Mountain Children’s Foundation
Changing the way the world perceives and works with children

Dehradun | Workshops

Formation of baal panchayats in slum areas

Partner Organisation : Swayam Social Welfare Organisation, Rishikesh
               District: Dehradun

          Supported by : Give2Asia

Workshop Report

Feb 13th and 14th Feb 2010

Though Uttrakhand is mostly mountainous yet small towns are turning into cities and a different set of problems for the young children living in these developing urban towns and cities are emerging. The children in the urban slums of Uttrakhand face a different set of responsibilities and hurdles from those faced by the children of the mountain areas.  MCF therefore decided to conduct a two day workshop on setting up of a baal panchayat in the slum area of Rishikesh with their partner organization Swayam Social Welfare Orgainsation and with the support of Give 2 Asia. 33 children attended the workshop which commenced with a few games so that the children could introduce and familiarize themselves with each other.
The first day was devoted to discussions on social organizations. The children were aware that a number of groups were functional some of which they were able to name – namely Youth organizations, Women’s organizations, Temple associations, Children’s groups, Area cleanliness committees etc.
The children and the MCF coordinator discussed the setting up of the Baal Panchayats or children’s groups. The main focus of the discussions were on

• What is a children’s group?Who does it belong to? How to make a strong children’s group?
•  Points to be kept in mind while being part of a children’s group.

All these points were discussed with the children by way of games that they played, which enhanced the learning that even though it was only a game yet they had to follow the rules and work together as a team.

The next topic of discussion was the elderly generation and the

children’s reactions to what they think of them, how they treat them, how they react to them and what difficulties the older generation faced. The children were then divided into five groups where they discussed what they would like to do for the older generation.

• If they were to meet an old person carrying something heavy the children would help carry the stuff
• If an old person is thirst or hungry the children would find food and water for them
• Help an old person cross the road
• Help take care of an old person who is unwell, if there is no one at home to take care of him/her

Group 2: (consisted of Mansi, Geeta, Asha, Sita and Anamika)

• We should treat our grandparents with respect.
• Help our parents take care of our grandparents.

Group 3: (consisted of Purnima, Neha, Roopa, Ajit,Vikram and Sagar)

• Old people are normally ignored and if there is an old person sitting alone then we should communicate and talk to the old person so that they are not so lonely.
• Try and help them with whatever problems they are facing.

Group4: (consisted of Rakesh, Vijay, Amit, Sangeeta, Khushboo and Amrita)
This group illustrated its thoughts via a story – the moral of which was “united we can overcome all hurdles”.

• Respect for the elderly.
• Help the elderly.
• Help the children of the area who are not attending school.
• Find out under RTI how and when the community toilets should to be cleaned and why these are not being cleaned in the slum areas.
• Help to stop and prevent child labour.

Group 5: (consisted of Anjali, Sonia, Ritu, Shashi, Pooja, Ruchi, Pinki and Tinku)
This group discussed the fact that though the elderly were living with their own children yet they still had to work. They decided they would try and work out how to help the elderly so that their problems could be solved and they could lead a happier life.

All 5 groups have taken a decision to help the elderly in their areas and they would also listen to the stories that their grandparents love to tell and would write in to Pabam (the children’s magazine), with these.

The Mountain Children's Foundation,63-A Vyom Prasth, G.M.S Road,Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
Phone: 91-135-6532937 Email: mcfglobal @ mymountains.org