To empower those affected by poverty, oppression or gender to sustainable develop themselves: socially, economically, politically, environmentally and in health.


Children

Children's Programme
Arogya Agam has run a children’s programme using its general funds for over 15 years. The focus was on welfare of disabled children and girl children of sex workers. Later Arunthathiyar, HIV affected and Palliar (tribal) children were included. For the past two years there has been an up-scaled programme with the support of Kindernothilfe (KNH). The two priority groupings are Arundathiyar children in Aundipatty Taluk and HIV affected childen all over the district. Child disability is mainstreamed and the project works in 4 Palliar hamlets.

HIV affected children: Of 388 HIV infected children recorded over the three years, only 221 could be traced. Of these around 70 are permanently institutionalised, the remainder, together with affected but not infected children were screened for support. Currently around 100 families are supported with Rs 500 per month, most of the families have at least one HIV positive child. Some of the other HIV positive children are followed up and a number of HIV positive and negative children receive school books and uniform. This work has led to a visible improvement in the health and happiness of the HIV infected children. This year a hostel has been found to admit the few who have difficulty to continue their studies at home even with this support.

Arundathiyar children: This project formerly covered  76 hamlets of Aundipatty Taluk but as we move to a child rights approach this has been reduced to 53 villages in Aundipatty Block. These children received school books and uniform on a needs basis. At the time of writing this report a more accurate survey is going on, this will identify the children in most need of support with the aim of preventing drop outs.

A few other children with special needs are supported in hostels, camps are held for other groups of children and 20 children attended a function on climate change conducted by KNH. HIV positive children attended two major meetings, one organised by the Red ribbon Club and another by Arogya Agam. KKID of Coimbatore undertook a review which was useful in formulating a major new project proposal.

A major proposal entitled “Right to Survival and Personal Development for HIV affected, Arunthathiyar and other Marginalised Children”  funded by KNH should start in 2011. The project will be rights based and will involve the children in all aspects. For Arundathiyars and Palliars the methodology will be child focused community development. The project aims to extend the life and quality of life of HIV affected children and to engender a sustained improvement in self image, self esteem, educational status and life skills in Arunthathiyar children.