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Thenmozhi, mother of three children belongs to economically poor family living in Timmaboobalapuram village. She was studied 12th grade. By considering her commitment to eliminate caste discriminatory practices, she was selected by the community as leader of the village Development Committee (VDC). She volunteered for the creative Learning centre (after school program) which was run with the support of Children Believe/ IRCDS in the village. She undergone series of training on child centric learning methodology under Children Believe Programme.

There are 18 tribal children are dropped out from school and engaged as child labour. Reason for dropped out is they were discriminated by the upper caste children who are studying in the same school Thenmozhi along with CFAM group , VDC and community members brought this issue with the Educational Department and enabled them to re-enroll in to same Govt. school. School Management committee has appointed Thenmozhi as “Educational Volunteer” for one year period under Govt. scheme and paid honorarium as well. After one year coaching all 18 children are mainstreamed in age appropriate grades. As result of her attitude and behaviours/ child-friendly practices, remarkable behavioural changes happened among other teachers in the School. She spent money for purchasing black board, fan for the class room where these tribal children kept for bridge course in the school. Thenmozhi played significant role in bringing child-friendly learning environment in school.

Secondly, Thenmozhi gained knowledge about Govt. entitlements and welfare schemes through interface meetings organized by children Believe .She created awareness among tribal and dalit communities and an instrumental to organize Legal awareness cum convergence camp by inviting Principal District Judge and Sub Collector. More than 95 families able to access family ration cards, Aadhar cards and Voter IDs through the camp. She mobilized free dresses from local police officer the children whose parents are seasonal migrants. Few children of seasonal migrants are not able to do hair-cutting due to lack of money and due to this they hesitate to go to school. Thenmozhi arranged hair cutting with the help of a Police Officer.

She heard that, a Child was beaten up in the school, immediately she discussed this with VDC and taken to the knowledge of Block Educational officer. After that such practices are stopped in the school now.

Anganwadi building (Govt. ECD centre) construction was stopped for the past three years. VDC and CFAM group members raised this need in the Grama sabha meeting and now work is going to be completed soon.

Thenmozhi says “Once I went to school, one child was fainted due to reasons that not taking breakfast”. She came know that, child’s mother not cook breakfast daily due to lack of job opportunities and inadequate family income. She felt very sad and taken decision to do something for that family and such kind of families in her village. She contacted a company and got order for producing and supplying decorative papers and now 10 women involved in that activity and earning decent income. This activity started with the financial support of VDC federation which was promoted under Children Believe programme,

Thenmozhi said “5th of every month our CFAM group members discussed their issues and shares their concerns with parents and community members in the village” I used to facilitate such kind of interface meeting between children and duty bearers (adults). I am also involved in creating awareness on child marriage, parenting practices among pregnant and lactating mothers. She used to advise pregnant mothers and their family members about balancing Girl child sex ratio.

Thenmozhi said “5th of every month our CFAM group members discussed their issues and shares their concerns with parents and community members in the village” I used to facilitate such kind of interface meeting between children and duty bearers (adults). I am also involved in creating awareness on child marriage, parenting practices among pregnant and lactating mothers. She used to advise pregnant mothers and their family members about balancing Girl child sex ratio.

One girl child namely Gangothari (9 years) belong to tribal community who is studying in our CLC centre, was suddenly become illness due to heart problem. Whole family members depressed and don’t know what should do with their acute poverty condition. She facilitated that family to get free surgery in Govt. Hospital. Child is now healthy. Thenmozhi said “I felt happy moment in my life when this child surgery successfully happened”.

In addition to that, she has motivated and facilitated to take up goat rearing activity by 12 women headed families and 6 children to pursue higher education with the support of Children Believe and IRCDS.

She says “I was merely a house wife, after I established contact with Children Believe / IRCDS I become, member of Parent Teachers Association, Secretary of VDC federation and Peer educator for ECD group and Volunteer for Creative Learning centre and leading the business of group of 10 women”. These recognitions made possible due to the investment made by Children Believe and IRCDS on me, children and our community members in the name of trainings and exposures and linkages established with Govt. Institutions and private companies and wellwishers.