, B.Peta, Dornala,Racherla, Tangutur, Kothapatnam, N.G.Padu, Chimakurthi,Maddipadu, Korisapadu, J.Pangulur, Addanki, Kondepi, Chirala, Inkollu, Ulavapadu, Kanigiri, Zarugumalli and Marripudi 15 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Objectives of the program (i) To promote environmental awareness among all sections of the society; (ii) To spread environment education, especially in the non-formal system among different sections of the society; (iii) To facilitate development of education/training materials and aids in the formal education sector; (iv) To promote environment education through existing educational institutions; (v) To ensure training and manpower development for environment education, awareness and training; (vi) To encourage non-governmental organizations, mass media and other concerned organizations for promoting awareness about environmental issues among the people at all levels; (vii) To mobilize people's participation for preservation and conservation of environment. Activities undertaken Awareness Meetings, Distribution of Palm plates, Conducted Essay Competitions and Debate competitions at school level Distribution of Prizes like Dictionaries, Note Books and books to students. Mic canvas Achievements Created awareness on importance of the environment in 30 Z.P.High Schools,: 16 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 5. Distribution of Nutrition Food for Positive Children In India, as elsewhere, AIDS is often seen as “someone else’s problem”- as something that affects people living on the margins of society, whose lifestyles are considered immoral. Even as it moves into the general population, the HIV pandemic is still misunderstood among the India public. People living with HIV have faced violent attacks, been rejected by families, spouses and communities, been refused medical treatment, and even, in some reported cases, denied the last rites before they die. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is into its third decade. Over 5 million people in India are currently infected with HIV. This accounts for nearly 10% of the global HIV burden and the highest in the World after South Africa. According to UNAIDS, every 7 out of 1000 adults in India are HIV positive. According to Health Ministry of India, they are about 70,000 children under 15 years age are infected with HIV in India nearly 21000 new infections occurring every year. Target Area Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh Target Group Children Living with HIV/AIDS Aims & Objectives Aim of this project is to increase the immunity levels of the children by offering them proper nutrition and health monitoring Goal of the Program To expand the life expectancy Supporting Agency Individual donors and few business associates 17 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Activities Since pediatric formulations were not available, majority of the children living with HIV/AIDS were not able to get proper nutrition and treatment. Another big concern for those working in the field of HIV/AIDS is to reach out to the large number of children who have not been tested and who could be potential carriers of the virus. Identifying children who are vulnerable to HIV infection and verifying their Status would therefore be a priority. Currently this project is able to support up to 95 positive children. Core activities of the project: Nutritional Support Diagnosis of HIV infection in infants and children Enumeration of CD4 Cells in children found to be HIV Positive ART initiation for children needed treatment Diagnosis and management of Opportunistic Infections Psycho-social Support Travel and logistical Support Beneficiaries Children living with HIV/AIDS and having parents or guardians from 29 mandals namely Kothapatnam, N.G.Padu, Chimakurthi, Maddipadu, S.N.Padu, Korisapadu, J. Panguluru, Ballikurava, Marturu, Chirala, Vetapalem, Inkollu, Karamchedu, Kandukur, Gudlur, Ponnaluru, Kondepi, Zarugumalli, Ulavapadu, Singarayakonda, Markapur, Racherla, Dornala, Podili,Thripuranthakam, Kanigiri, Lingasamudram, Marripudi V.V.Palem Achievement By offering these services will enable the stigma free environment among the children suffering with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this will reduce the stigma associated with the HIV disease in our society. While treating their opportunistic infections and offering them proper nutrition will also enable them to attend the school regularly and psycho-support (counseling) can impact on children to adopt good behaviour. In addition this support will strengthen the positive thinking to lead happy life among CLHAs. 18 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 6.Awareness program on Road Safety Road traffic injuries are a major but neglected public health challenge that requires intensive efforts for effective and sustainable prevention. Road traffic systems are one of the most complex and dangerous systems with which people have to deal every day. Objectives are: To reach out to Government, Media, Corporates and Community to solicit their support to prevent colossal waste of human life on Indian roads as India holds the dubious distinction of highest road crash fatalities. To work as a pressure group to create political will and help improve road safety situation. Sensitize masses by raising awareness about road traffic injuries, their grave consequences and thus build community involvement around the issue of Road Safety. Develop cost effective road safety programs to increase knowledge, awareness and skills amongst the Indian road users. To change the attitudes and behaviors of drivers by creating peoples movement for safe behavior. Promote a positive attitude towards enforcement laws and infuse sense of courtesy and concern among road users. Target Group 30 mandals namely P.C.Palli, Dornala, Giddaluru, Cumbum, Racherla, Talluru, Konakanamitla, Marripudi, Santhamagulur, Y.Palem, Markapur, Mundlamur, Kurichedu, Tarlupadu, Podili, Vetapalem, Chinnaganjam, Parchuru, Ponnalur, Kondepi, Zarugumalli, Singarayakonda, Ulavapadu, Lingasamudram, N.G.Padu, Kothapatnam, Chimakurthi, Maddipadu, Ballikurava and Martur Activities undertaken Awareness camps on school level Distribution of palm plates Conducted essay competitions, debate competitions and meetings to school children Distribution of Dictionaries, Note books and pens. Achievements Sensitized the children in 30 Z.P.High schools. 19 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 7. Awareness program on PC & PNDT Act 1994 [Save the Girl Child) Brief of the program The Supreme Court, taking a serious view of the onslaught of sex-selective discriminatory practices by the medical fraternity, and the connection it may have with the use of pre-natal sex determination, directed the Centre to implement the PC & PNDT Act in all its aspects. The order came following a public interest petition filed by the centre for the Enquiry of Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT), the Mahila Sarvangeen Utkarsh Mandal (MASUM) and Dr. Sabu George, who had done extensive research in this area. Under the overall umbrella of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is being proposed by the way of including as a part of RCH II Program. While RCH II is linked with the critical concerns of safe mother hood, child health and reproductive health issues, (SGC) integrates the Girl child survival before & after conception through implementation of Pre-conception and Pre natal diagnostic technique Act 1994 by regulating misuse of pre-conception and pre natal diagnostic techniques for sex selection and promotion of girl child in the country. SGC will be a decentralized centrally sponsored program. Vision: To ensure efficient implementation of PC&PNDT Act To reduce pre conception and prenatal mortality of girl child and hence improve sex ratio at birth Target group: All Pre-conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Centers Implementing agencies Public Medical professionals 20 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Strategy: To ensure implementation of all promotional schemes for girl child at district level. Monitoring and evaluation of implementation of PNDT Act through community participations. Ensure accountability of implementing agencies through monitoring implementation of the Act through community participation. Tracking pregnancies, MTPs and birth registration by the way of involving Anganwadi workers, ASHAs Identifying violators of the Act through conducting detailed audits of form ‘F’ filled in for the pregnant women in the clinics. Develop a national, state and district annual Plan. ACTIVITIES PROPOSED UNDER Save the Girl Children PROGRAM IEC and publicity activities Rallies and Signature campaigns for ‘Save the Girl Child’. Involvement of community radio, mass media and internet for information dissemination. Awareness program with the help of NGOs/ MNGOs etc like Public Melas, public meetings, Jan Samvads, Jan Sunwai. Publicity and information material developed in regional language. Public messages in the public places like bus stands, railway stations, Airports, metro stations etc. Involvement of print and electronic media to give wider publicity to the issue like advertisement on TV relating to PNDT Act and promotional Girl child schemes in the State. Youth campaign against sex selection. Local awareness activities such as nukkad natak,dramas, folk art etc. Target areas 45 mandals namely H.M.Padu, Pamur, P.C.Palli, Veligandla, C.S.Puram, Podili, Konakanamitla, Marripudi, Darsi, Talluru, Mundlamur, Donakonda, Kurichedu, Tarlupadu, Markapur, Vetapalem, Chinaganjam, Parchuru, Inkollu, Kandukur, Karamchedu, Gudlur, Kondepi, V.V.Palem, Zarugumalli, Singarayakonda, Ulavapadu, 21 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Lingasamudram, Kanigiri, Ongole, Tangutur, Kothapatnam, N.G.Padu, Chimakurthi, Maddipadu, S.N.Padu, Addanki, Martur, Ballikurava, Santhamaguluru, Yaddanapudi, Chirala, Ponnalur, Cumbum and Thripuranthakam 45 mandals namely Tangutur,Ongole, N.G.Padu, Kothapatnam, Chimakurthi, Maddipadu, S.N.Padu, Addanki, Chirala, Korisapadu, J. Panguluru, Ballikurava, Santhamagulur, Marturu, Vetapalem, Chinnaganjam, Parchuru, Inkollu, Gudlur, Karamchedu, Kandukur, V.V.Palem, Ponnalur, Podili, Kondepi, Zarugumalli, Singarayakonda, Ulavapadu, Lingasamudram, Kanigiri, Pamuru, C.S.Puram, Venigandla, Konakanamitla, Marripudi, Darsi, Talluru, Mundlamur, Donakonda, Kurichedu, Tarlupadu, Markapur, Dornala, Pedaraveedu and Racherla Achievements We gave Awareness in 45 mandals of Prakasam district 8. Awareness on HIV / AIDS Program Brief of the Program: India has among the highest number of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the world today, although the overall prevalence remains low. Some states experience a generalized epidemic with the virus transmitted from high-risk groups into the general population. A major challenge is to strengthen and decentralize the program to the state and district levels to enhance commitment, coverage and effectiveness. The Program is based on the following vision: Establishing an enabling working environment that is responsive to the challenges of HIV and AIDS. The overarching aim of the Program is: “To strengthen the capacity of the victims of HIV/AIDS in order to develop and implement related to HIV and AIDS and create an enabling environment to promote prevention and positive living for communities and staff.” Program objectives Facilitating capacity building programmes for key target communities to prepare their workplace in collaboration with the Program Group and the for People with HIV/AIDS Facilitating the development and implementation of internal mainstreaming programmes 22 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Organizing linking and learning programmes Strengthening lobby and advocacy Baseline study on the knowledge levels and needs of REDUCING AIDS incidents according to their knowledge, attitudes and needs Identification of the available educational resources in order to develop a standard information package Consultation with NGO directors to give them ‘ownership’ of the programme Three annual central skills-building workshops for the organizations involved Target areas 45 mandals namely Tangutur,Ongole, N.G.Padu, Kothapatnam, Chimakurthi, Maddipadu, S.N.Padu, Addanki, Chirala, Korisapadu, J. Panguluru, Ballikurava, Santhamagulur, Marturu, Vetapalem, Chinnaganjam, Parchuru, Inkollu, Gudlur, Karamchedu, Kandukur, V.V.Palem, Ponnalur, Podili, Kondepi, Zarugumalli, Singarayakonda, Ulavapadu, Lingasamudram, Kanigiri, Pamuru, C.S.Puram, Venigandla, Konakanamitla, Marripudi, Darsi, Talluru, Mundlamur, Donakonda, Kurichedu, Tarlupadu, Markapur, Dornala, Pedaraveedu and Racherla Activities undertaken First we have done baseline survey in Program areas to assess what is going on at gross route level, RISK AND VULNERABILITY Unsafe Sex and Low Condom Use Migration and Mobility Injecting Drug Use (IDU Low Status of Women Widespread Stigma Limited Overall Capacity Variable Ability to Implement Responses across States Institutional arrangements and personnel turnover Use of Data for Decision Making Stigma and Discrimination Achievements: This report highlights the activities carried out in the initial six months of the Project. The report also talks of the opportunities and challenges faced by the project. The Project initiated by Reducing the AIDS It has attracted some potential buyers within the ta rge t gr oup 23 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 9.ISM & H Program Indian system of medicine and homeopathy The Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy consist of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy, and therapies such as Yoga and Naturopathy. Some of these systems are indigenous and others have over the years become a part of Indian tradition. It is estimated that there are over 6 lakh ISM&H practitioners in the country. Many of them work in remote rural and urban slum areas and thus, could play an important role in improving the quality and outreach of health care. These practitioners are close to the community, not only in the geographical sense but in terms of cultural and social ethos. The cost of care is affordable and hence these systems have wide acceptance among all segments of the population. The National Health Policy visualized an important role for the ISM&H practitioners in the delivery of health services. Measures to popularise and develop Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy have been vigorously pursued during the Eighth Plan. In order to give focussed attention to the development and optimal utilisation of ISM&H for the health care of the population, a separate Department for ISM&H was set up in 1995. Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy Strengths of the system are: There are over 6 lakh ISM&H practitioners The practitioners serve in remote rural areas/urban slums They are accepted by the community Problems are: Training institutes lack well qualified teachers and quality of training is not of requisite standard Lack of essential staff, infrastructure and diagnostic facilities in secondary/tertiary care institutions Potential of ISM&H drugs & therapeutic modalities is not fully exploited Existing ISM&H practitioners are not fully utilised to improve access to health care Activities undertaken 1. improve quality of primary, secondary and tertiary care in ISM&H; 2. invest in human resource development for ISM&H so that there is a marked improvement in the quality of services provided by these practitioners; 3. preserve and promote cultivation of medicinal herbs and plants; 4. complete the Pharmacopoeia for all systems of ISM&H; drawing up a list of essential drugs belonging to these systems 5. Encourage Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure quality control of drugs. 24 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 10.Awareness program on Badi Bata The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched a seven-day (12-18 June) programme called BADI BATA (i.e. the road that leads to school) with a clear goal, that is, to enroll all school-age children into school. This has been taken up in a focused manner with the partnership of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Balala Sanghas, Panchayath Raj Institutions (PRIs) and NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs). forethought GOWTHAMI With FOUNDATION has initiated this campaign from 5th June itself when we conducted a culmination programme of Summer Camp for the children preceded by a five-day village-level awareness and motivation Melas/ programmes on `Enrollment and Child-labor mainstreaming’. As a result an Action Plan has emerged which is now under intense implementation till 18 June and thereafter. The following lines in this report present day-wise status towards achieving the intended goal i.e. complete enrollment. Process Data on Dropouts, Never-enrolled and Eligible to Enrollment obtained The Project has cross-verified the data, which was already obtained through Village children from all the 26 habitations. This has been done at various levels such as Teachers, Integrated Child Development Society (ICDS), and House-hold-visits. The data was noted as 336 (ready-to-be-enrolled). confirmed statistics dropouts as 119. Besides this, the project also has got the Accordingly Action Plans have been developed to enroll and as well as mainstream the children identified. 25 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Family counseling and enlisting children for admission It has been observed during project staff interactions with the household-members that there is lack of awareness on the part of parents on the importance of children being given education. And some shared in line with their family financial constraints. After having heard all these, the staff have patiently counseled them case-by-case and convinced the parents to get their children enrolled. Motivating and Mobilizing children for Enrollment This is a Child-to-Child motivation activity wherein the children who are school-going motivate the dropouts by way of sharing with them the importance of education and the joyful school and learning environment. They even discussed the issues involved in child labour like foregoing child rights and exploitation at work spots. The Child groups have visited the houses of each dropout and mobilized them for `back-to-school’. Child group members visited houses of dropouts and never enrolled. The effort has yielded its results in the form of dropouts showing their willingness to admit in schools. Combined Get-together with Parents, Teachers and Children This is nearly a culminating effort where now the Teachers themselves interact with both the parents and the children in the presence of project staff. It was told to them that unlike the previous good old days, the learning is now no more enduring but enjoying. The teachers assured to create such a joyful environment in the schools, the interestsustaining teaching methods and personal care on each child. All the parents have been highly motivated at this meeting. However, the parents largely expressed their difficulty on the economic grounds. The GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION as an organization has come up with a concept to address the economic factors of the selected households from where the dropouts and the child labour have been marked. Here the Enrollment programme has been boiled down to an `about to action’ point where the entire Grama Sabha has been called for an action. Here the enrollment campaign takes shape with larger group involvement. The project staff have shared 26 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 the village-data in the VDF meeting and then a date is set to admit the children and have a celebration on the occasion of school admissions both new-enrollments and dropouts. The Village elders are highly motivated to strive hard in their village context to be able to declare, sooner or later, their village Child labour-free village’. Enrollment This is actually a day of celebration because 336 children have been newly enrolled from all the 26 villages and 41 have been mainstreamed from the category of `dropouts’. The particulars have been captured and provided in an abstract in this report at the end. And this process has happened in a procession mode when all the villagers have accompanied the children to the respective schools shouting and distributing sweets to all participated in the procession. 11. Legal Literacy camp for FSW Introduction Sex workers are among those who are most vulnerable to HIV infection in the world today. In low prevalence settings with a concentrated epidemic, such as India. Several factors heighten sex workers’ vulnerability to HIV. Many sex workers are migrants and otherwise mobile within nation states and are thus, diffi cult to reach via standard outreach and health services. They face cultural, social, legal and linguistic obstacles to accessing services and information. Equally important, many women in sex work experience violence on the streets, on the job or in their personal lives, which increases their vulnerability to HIV and other health concerns. For example, particularly those who work on the streets, report being beaten, threatened with a weapon, slashed, choked, raped and coerced into sex. Violence is a manifestation of the stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers. In all 27 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 societies, sex work is highly stigmatized and sex workers are often subjected to blame, labelling, disapproval and discriminatory treatment. Laws governing prostitution and law enforcement authorities play a key role in the violence experienced by sex workers. In most countries, sex work is either illegal or has an ambiguous legal status (e.g. prostitution is not illegal, but procurement of sex workers and soliciting in public is illegal). Sex workers are therefore, frequently regarded as easy targets for harassment and violence for several reasons. They are considered immoral and deserving of punishment. Criminalization of sex work contributes to an environment in which, violence against sex workers is tolerated, leaving them less likely to be protected from it.9 Many sex workers consider violence "normal" or "part of the job" and do not have information about their rights. As a result, they are often reluctant to report incidences of rapes, attempted (or actual) murders, beatings, molestation or sexual assault to the authorities. Even when they do report, their claims are often dismissed. Problems of the female sex workers (FSW) The risk of sexual transmission of HIV infection is well established. In situations where sex workers do not have access to condoms, HIV prevention information and sexual health services, or are prevented from protecting their health and using condoms for any reason, they are at increased risk of contracting HIV. Violence has a direct and indirect bearing on sex workers' ability to protect them from HIV and maintain good sexual health. Rape (frequent and gang rape), by individuals engaged in high-risk behaviours can directly increase their risk of becoming infected with HIV through vaginal trauma and lacerations. Sex workers are surrounded by a complex web of "gatekeepers" including owners of sex establishments, managers, clients, intimate partners, law enforcement authorities and local power brokers who often have control or power over their daily lives. Gatekeepers, for example, may exert control by dictating the amount charged by a sex worker, whether a sex worker should take on a particular client and even whether the sex worker can or cannot insist on condom use. Some gatekeepers may exert control through subtle means such as holding a debt, emotional manipulation or through overt means such as threat of an actual sexual and physical violence, physical isolation, threat of handing them over to legal authorities and forced drug and alcohol use. In several settings police use anti-prostitution laws to harass, threaten, arrest, beat and sexually coerce sex workers. for example, sex workers participating in an HIV prevention intervention reported gang-rape and harassment by the police as a serious problem that impeded their ability to practice safer sex. Sex workers also find it difficult to negotiate safer sex with intimate partners and clients in the context of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by some of them. Sex workers often do not have access to Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and HIV/AIDS 28 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 services. The reasons for this are varied, but violence or fear of violence and discrimination play a role. For example, possession of condoms is used as evidence of intent to commit prostitution and arrests are made on that basis, discouraging sex workers from carrying condoms. Health services are often hostile to sex workers, subjecting them to disapproval, refusal to treat their health problems, mandatory HIV testing, exposure of their HIV status and threatening to report them to the authorities. Targeted interventions for sex workers As recommended by the WHO Sex Work Toolkit: Community Mobilization, HIV prevention interventions should adopt practical strategies to reduce violence against sex workers. This includes: • Develop educational materials and resources for sex workers on their legal rights and on how to prevent, reduce and respond to violence. • Support community mobilization of sex workers to respond to violence and discrimination. • Develop a bad-date warning system where sex workers inform colleagues of potentially violent clients or incidents. • Conduct sensitization workshops with police and law enforcement authorities to reduce harassment and interference in prevention and outreach programmes. • Advocacy to promote human rights of sex workers. HIV prevention interventions that address violence against sex workers must be based on a human rights approach – one in which the responsibility for sexual health lies not only with sex workers but also with clients, third parties, government and the larger society. The health and human rights of sex workers must be seen as legitimate ends in themselves. Addressing HIV/AIDS among sex workers requires a commitment to addressing their social marginalization as well as a focus on health. 12.World Health Day Program Gowthami Foundation addressed “World Health Day” by organizing an annual cultural program on 7th April 2011. Discussions were placed on importance of the use anti biotic medicines and health massages were disseminated through various cultural activities. Hundreds of children actively participated in the program and enjoyed to the fullest. The event took place in Indian Medical Association Hall, Ongole, Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh. Gowthami Foundation had organized various performances for children of all age groups (3-18). 29 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Children from Pratham balwadis, and other private balwadis participated. They performed on stage, on themes based on health. It was a very brilliant site to see the excited small kids, full of enthusiasm performing Lavni (local type of dance performance). The theme for the event was ‘Urbanization and Health’ running parallel with WHO’s theme for the year. Parents and teachers applauded the event and made it truly memorable with their valuable presence. The chief guests Mr R.P. Ankaiah, chief functionary of the organization, Sri P.Lakshminarasimham, I.A.S. Joint collector, Prakasam District, K.Sudhakar Babu M.B.B.S., D.M.H.O. Ongole and our well-wishers and inaugurated the event traditionally. 13. Doctors Day Program 1st July is celebrated as doctor’s day across India to honour the legendary physicians and create awareness on importance of the doctors day. The nation honored Dr. Roy with the Bharat Ratna on February 4, 1961. On July 1, 1962, after treating his morning patients and discharging affairs of the State, he took a copy of the “Brahmo Geet” and sang a piece from it. 11 hours later Dr. Roy died. He gifted his house for running a nursing home named after his mother, Aghorkamini Devi. The B.C. Roy National Award was instituted in 1976 for work in the area of medicine, politics, science, philosophy, literature and arts. The Dr. B.C. Roy Memorial Library and Reading Room for Children in the Children’s Book Trust, New Delhi, was opened in 1967. The first Doctor’s Day was celebrated in 1991.National Doctor’s Day is commonly celebrated in healthcare organizations as a day to recognize the contributions of doctors to individual lives and communities. These events are typically organized by staff at a healthcare Nopn governmental organizations. Doctor’s Day is celebrated in the US and other western countries on March 30 – the day when Dr. Crawford W. Long first used ether anesthesia in surgery. Activities undertaken by the foundation Explain the Role between Doctor and HIV infected and affected people Felicitate Doctors [Best Services Providers] 30 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 525 members were attended at Ongole IME Hall in the month of July 2011. The key speakers and participants are Sri Kanthilal dande, I.A.S. District collector of Prakasam District, Dr.Anjaiah, Director, Rajivgandhi Institute of Medical Science, Dr Chalamaiah, Member of Red cross society, Dr. Sudhakar babu, D.M.H.O, Praksam District, Mr. Ankaiah, Secretary of Gowthami Foundation were participated in this meeting. 14. Distribution of Books for Poor On behalf of Gowthami Foundation, school books, study aids and uniforms were distributed free-of-cost to 280 children from 25 primary and secondary schools in and around the villages of Prakasam and Nellore Districts. The program took place on 26th June 2012 at Gowthami Foundation Center. Mr. R.P. Ankaiah and other members of the foundation along with the some government officials were also present at this occasion. In his deliberation, Mr. R.P. Ankaiah explained the various social activities organized by Gowthami Foundation. He further said that Gowthami Foundation 's activities to promote health education and good values are of cardinal importance for the future generation. He gave his good wishes for this! And also in his talk appealed the public to cooperate institutions like Gowthami Foundation which is working on the principle of supplementing good values to education and peace to wealth. Mr. Ankaiah gave information about the various free-of-cost rural activities conducted by Gowthami Foundation in the previous year and also thanked the audience! The program concluded with the support of staff and local communities. Thereafter, sweets were distributed to all children! 15.Exhibition Stall on HIV/STI/AIDS Activities undertaken under this program Distribution of Palm Plates Explain the History of HIV Virus How HIV/STI/AIDS affect or not affect Explain the usage of Condom and demonstration Explain the STI diseases 2000 members participated at Madanur Sivarathri Madanur, Kothapatnam mandal of Praksam district 31 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 16.Pulse Polio Immunization Program GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION counted it to be an opportunity to closely align itself to the expectations of your good-self in several development concerns, especially, in this case, with the administration of Pulse Polio Vaccination’ in Prakasam District at large. Responding to the call has given by District collector to all the District NGOs. GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION, in its defined focused communities, have massively involved in Pulse Polio campaign both in Phase-1 and Phase-2 to realize the quality output to our great satisfaction. We are greatly honored and encouraged when specifically pointing out GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION for our coordinated efforts to achieve 99.73% Pulse Polio coverage in Phase-1 and mentioning our special efforts to reaching out the non-available children in the communities with vaccine. It delights us to learn that our district ranks in the first phase vaccination in the entire State. Partners and Stake-holders o o o o o PHC Department ICDS Teachers CBOs GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION staff and volunteers APPROACH As part of the Polio campaign, prior to the Phase-2, the sensitization efforts have been carried out, as usual, to all Village Organizations (VOs), Child Groups (CGs), Grama Balala Vedika (GBV), Health Volunteers (HVs), Mothers Committees (MCs) and Panchayat Presidents (PPs). Pamphlets and Posters, which were specially designed for the campaign, have been densely distributed and fixed in the public places. Village-wise lists of the eligible children have been prepared through door to door survey and correlated with the already available data with GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION. 32 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Collected particulars of the children who or whose families have been migrated to some other place within the district or outside the district. In phase-1, we have announced incentives and special prizes through lucky dip, to the families who would actively participate in mobilization and actual vaccine administration. And it really generated great interest and thereby great participation. The awareness and motivation even continued to the second phase. But this time, we have provided `lunch packets’ to all the staff and volunteers who attended in all the 188 Polio Booths. Some incidence to mention that The staff of GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION and health staff have reached the families who went to the communities for work in fields and administered polio vaccine to 12 children. Obtained details of another 8 children who moved to Hyderabad as their parents engaged in mason work there. We contacted them over phone and encouraged them to vaccine their children from the nearest booth and it has take place. 17. International Women Day Celebration Where women have equal access to economic assets, decent livelihoods and leadership opportunities — the building blocks of economic empowerment — economic well-being increases. The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report found that in 134 countries with available data, greater gender equality correlates with a higher gross national product. But far too often, gender discrimination continues to undercut women’s options. Globally, 50 percent of women are in vulnerable jobs that pay little and can disappear without warning, and gender wage gaps are still on average between 10 and 30 percent. Without doubt, the last century has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of women’s rights, in one of the most profound social revolutions the world has ever seen. One hundred years ago, only two countries allowed women to vote. Today, that right is virtually universal. Millions of men and women around the world today advocate to end violence against women, and a record two-thirds of countries have passed laws against it. Yet we must also be concerned with the pace of change. It is not acceptable for young girls to be taken out of school, or for women to die from childbirth complications that could be prevented, but these things continue to happen every day. Girls still are less likely to be in school than boys. Two out of three illiterate adults are women. Every 90 seconds of every day, a woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth. Women have unequal access to essential economic assets such as land and credit. 33 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 Women pay an unjustifiable price for discrimination, but they do not do so alone. The quality of our democracy, the strength of our economies, the health of our societies and the sustainability of peace — all are undermined when we fail to fully tap half the world’s talent and potential. Where women have access to secondary education, good jobs, land and other assets, national growth and stability are enhanced, and we see lower maternal mortality, improved child nutrition, greater food security, and less risk of HIV and AIDS. Gowthami Foudation mandate to support faster progress towards gender equality is thus both morally right, and makes political and economic sense. We have much to do, but also great strengths to draw on. Based on above Gowthami Foundation has undertaken the following activities. Rally Meeting Different competition and distribution of prizes 1200 members participated in the rallies in Ongole, Kothapatnam and Tangutur 18.World TB Day Program The World TB Day was observed on 24th March 2012 at Tangutur, Praksam District of Andhra Pradesh. The programme was hosted by the Gowthami Foundation and Project staff associated in the celebration programme. Rally, Seminar, celebrity’s presence, award for achievers and good performance, cultural programmes was the attraction of the programme. World TB Day Observation was stated with a rally. Nursing students, Asha workers, PHC staffs, NGOs, RNTCP staffs etc were the participants for the rally. The official inauguration was done by DMO of Praksam District. The rally started from Mandal level Hospital at 9.30am and ended at Gowthami Foundation. 850 participants attended the rally. 34 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 The official inauguration was stated at 10.20am. Dr.Ramesh, District TB Officer delivered the welcome speech. He invited the chief guests in the dais and on the dais. He explained the background of the programme and welcomed all participants for the programme. The function was presided by the Chief of Gowthami Foundation. He appreciated the affects taken by the staffs for working against TB in the society. The function was inaugurated by Medical officer and Mandal level health officials. His speech was very impressive and he explained the social issues related to waste management in the society. After his speech he sang a song and appreciated all officials those involved in the programe. After the inaugural speech the District Collectors was invited to announce the awards for the best performing institution those worked T.B. in the last year. Awards was given to the best DOTs provider, best MDR DOTs provider, best PHC, best DMC, best Private DMC etc. After the award presentation 5 MDR patients were given a momentum by the chief guests. The progrmme was concluded at 1pm 19. World AIDS day program: Introduction: Prakasam District accounts for more number of migrates labors, tobacco processing labor and fisher folk suffering with HIV/AIDS. Deaths due to HIV/AIDS are accounted in tobacco processing units. Fisher folk and migrate labour. The villages on the national high way are the focal points of flesh trade with a very high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Mostly children in the age group of 12 years are entering into the business without any knowledge of consequences, unfortunately with the acceptance of them families due to failure of crops and ram part poverty conditions. Fisher folk along the coastal line also account for every high percentage of HIV incidences due to migration in search of livelihood. Stigma and discrimination is also high in the villages. So there is a need for sensitization of HIV/AIDS and awareness building is necessary for adolescents, youth and adults. So we planning and implemented the WORLD AIDS DAY week celebrations. The main theme is to give them information about the transmission, causes, prevention and treatment for AIDS. The precautions are to be taken and to avoid AIDS prevention care and support for PLHAs and counseling importance. We were also participated and involved in rallies and mass gatherings. No. of children participated in rallies 3021 out of these boys are 1540 girls participated in Rallies are 35 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 1481. No of adults were participated in rallies 292. No of children were participated in mass meetings 2785 out of these boys 1404 girls 138. No of adults were participated in mass meetings 1851 out of these men are 997 women are 857. VIPs are 169 members and volunteers are 79 members were participated. Impact: A Focused Group Discussion (FGD) is raised among the masses almost in every village. The villagers came out with some doubts for clarification. Their attitude towards the syndrome gets refined. Those who hated the topic previously, are convinced that it is an important topic to be discussed, there about and formulate plans with concern and commitment and act up on. GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION and Grama panchayat, Elders were organize mass meeting and rallies with students at target villages. GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION organizes awareness campaigns at various places like in target villages staff and GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION, co-coordinators were participated in this rally. Other PRIs, Health Departments were participated. 20. Looking for future Tribal education Skill development and vocational training for rural youth Science and technology Environment T.B. Animal husbandry Income generation through micro credit Leadership development training program 21. Taking off… GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION believes only through collaboration of different stakeholders, the vital issues of different like women empowerment, poverty elevation and financial inclusion should be addressed. GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION welcomes all stakeholders, government and international donors who are interesting in developing the landscapes of the marginalized. Thus, the GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION was touched different programs during the reporting period. We got the opportunity to work among the children in special drives like child week celebration and school enrollment campaigns. These special programs were initiated by GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION with call of Government of Andhra Pradesh. 36 Gowthami Foundation –Annual report 2012 As I mentioned in my message due to the effect of global recession, we could unable to raise funds from international donors. Some our traditional donors are shifted their geographical focus and interventions. So that we have to raise funds from GOWTHAMI FOUNDATION organizational members and community contribution to carried out the activities. We hope that we can hope to reach the more disadvantage communities by raising funds from national international donors in next financial years. ******************** 37