Institute for Integrated Society Development

IISD organized Bal Panchayat Utsav on 30th Nov. 2015 at Barabanki in which more than 600 children participated from 35 schools in various competitions and celebrations. Boys & Girls took part in menhdi, rangoli, dance, Nimboo race, Sack race and musical chair. Mr. Kailash Yadav newly elected district Panchayat Member distribute prizes to winners and souvenirs to teachers.

A Case From Field
Torch Bearer Rekha showing lights to others

My name is Rekha, live in vil. Murtaza Nagar of Ibrahimpur Kalan Gram Sabha. I have one brother and 2 younger sisters. My father Mr. Ram Sumer is farmer while my mother Vimla Devi is housewife. My parents are not much educated but encouraged and made all efforts to educate their every child included me. One day animator from IISD came to my house and told my mother that they are going to initiate one programme for adolescents in which adolescent group would be formed and many good things would be told to these adolescents so she should send her daughter to attend the meeting. But my mother refused for this so I was not allowed to join the meeting that day.
Later on I asked my friend who attended the meeting. She narrated many interesting things which were told in the meeting. Returning back I informed my mother about all the issues discussed in the meeting. She was bit convinced and allowed me to attend the next meeting. Next month again when the animator came to call us, many more girls including me joined the group because the small group which attended the Ist meeting informed others about the interesting issues discussed in the meeting.
During the meeting animator told about the personal hygiene and discussed about many misconceptions prevailing in the society about the ‘Period’. It was also told that how we can avoid any infection by using clean cloths during those days. How these cloths should be properly disposed off and if want to use it for next time, how it should be disinfected under the sun; how we can maintain proper hygiene. The meeting was so informative that my interest rose and I use to attend each and every meeting whenever organized in my village. Earlier I only use to listen but slowly my shyness disappeared and I started discussing about my problems and other issues which I cannot able to discuss with others. While attending these meetings my confidence level also raised as I also got opportunity to learn sewing & tailoring.
I asked my father to get me one sewing machine and with the help of my skill I started stitching clothes of my family members and others in the village. This added income in my life. Now I was happy as I use to deposit my fees by my own and also contribute some money in the family for my brother and sisters. I also trained around 10 girls in sewing and tailoring skill, this also fetched me some money and more confidence. I always try to promote other girls to attend these meetings as it changed my life to greater extend.
Now I am married and I am spreading all my learning’s among my in-laws, relatives and new friends. Whenever I am alone and try to analyze the change in myself I really thank god for great opportunity I got due to this programme and pray that all girls should get this facility in their life which may widen their thinking process an change their lives as it changed mine.

IISD initiate Block level Federation for 50 SHGs formed in Deva Block of Barabanki district and today it organized training for Block level Federation Members where executive was formed among the representatives of the Clusters from 10 Gram Sabhas. Four issue based sub-committees were also formed on Health, Education, Govt. Schemes & Livelihood respectively. These committees woul keep close watch on the govt. run programmes nurture the information quest of SHG women in all the 10 GPs.
Since today is a very auspicious day known as "Dev Uthan Ekadashi" so we believe that our effort would also go a long way. Friends we look forward for your valuable feedbacks on the Federation issue.