Activities in Pansora: Raksha Bandan, Girl Child Day, and training programs

📅 September 26, 2015 • 📍 Pansora

This entry reports on several activities in Pansora. In the first week of September, Raksha Bandan was celebrated in the Government Primary Schools of Ardi, Jhalabodi, and Pansora, as well as in the boarding house. The celebration, symbolizing brotherly and sisterly love, aimed to create awareness of gender equity and mutual respect. Children were very happy, and sweets were distributed to all. Child Girl Day was celebrated at Jag Prakash Kanya Chatralay - Pansora in collaboration with Vincent De Paul members, with 85 girls from the Umreth Deanery participating enthusiastically. Dignitaries, including Fr. Tony (Parish Priest of Limdapura), Professor and Writer Mrs. Induben Rao, Resource Person Mr. Shailesh Christi, and Fr. Mayank Parmar (SDB Youth Co-ordinator), were invited to light the lamp. The Blessed Mother was honored with a garland. Sr. Nayana Vankar, the animator of JPKC, spoke about Mother Mary, who provides the courage to live one's life. Each guest spoke on the theme, “Save Girl Child.” Shailesh Christi provided input on “Have fire in your heart to do something in life.” This was followed by the Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Mayank. After lunch, Child Help Line members of Kaira Social Service Society gave tips on how to help needy children in trouble. Various competitions were conducted: an essay on equal status for boys and girls, poster painting on ‘Save girl child,’ and a debate on ‘Who is responsible to save girls - Government or Society?’ Prizes were awarded to the winners. On September 26, a training for new SHG group members was conducted on “What is SHG?” covering its purpose and benefit, with 30 participants. Social Worker Jayaben Christi raised awareness that they could initiate new activities within their SHG group and save money. Social Worker Sangeetaben Parmar then practically informed them about women’s rights and their responsibilities, particularly regarding their children. The training ended with a prayer and snacks. Earlier this month, a training program on the Bal Swaraj project was conducted for 30 participants, including Principals, Parents, Teachers, Workers, and SHG women. The program began with a Bhajan. The resource person, Shaileshbhai Christi, a staff member of Kaira Social Service Society, Ahmadabad, enlightened them by highlighting every child’s right to life, education, and food. The participants were thanked for supporting the effort to help their children.