Doosra Dashak

Oxfam Novib

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-16T05:31:00Z

Oxfam Novib (Netherlands) is fighting for a just world without poverty: together with people, organizations, businesses and governments; through cooperative projects and lobby; locally and internationally, because poverty and injustice are global problems. They are about unjust economic and political relationships. Oxfam Novib is convinced of the power of people to solve their own problems themselves.

Its vision can be resumed to an Honest income, Enough food, Good education, Safety and Freedom of speech. Governments and international institutions all over the world acknowledge that everyone should have access to these basic rights. However, the observance of these rights often leaves a great deal to be desired. Oxfam Novib's work is aimed at enabling poor people to claim their basic rights.

Oxfam Novib regards poverty as being equal to a lack of rights. Due to a lack of basic rights, people that live in poverty do not have (sufficient) access to power, materiel resources and basic services. This leads to hunger, exclusion, exploitation, a lack of opportunities and inequality.

To help understanding Oxfam Novib lists 5 basic rights which each of its partners have to focus on:

Right to a sustainable existence Everyone has the right to sufficient and healthy food, to safe and paid work and to a clean, safe and supportive environment. Honest world trade and ethically responsible investments are badly needed.
Right to basic social services In order to improve your living conditions you need a proper education and good healthcare. Oxfam Novib focuses particularly on education for women and girls.
Right to life and safety In the event of natural disasters and armed conflicts, Oxfam Novib provides emergency aid, together with Oxfam International. At the same time we lay the basis for sustainable development, for example by training counterparts to act effectively in the event of life-threatening situations.
Right to social and political participation Civic organisations and political parties must be free and able to act democratically. Each citizen must be able to have a say in decisions that affect his life.
Right to identity People are discriminated against because they are women, homosexuals, disabled or Indians. Such exclusion occurs the world over. That is why Oxfam Novib is working on integration and equality. Violence against women is an area of particular attention.

Project Details

In the two years of the project duration Foundation for Education and Development (FED) will develop models for holistic education for adolescents and their community in Pindwara and Laxmangarh blocks work with local organizations of tribal people for reform of discriminatory tribal custom; - work towards communal harmony through creation of 'Lok Biradari' (organisation of Hindus and Muslims); - undertake advocacy for wider acceptance of the overall DD approach with government and civil society. The project will serve as a model to be replicated by Government, NGOs and others. It started January 1st 2007 and will last until January 1st 2009. Oxfam Novib has provided a budget of 147 794 € for that period

These two blocks include two of the most instractable communities - the Garasia primitive tribe in Pindwara block and Meo Muslim community in Laxmangarh block. Oxfam Novib has committed itself mainly because there is no evidence of actual participation of these large communities to improve their common life situation

Oxfam has agreed with Doosra Dashak to help realizing their main principles' strategies. Oxfam Novib has also recognized objectives' list build up by DD's members. Although, they have dressed specific objective to attain for Pindwara and Laxmangargh blocks:

Specific objective with reference to Pindwara block: To stimulate endogenous action for reform of social custom with a view to improving the status of women.
Specific objective with reference to Laxmangarh block: To counter the elements which cause strain in relations between different religious communities and castes and contribute to enhancement of cordial relations among them.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes at the end of the 2 year project would be as follows [1]:

Social mobilization in 30 villages in Laxmangarh and 40 in Pindwara as a result of which the village community, including women and the most disadvantaged sections, would begin to participate in the processes of development.

Social mapping done in respect of all the villages covered and availability of data in regard to status of education, health and functioning of selected basic services.

Establishment of adolescent forums and women's groups in 50 percent of the covered villages and a beginning made for setting up block level collectives.

Availability of finalised curriculum for out of school persons integrating gender and the rights perspective.

Emergence of a cadre of 100 adolescent persons in each block with an understanding about people's rights and communal harmony.

300 adolescent persons in each block provided with basic integrated education through residential courses and 500 in each block acquiring similar inputs through shorter duration trainings or peer education.

100 school going adolescents in each block receiving supplementation of their education on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, gender equity, civic and political education and people's rights.

Basic services start functioning at levels of increased efficiency in one-third of the covered villages.

Click here to learn more about Oxfam Novib.

Follow this link, if you want to consult FED project details on Oxfam Novib Website

[1] Outcomes have been hard to determine. In situations of extreme backwardness and other social complexities real outcomes can become perceptible only after a somewhat longer period. The outcomes mentioned here are essentially quantitative expectations of very modest nature.

National Council for Science & Technology Communication

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-15T04:45:46Z

National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) is an initiative from Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. As a major concern, NCSTC has developed schemes for communication and popularization of Science and Technology among Adolescents and Rural People.

The Council is an apex organization of the government of India that endeavors to:

Communicate Science and Technology
Stimulate scientific and technological temper
Coordinate and plan such efforts

It has determined three main goals as follows:
To create excitement concerning advances in science and technology
To enable informed decision- making at the grassroots level
To encourage intelligent debate on developmental issues

Related important activities of NCSTC are:

In thrust areas of science and technology communication;
Development of scripts, films, video and radio programmes, books, slide sets, etc., on selected areas of science and technology;
Training (short term) for school teachers and activists of science & technology based voluntary organisations in science communication;
Development of science journalists through University Courses in Science and Technology Communication;
Awards and recognition for outstanding science communicators;
Coordination with state councils and networks of S& T based organisations;
Developing capacity through science communication
Field programmes for demonstrating innovative ideas of science popularisation, outreach and extension activities including National Children's Science Congress, Science Day celebrations, promotion of voluntary blood donation programmes, environmental awareness and positive action, etc., and
Promoting International Cooperation for mutual benefit.

In 2006, Doosra Dashak presented a three year duration project proposal. Science has always had an important place in DD's program. Working with NCSTC would provide resources to include science in its global curriculum's objectives. In other words, this project has been proposed to be undertaken through a range of activities to inculcate scientific temper and an understanding about science among adolescents and rural people.

This project is being implemented in five blocks of Rajasthan; each of them is marked by extreme poverty, low educational indicators and social backwardness. Name of the blocks to which this report pertains is given below:

Kishanganj block in Baran district
Bap block in Jodhpur district
Bali block in Pali district
Abu road block in Sirohi district
Pisangan block in Ajmer district

At the beginning of the project, Doosra Dashak selected few points which could be accomplished in the next two following years:

To establish Gyan Vigyan Kendras in five blocks of Rajasthan to undertake activities for science education and popularization and to play the role as catalyst through a number of extension activities.
To set up Vigyan Kendras at the panchayat level to reach out to larger masses, especially women and adolescent girls, and provide scientific understanding through organization of varied scientific and educational activities.
To organise science fairs at the block and state level, with the participation of adolescents as well as larger community for enhancing science communication.
To promote study of science by rural illiterate youth through incorporation of science as a subject in residential training programmes.
To develop temperament of scientific inquiry amongst people to seek solutions of their daily problems and overcome unscientific beliefs and fears

Concerning the last two points, Doosra Dashak has taken initiatives to implement science curriculum in the 4-month residential training programs for adolescent persons by appointment of qualified science teachers.

By establishing GVK/VK and organizing Science Fairs, Doosra Dashak wanted to enhance people's and especially adolescents' capacities to use science in their common life:

To facilitate a clear understanding about scientific knowledge
To develop a greater sense of feeling and joy by seeing the wonders of science from their own eyes
To provide a platform where adolescents and community members can express their views openly
To grow a sense of creativity among adolescents
To make an understanding about the usefulness of science which can add quality in their lives?

Following its objectives Doosra Dashak has launched two VKs in its 5 blocks' project:

Table : Vigyan Kendras ( V.Ks)

S.No	Name of Blocks	Place of V.Ks.
1.	Kishanganj	1.Nahargarh 2.Khandela
2.	Bap	1.Jamba 2. Shekhashar
3.	Bali	1.Sewar 2.Danvarli(Kakaradi)
4.	Abu Road	1.Anwal 2.Jambudi
5.	Pisangan	1.Dantara 2.Budhwara

Success story of Science fairs

NCSTC was concerned about experiments related to issues in environment (such as water, solar energy, testing of soil) and pathological tests, etc. During State and Block science fairs, DD has organized several workshops on health/RH/, origami, puppetry, use of folk theatre in science popularization, demonstrations and opportunities to dialogue with experts at site.

DD already has an emphasis on promoting non-conventional sources of energy a number of adolescents and women have been trained as "barefoot solar engineers". These people have been involved in fabrication and maintenance of solar lanterns.

With budget provided by NCSTC, adolescents and community members take now advantages of a lot of scientific materials. There is a list which resume what has been purchased to enhance science's capabilities in science fairs and GVK/VK.

List of equipments, models and other materials which would be used in Science Fairs and GVK/VK

S. No.	Name of Items
1.	Computers
2.	Televisions
3.	DVDs, Still Cameras
4.	Telescopes and binoculars
5.	Microscopes (mechanical and without mechanical)
6.	Physical and spring balances
7.	Rain Gauge and Thermometers
8.	Anemometers
9.	Wind Mill
10.	Human Skeleton
11.	Human Torso
12.	Eye Ball
13.	Human Heart
14.	Human Ear(Small)
15.	Human Brain
16.	Human Kidney
17.	Digestive System
18.	Dental Model
19.	Steam Engine
20.	Working Dynamo Model
21.	Geographical Apparatus like Solar System Season Apparatus Students' Planetarium Phases of Moon Standard Time Indicator
22.	Electrical instruments like Primary and Secondary Cells Volt Meter, Ammeter, Galvanometers, etc. Rheostat and Resistance Box
23.	Science Experiment Kits from Eklavya
24.	Glasswares like Prisms and different types of lenses Different types of Mirrors (concave, convex, plane) Gas Jar and two mouth bottles Flask and Beakers Funnels and test tubes Human, Common, Amoeba slides Sprit Lamps, etc.
25.	Various type of chemicals and consumables used for Experimentations Demonstrations and Science shows

Follow this link to learn more about National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC)

Prakash - Story of a transformed boy

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-14T05:22:35Z

Prakash is the resident of Jamba, a tiny hamlet of Meghwals of Phalodi tehsil. Presently he is studying in class XII. Prior to joining Doosra Dashak, he considered school education (Math, Hindi, English) as the complete education. Now, his vision regarding education has been broadened. He has been aware and sensitized about various important issues like sanitation, panchayati raj, democracy etc. Now he feels that only knowing a few subjects are not mere education but to learn more about life, environment, society and social harmony is education.

Three years ago when he joined Doosra Dashak, he was a shy person by nature. He did not speak much .Now he is one of the most articulate and willing learner. He discusses any matter without any hesitation with zeal and enthusiasm.

Prakash in his own words recalls "Doosra Dashak has played an important role in transforming both my personality and life. Earlier, science seems to be very tough and boring subject. After attending various sessions in GVK/VK & interacting with science teachers, science has become a favorite subject of mine". He feels empowered and confident. He has not only benefited by acquiring knowledge on the issues of drinking water, nutrition and health; superstitions & unscientific beliefs, which was part of his life, are vanishing.

He is in the forefront of any developmental work in his village. He has taken a lot of initiatives with sanitation work and understanding about various diseases. Along with his peer group he takes part in cleanliness drive of tanks and ponds. From a mere illiterate village boy he has been transformed into a role model.

Pushpa —> When science helps fighting superstitions

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-13T04:51:24Z

Pushpa has 7 brothers and sisters. Her father stitches clothes whereas, her mother is an anganwadi worker. In her early childhood she was living with her aunt in Girasan village. In her aunt's family girls were not allowed to go to school. Due to this reason she also could not attend the school.

Three years ago she visited her parental village Rawra, where she came in contact with Doosra Dashak workers Kamal & Murti. As a result, she got enrolled for residential camp and passed grade V. She regularly paticipated in different trainings . An ideological change is now being reflected in her behavior.

Before joining residential camps & Gyan Vigyan Kendra, she had a strong belief in superstitions.

Now she regularly visits GVK and also attends various science workshops. In one of the workshops she learned that how village Bhopa lit the fire in coconut? In her own words: "I explained the scientific facts behind the experiment to remove the fallacy & unscientific beliefs from the minds of villagers. It was really a turning point in my life. I came to know that how much these so called god's men are befooling the innocent people in the name of religion".

Now she along with other members of adolescent forum is educating science, nutrition, health to the rural masses. |

Executive Committee Members and relative Information

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-12T04:37:54Z

The Board of Trustees of FED has constituted an Executive Committee for management of the Doosra Dashak project and has delegated to it full administrative and financial powers in regard to Doosra Dashak. The chairman of the FED is also the chair of Executive Committee holding responsibility for policy and programmes. Its membership consists of the following:

Mr. Anil Bordia - Chairperson
Professor R. Govinda - Member
Dr. S. Anandalakshmy - Member
Dr. Sharada Jain - Member Director Sandhan
Ms. Abha Bhaiya - Member Founder Director, Jagori, New Delhi
Shri M.L.Mehta - Member Formerly Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Professor M.S. Agwani - Member Formerly Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Shri Sanjeev Bothra - Member Visiting Faculty, National Institute of Design, Jaipur

Kishanganj GVK/VK

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-11T07:22:00Z

Workshop/ Training

On May 22-23,2006 workshop to prepare projects was organized at Bhanwargarh. Around 45 adolescents of 6 villages attended the workshop. It provided a forum to jointly deliberate the important issues of biodiversity and its conservation. Whole affair was conducted in two phases:

1. In this phase emphasis was laid down on biodiversity of the region with special focus on :

Conservation of depleting natural resources
Nature and mankind relationship

2. Participants discussed about the role of adolescent scientists and National Children Science Congress . During the deliberations various projects pertaining to biodiversity were selected:

Study of enclosures
Economic valuation of Tendu leaves
Cultivation of Chestnut

The workshop concluded with following recommendations:

Identification of problems
Formulation of hypothesis
Collection of facts and data
Experimentation and collection
Drawing conclusions and finding solutions

As a follow up measure another workshop concerned with biodiversity was organized on 1-2nd June .14 children of Parania cluster participated in the programme. Reports of those topics which were chosen for projects during previous workshop were analyzed.

In the adjoining areas of Bhanwargarh, varied types of flora and herbs of medicinal importance are abundant in nature but due to ignorance it is not being used. To create awareness among rural folk for the promotion of herbal medicines and conservation of natural resources, a three days workshop was organized from 25-27th July, 2006. 17 persons (4 female; 13 male) from local community took part in the training. They learned the art of preparing drugs from barefoot doctors.

Prior to National Children Science Congress, one day training was organized for resource persons .14 government and private school science teachers also shared their views. As part of discussion, various issues like objectives of National Children Science Congress, projects related to bio-diversity and establishment of Vigyan club were taken into account.

Subsequently, on 22nd August a training workshop was organized at government school Parania involving 34 participants. The participants discussed the issues of biodiversity and selected following topics for project work:

Bio-diversity of paddy field
Effect of pollution
Comparative study of earthworm

This block also participated in National Children's Science Congress around the theme of Biodiversity, subjects with local relevance were taken up. 18 projects were submitted at the State Children's Science congress , 2 of them received appreciation of merit.

With the collaboration of DST's Kota office, GVK of Bhanwargarh organized a one day workshop on 11th March, 2007. This workshop focused on how projects made by department of Science and Technology can be applied for the development work of rural as well as urban areas. 56 persons from community participated and took part in the discussion. The main aim of the workshop was to know the details of various science and technology projects. During the workshop participants suggested made certain recommendations, which could be utilized for the benefit of community:

Every school should have science club
Launching of such projects by which community could be direct beneficiary.

There are lots of misconception about the health of women folk in rural areas, especially about menstruation. It was felt that it is necessary to organize a training through which they can learn about the process of menstrual cycle. This workshop also focused on how male members of their families behave with the women during this period. 34 girls attended the three day workshop at Teja ji ka danda , Bhanwargarh. They tried to understand the whole phenomenon with the assistance of resource persons. Thereafter, groups participated in a practical experimentation of making pads used during menstruation cycle. They tried to comprehend the scientific aspects of the subject. Methods of family planning and use of contraceptives were also raised through participatory approach.

Formation of Science Club

GVK have encouraged the formation of 12 science clubs, which in future would play a pivotal role in disseminating the message of science.

Exposure visits

In order to disseminate and develop scientific knowledge and aptitude various exposure visits of adolescents were organized to build up their vision, confidence and awareness. These exposure visits gave adolescents the opportunity to collect a lot of information about their surroundings.

Table: Coverage of participants in various exposure visits

S. NO	Participants	Boys	Girls	Activists	Period	Place
1	Adolescents of Vigyan little star children school, Parania	33	12	1	18 Oct 2006	Sanwada
2	Adolescents of Prania cluster	20	4	2	25-26 March 2007	Sanwada and Sankalp Sansthan, Mamony
3	Adolescents of Lokayat cluster	34	11	1	25 March 2007	Sanwada, Sankalp
4	Adolescents of Ranwasi	17	12	1	26 March 2007	Sansthan Mamony

The specific purpose of these visits were as follows:

To explore and understand the new technology & methodologies which are now being used for renewable energy.
To make them aware about the management of natural resources
To know the work done by Sankalp Sansthan, Mamony

Participants visited Biomass Gasifier plant in Sanwada village, a place near to M. P. border. In this area Sankalp Sansthan with the help of SWRC, Tilonia established the Gasifier plant, where they are producing 46.4 Kilo watt electricity by using 30 kg of biomass and 2 liter of diesel.

Adolescents also visited the nursery and vermi-compost producing unit which have been established by women self help groups.

Group of adolescents participated in solar energy workshop where they discussed about the functioning of solar energy panels, charger, battery, etc. Afterwards, a good deal of time was spent on understanding the enclosures & technological details of establishing dairy in the vicinity of milk dairy.

Village Science Fairs:

Table: Details of various village science fairs organized by GVK and VKs.

S. No	Period	Venue	Boys	Girls	Adult (M)	Adult (F)	Total
1	23-24 Sep. 06	Ranwasi Village Rajikiya Shiksha Karmi School	120	55	10	15	200
2	27-28 Sep. 06	Nahargarh Village, Vigyan Kendra	325	250	15	10	600
3	18 March 07	Lakdai	92	47	8	16	139
4	20 March 07	Govt. Se. Sec. School, Ghatti	59	93	30	10	152
5	25 March 07	Villasgarh	83	46	18	15	119

The purpose of these fairs has been basically to strengthen the process of empowerment of adolescents and community; to create awareness about scientific beliefs, communication, etc. through which they would be able to understand and acquire scientific aptitude for its application in their lives.

Income Generating Activities

Rural communities living in the resource poor areas still mainly depend on the natural resources for their livelihoods. Due to vagaries of nature such as drought and other natural calamities as well as increasing population, there is mounting pressure on natural resources. Keeping in view, the importance of natural resources and the income generation from them, one of the major activities started by adolescents' forum was to create awareness about their benefits, but also on developing skill to grow nurseries of different type of plants. According to report from Bhanwargarh GVK, in Nathan Mahodri village, 8000 plants were grown in nursery. Whereas, in village Bhilan Mahodri, adolescent forum activists developed 3380 plants & prepared a mother bed of 2500 plants.

GVK of Bhanwargarh has also taken up some other income generation activities like processing of vermi-compost . Simultaneously, barefoot doctors established separate nurseries of medicinal plants.

Other Activities

By using the means of communication film shows were organized in 28 villages (e.g. Pinjana, Jagdishpura, Acharpura, Amrauli, Ranwasi) on vaccination. In each show hundred of persons participated.

To identify the quality of food or any kind of adulteration in it DST Kota office, has provided a kit known as “Rasoi Kasauti” which is widely used by adolescents. They arte also using another kit obtained from SWRC Tilonia to test the quality of water.

Abu Road GVK/VK

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-09T04:35:54Z

In this block one Gyan Vigyan Kendra and 2 Vigyan Kendras have also been established as per NCSTC guideline. A number of activities have been undertaken. These include experimentation, training and exposure for capacity building, skill development, learning about agriculture, organizing balsabhas, exposure visits, science fairs, establishment of seed banks, vermi-compost and bio-pesticide units.

Workshop & Training

Use of bio pesticide and organic manure are high priorities of farmers now-a- days in heartland of Abu Road block where most of the farmers are very poor & they are not even able to purchase costly pesticides & fertilizers. To make them aware about the benefits of using bio pesticides and organic compost, a workshop was organized on 15th January, 2007, where 20 farmers & 15 participants of Doosra Dashak took part. The main focus of the workshop was :

consequence of chemical fertilizer & synthetic pesticides
role of bio-pesticides & bio fertilizers
process of indigenously making bio-pesticide & vermi-compost

In Nichlagarh, mostly Garasia community are living. Openness are part of their society. Sexual relations with a number of partners are prevalent. Adolescents are engaged in sex outside a steady relationship or marriage. They do not understand the dangers of AIDS. In view of this, it was considered an opportunity for the adolescent to discuss the issue of HIV/AIDS. For this purpose one day workshop was organized. The main phases of discussion were :

combating the menace of HIV/AIDS.
understanding the scientific causes prevalent behind the spread of the this disease.
Group discussions in GVK / VKs

In GVK/ VK various subjects were taken into consideration for group discussions from time to time. For example, on 21st October, 2006 a group discussion was initiated on the topic "mysteries of nature". During the session, various questions arose into the mind of adolescents, which were found helpful in building their scientific temperament. Adolescents of Doosra Dashak and school students were given charts to find out some information about the nature beforehand to trigger off their thought processes. Some questions required just learning the facts; some required observations, while others referred to study nature or book etc.

Apart from learning about the plants, their color, food making processes i.e. photosynthesis etc., they also discussed other issues like developmental processes of plants, mountains, etc. In this way, process of analyzing different subjects was evolved.

Another very interesting episode was the one in which adolescents discussed about various colors found in nature. They tried to explain the different colors by citing various examples. During the session one small piece of glass i.e. prism was given to them and they were asked to see sunlight passing through the prism . They found that light passing through prism is made up of seven colors. The overall sentiment in the session was that by performing such a small experiment they got the deeper insight about the challenging & intriguing subject of science i.e. light.

Script from the dairy of VK incharge

Excursions or Exposure visits

Keeping in view the importance of exposure in the process of learning, adolescents were exposed by organizing various trips to local forests & places. These exposures have helped them in acquiring innovative ideas, understanding the nature's pristine wealth. Adolescents visited the forest near to Markundeshwar Mandir. They were exposed to various kind of vegetation around them especially the trees found in that region. In the process of discussion various questions were asked, why grass & paddy looks green ? There was an explanation due to the presence of chlorophyll they look green. The purpose behind the visit was to make them aware about the ecosystem and their functions.

Other activities

A very interesting painting competition was organized at the behest of GVK for inducing creativity among the minds of adolescents. For that purpose adolescents tried to make the painting of various body organs, instruments, glassware etc. 40 adolescent participated in this activity. Magic show was organized in GVK, where 80 persons from various age group participated. A number of experimentation like eating the embers, lighting the fire from coconut were demonstrated. Purpose of performing such experiments was to overcome the unscientific beliefs and superstition prevalent among the villagers.

Pisangan GVK/VK

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-08T05:43:21Z

Mobile kiosk rally for popularization of science

In connection with popularization of the science among rural masses in villages, an innovative approach was initiated. A mobile van converted into Kiosk was used for this purpose. This rally passed through various villages. The van carried different equipments, films etc.

The major attraction of this rally was film exhibition, science quizzes, performing various experiments and question answer session. Films related to the history of computer, television, solar energy, irrigation technology, electrical energy were shown.

Table : 10 Details of Participants in Mobile kiosk rallies

Name of village	Date	Boys	Girls	Male adults	Female adults	School going children	Total
Sethan	17.03.07	10	06	35	40	27	118
Rampura Dabla	18.03.07	18	20	90	60	55	243
Budhwara	19.03.07	22	10	35	30	45	142
Kalesara	20.03.07	17	12	65	43	38	175
Dantara	21.03.07	02	09	50	38	35	134
Lyali Kheda	22.03.07	05	07	60	80	29	181
Nuria Was	23.03.07	14	17	75	55	48	169
Dodiyana	24.03.07	07	00	55	22	45	129
Nathuthala	25.03.07	03	00	60	28	40	131
Makreda	26.03.07	06	04	30	20	35	95
Kothaj	27.03.07	05	00	38	25	40	108

Exposure visits

A group of 22 adolescents visited Barefoot College Tilonia and took part in the proceedings of Bal Sansad on 8th November. Afterwards, they visited various departments of Tilonia and made observations by seeing kabad se jugad, puppetry, the solar energy department etc. Seeing solar cooker, solar energy producing panels, computer operated by solar energy overwhelmed them.

The Gyan Vigyan Kendra make an assessment of damage occurred to the farmers due to not knowing about soil examination. Participatory field demonstration was carried out in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra Tabiji, Ajmer on 29th Nov. The intervention focused on capacity development of adolescents, by making an understanding on texture of soil types and nutrient elements, present in it.

In order to enhance the awareness among the adolescent, an interactive discussion went on efficient utilization of soil. The main question discussed was: How do we maximize soil utilization? Under this one-day training programme at KVK, Tabiji, many other skills (chemical treatment of soil, importance of pH, N.P.K.) and methodologies of collection of soil samples were covered by scientists of KVK.

Exhibition

On 14 November, 2006 an exhibition was organized at GVK to commemorate the birthday of late prime minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. The important feature of this exhibition was participation of adolescents associated with Ikhvelo, Gyan Vigyan Kendra and Vigyan Kendras along with local school students. Out of 233 participants who visited this exhibition were 103 males and 130 females. Various equipments like wind mill, rain gauge, models, charts, human torso were displayed. Experiments related to breaking the myths and superstitions were also performed to make the understanding of adolescents.

Workshop & Training

In Pisangan block trainings & workshops were mainly focused on soil, its fertility and management, water, plantation, etc. The basic idea was to provide a platform to the farmers and adolescents associated with Doosra Dashak to conduct various experiments on their own which could be helpful in improving the crop yield.

To understand the multi dimensional nature of soil, GVK Pisangan organized a workshop for one day with experts from KVK Tabiji, Ajmer. In this workshop 42-45 farmers and 30 adolescents took part in the discussions. Experiment for EC & pH were conducted on samples taken by farmers from different fields.

As a follow up activity two day workshop was again organized on 23-24th December 2006, for soil and water testing. In this process, various physical tests concerned with water color, taste, smell were performed. Adolescents also tried to detect hardness, fluoride, bacteria etc. in water.

To develop better understanding on the subject of soil and crop cultivation, on 28-29 February 2007 a collaborative work with KVK was started in three villages. On the basis of experiments carried on by the adolescents and scientists, it was suggested to cultivate different crops like sorghum, moong, gwar, cumin and peanut in their fields according to soil conditions. It concluded with following recommendations :

utilization of bio-fertilizer
intensive training of farmers
subsidized loan from agriculture department
understanding about crop cycle

Agro forestry programme is an important component of the farming system It is essential for the development of natural resources in cluster villages. For this purpose, KVK arranged a training to emphasize the role of plantation and creating awareness about their benefits, but also on developing skills to grow nurseries of different type of plants. Participants learned the art of grafting, budding, cutting, producing compost and its utility.

Group Discussion

On various occasions GVK/VK organized group activities to encourage the school students as well as adolescents for enhancing the expression and understanding of various science subjects. During these sessions a number of issues ranging from malaria, sanitation, insects, animal husbandry, water conservation, astronomical studies were raised.

Bap GVK/VK

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-07T04:42:51Z

Workshop & Trainings

Camcorder based training was organized by Gyan Vigyan Kendra, Bap on 20th May 2006. The training had 16 participants. It was conducted by persons having long expertise of working in the field of media. The purpose of the basic training was to learn, apply & share basic principles and practices especially in relation to camera and videography; enhance scientific & communicative awareness and sensitivity within the context of modern technology ;capacity building to empower adolescent girls by understanding and acquiring skills to use camera as medium of learning and expression ;and enhance creativity, exploration, chance and space to fairly express themselves.

Training of adolescents & community members on the issues of water & drugs was a major event in Bap Block. The training programme apprised the participants about the various perspective of water [importance of clean water & water born diseases]. Furthermore, the impact of drugs, ranging from diseases to economic & social aspect, impact of drugs on lives in its various angles were also discussed. Amongst the 223 participants, there were 29 girls, 30 boys and 164 men.

Another important workshop organized on 17-18th August was about the indigenous system of medicine. Emphasis was laid on how a common man takes local treatment. Whole session was designed on experimental basis. An interesting thing noticed about this workshop was large participation, 35 girls, 45 boys & 55 other community members.

As in case of womenfolk of rural communities the effort in regard to the health activities has been on organizing one day health training to enhance the understanding about menstrual cycle, venereal diseases, methods of family planning and child vaccination. It was noteworthy that female nursing staff along with community women's took part in the discussion.

Like in Kishanganj block, the major activity of GVK/VK in Bap block was the participation of adolescents in National Children's Science Congress 2006. After interaction with Department of Science & Technology officials, large number of adolescents & school students, GVK incharge took the initiative for preparation of projects. Projects were made on different issues like:

Past & present diversity of crops in villages.
Natural calamities and its impact
Biodiversity of waste material

After initial screening, 9 projects were finalized and they were presented at Jodhpur State Level Children's Congress on 24th November. The project on “Diversity of crops in past and present “prepared by adolescent scientist Shri Mukesh Suthar was selected for state level presentation at Jaipur. It was noticed that 45 adolescents, 21 of them girls participated in the science congress. State Level Science Congress gave a letter of appreciation to GVK.

Gyan Vigyan Chetna Yatras

A very interesting thing was noted in Bap that GVK is actively taking part in dissemination of message of science by initiating Gyan Vigyan Chetna Yatras. These yatras culminated in the form of village level science fairs. The purpose behind this yatra was indeed to create an space, both physical and intellectual where adolescents and community members can be sensitized to the wonders of science and mysteries of our environment.

As a part of science fairs, models and charts of various system of the body and health were displayed. Discussion with adolescents and community members were the highlighting features. Moreover, models of electric generator, water turbine, diesel engine, steam engine and microscopes were also kept and their principles were explained. In Sanguri and Akhadna village, labourers who were working in famine affected areas also participated and decided to get rid of narcotics. A brief description of Gyan Vigyan Chetna rallies organized in different villages is given below:

Table: Report of activities held in Bap Block related to GVK/VK

S.No.	Village	Date	Adolescent Boys from DD	Adolescent Girls from DD	Male Community members	Female Community members
1.	Surpura	2nd March	80	130	45	60
2.	Ridmal Nagar	5th March	150	100	400	350
3.	Nanau	11th March	55	15	7	20
4.	Jaimla	12th March	35	20	8	12
5.	Sanguri	14th March	16	37	07	05
6.	Akhadna	15th March	35	24	30	27
7.	Jagariya	17th March	40	25	18	35
8.	Nure Ka Burj	18th March	35	18	15	25
9.	Raneri	21th March	10	15	40	17
		Total	456	384	570	551

Reaching out to new areas / persons

Communication plays a key role in creating awareness and spreading the message to newer areas and persons. Various modern as well as traditional communication tools ranging from the use of DTH, puppetry show, theatre, television & films are widely utilizing by GVK / VK in delivering the message to adolescent persons and community members.

As per the requirements, a communication team consisting of adolescent girls and boys has been formed which is trying to put different kinds of communication strategy. By installing DTH in GVK, adolescents are new being able to watch more than 100 channels, especially discovery, national geographic, animal planet & many more. It could be helpful in building their scientific awareness about the nature, environment health etc. Organizing puppetry show and theatre are really noteworthy in reference to overcome the problem of unscientific beliefs, superstitions, issues of water, health & sanitation etc.

Table : Brief description of participants

Activity	No. of Villages covered	Total Shows organized	Participation of community members	Adolescent Boys	Adolescent Girls
Theatre	19	35	570	162	97
Puppetry Show	5	5	233	97	59
Film Show	4	8	70	85	47

Exposure visits

By organizing exposure visits, it was tried to inculcate a sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness to know about local flora & fauna. As a part of exposure visit organized on 18th May, 2006 girls collected a lot of information regarding local floras and prepared the list of medicinal plants. Medicinal importance of plants in reference to Kair, Ber, Sangri, Neem, Aak and Tulsi were discussed. Girls also showed their interest to know about their local fauna. In this exposure trip, 13 adolescent girls & two teachers participated.

Adolescents also visited central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur where they learned various methods of enhancing availability of organic manure.

Click on the following link to learn more about GVK/VK

FED Information and Members of BoT

Doosra Dashak — 2007-06-05T05:14:04Z

Foundation for Education and Development (FED) was set up in August 2000 as a public charitable trust. The mission of FED is to use education as a tool for people's empowerment to realise the vision of an egalitarian and value based society. The long term organizational objectives are to support and implement field based programme of education and development; to provide a forum for networking, support and sharing of ideas and experiences among like mended organizations, NGOs and individuals and to promote research in education to inform policy at various levels.

FED is managed by a Board of Trustees. ‘Doosra Dashak' project has been the main activity of FED since its inception. The programme started with financial support of Tata Education Trust in two blocks of Rajasthan viz Bap and Kishanganj of Jodhpur and Baran districts respectively. The programme was expanded to three additional blocks namely, Bali (district Pali), Abu Road (district Sirohi) and Pisangan (district Ajmer). Bali block was initiated with funds provided by MacArthur Foundation in September 2003, Abu Road block was taken up in October 2003 with financial assistance of ActionAid and UNIFEM and work in Pisangan block began in July 2005, again with the funding from ActionAid India.

The organization has a clear policy on gender. Guidelines have been laid down as per the order of the Supreme Court of India on "Redressal of Sexual harassment and gender insensitivity at the work place". Complaint Committees have been set up at the state as well as block level to hear and redress grievances. These committees are headed by noted women with strong perspective on gender issues.

Accounts are maintained at the block level and supervised by the SCU accounts staff. Budget is made at the level of Steering and Coordination Unit after consultation with field colleagues and allocated as per the approval given by a specific funding agency. Separate accounts are maintained for FCRA and Non FCRA funds, separate books are also kept for each funding agency. To ensure uniformity and accuracy in maintenance of accounts, Accounts and Financial Rules have been prescribed. All employees are provided with provident fund as per the law/rules laid down by government of India. FED has strong conviction in favour of transparency, particularly in financial matters.

Board of Trustees Members:

Shri Anil Bordia, Chairman & Managing Trustee - formerly Secretary of Education, Govt. of India and former Chairperson of Lok Jumbish.
Dr. S. Anandalakshmy - formerly Director, Lady Irwin College, Internationally known specialist in Child Development.
Professor R. Govinda - Senior Fellow, NIEPA and a researcher of international repute.
Professor AK. Jalaluddin - formerly Professor, Science Education NCERT, New Delhi and consultant to several innovative educational projects in Bangladesh and India.
Dr. Kiran Karnik - President, NASSCOM, New Delhi.
Dr. Radhika Hersburger - Director, Rishi Valley School, Chittoor District, AP.
Ms. Anita Kaul IAS - Joint Secretary, Ministry HRD (Department of Elementary Education & Literacy), New Delhi.