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PHOTO GALLERY
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.JPG)
VCT with the collaboration of Ensemble Agissons, France organized TB
Mass awareness program in the project area. The “Health for all”
campaign attempts to support people with TB patients, who have little
help navigating the health care system. Most of the times, due to low
awareness and support, TB patients have to go through social stigma,
misinformation and abuse. The campaign provides basic information about
the disease and helps people with contacts of doctors and counselors.
VCT Pothnal aims to spread awareness that TB is a treatable, bacterial
infection and people should not be made to feel guilty about contracting
the disease. Nursing staff along with ANM visited the houses and gave
awareness on TB to the families. So far we could reach 108 families,
thus many people appreciated regarding this program.
Yashodhar a little poor girl has been growing up in a poor family from
Raichur district, presently living in Amareshwara Camp of Manvi taluka.
Vimukti Trust had recognized and identified this girl as one who had
been deprived of education due to poverty in her family. Yashoda’s dad
deserted the family few years ago. She has an elder sister and a younger
sister. Mother is the only bread winner for the family. Since then
Vimukti has been helping Yashoda for her lodging, education and meeting
out other needs of her. Her mother not been able to cope up with the
daily labour work due to her health conditions goes house to house to
clean up the dishes and doing other household duties. The entire family
of Yashoda feels insecure since the absence of a fatherly figure in the
family. Vimukti has been serving Yashoda since five years by providing
her education, shelter and fulfilling other needs for her. The Trust has
been a motivating factor to form her towards achieving bright future. 
Vimukti Pothnal takes extra pains to organize periodic medical-
screening camps for the poor economically marginalized children of our
targeted villages. Vimukti survey team found that there are areas where
diseases are there but because of poor background children are not able
to take proper treatment and medicines. At these camps, a medical
specialist examines and prescribes medicines to the patients which are
provided to them free of cost. Recommended patients are also entitled to
free medical services including diagnostic. The camps were also used as
an opportunity to spread awareness about various diseases such as TB,
polio, and skin burnings, Maleria, chikangunia etc, The main objective
to organized this camps To improve access of Below Poverty Line (BPL)
families to quality medical care; Besides offering regular services and
free medicines in the targeted villages of our working area which
benefits around 151 patients.
Vimukti Pothnal in collaboration with Karnataka Sahitya Academy Raichur
organized Janapada Anusandana, a “Poetry Symposium" on 23rd of June 2019
at Vimukti Premises. The program president Dr. Basava Prabhu Patile, the
Kannada Sahitya Prarishad Presendent speaking on the inauguration said,
Our ancient folk culture has been hampered by the changing lifestyles
that have resulted from globalization,” The attraction and imitation of
Western culture has changed our way of life and culture. Modern
inventions are the basis for the destruction of folk literature and
arts, which is the culture of our rural life. Although folk literature,
which represents the principles and principles of eternal life, is the
source of all literature, today it is in decline. He was concerned that
the facts of the children's interests had changed. “Folk songs composed
by the rural people have great lyrics without any university education.
It is the responsibility of everybody to preserve and shine folk
literature and art. ” 
The “Gifting every child a healthier tomorrow” is the ethos behind the
Vimukti Charitable Trust “Child Health Program”. This new project
launched and Supported by Apollo Foundations Bangalore, on 17th of June
2019 at Vimukti Premises. Henceforth Sneha Jyothi Vidyalya Boarding and
sponsored children will be getting free check-up and medicine every
month from Apollo Foundations Bangalore. The free health camps are
organized to those children are in the boarding neither able to afford
medical treatment nor having any basic knowledge regarding health and
hygiene. So, through these programs children are given various tips on
health issues. Besides these, basic health problems and sicknesses are
diagnosed provided with free medicines. The program is conducted with
the help of doctors from the government (PHC). 
“A smile happens in a flash, but its memory can last for a lifetime.
Child is meant to Learn, Not to Earn. STOP CHILD LABOUR:
Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged
in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and
basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than
half are exposed to the worst forms of child labour such as work in
hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labour,
illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as
involvement in armed conflict. Each year on 12 June, this World Day
calls everyone from around the world, together with governments,
employers, workers’ organizations and advocates for justice to highlight
the plight of child labourers and what needs to be done to help them. 
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope,” says Kofi Annan, adding to
him, it’s a basic human right, the road to human progress and the means
through which every man, and woman and child can realize his or her full
potential. That is what the ALP stands out make the learners specially
the women aware of their right to education. The ALP is not directed
just learning reading and writing letters but putting them down to act
to not to get enslaved to malpractices of the society. So ALP at Urban
and Slum area at Manvi town has tried to reach its learners and helped
them to bring out their potentiality in learning. This program has
launched in collaboration with Zella Lok shishana Samithi, Zella Nagara
Shishana Samithi Raichur and Vimukti on 10th June 2019. Intensive
training program was organized for 45 ALP animators and they have to
reach 2850 ALP learners within one year. 
“put it out before it puts you out”.
Vimukti Charitable Trust® - tailoring center had achieved a remarkable
progress in training and placing many deserving girls/ women over the
past years. The overarching goal of VCT is to reach out to the
youngsters who are school dropouts and unemployed by imparting training
that can ensure a sustainable livelihood opportunity. While working with
women in the villages, the staff of the organization noticed that large
number of girls dropped out of schools, especially after class VII (at
the age 13-14). Long distance from the village to the high school and
lack of public transport and discrimination against girls in education
were found to be the main reasons for large number of girls being
dropped out.The overall objective of the training is to transform the
school dropout girls into catalyst of social transformation by building
their capacities for leadership and equipping them with vocational
skills. 83 dropout girls benefited from this training..JPG)
Theme: Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi
meeting the Sultan Al-Malik Al- kamil(1219-2019)
Vimukti
Charitable Trust, Pothnal organized International Child Helpline Day at
Vimukti Central on 17 May 2019. The Day has been declared as such by
Child Helpline International to celebrate the work of CHILDLINE all over
the world and observed the day by raising awareness about 1098 and
drawing attention to the vital role of a helpline for every child. The
CHILDLINE coordinator Raichur stressed the importance of Child Helpline
No- 1098 and urged the participants to use the toll free helpline
whenever they come across crimes and exploitation against children.
“Children deserve to be heard. The care and protection of children is
everyone’s responsibility”, Further he explained the importance of
helplines and the mechanism behind the helpline system. Rev. Fr. Sathish
Fernandes VCT Director said that everyone should join hands for the
cause of children in need and refer them to CHILDINE 1098. This toll
free No. 1098 plays important role and reaches out to children who are
in vulnerable situations. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with Capuchin
Province of Emilia- Romagna Bologna organized training on income
generating to all the poor women of the project area. Women
participation and empowerment are fundamental women’s rights to enable
them to have control over their lives and put forth influence in
society. We need to empower them socially, equip them with a range of
skills and knowledge to enable them to build confidence, develop a sense
of self-worth, a belief in one’s ability to secure desired changes and
the right to control one’s life. VIMUKTI believes in helping to provide
women from rural villages with sustainable livelihood option by
developing skills that benefit them in their rural setting as absence of
requisite skills results in increased migration and socio-economic
challenges. 
Vimukti Charitable trust® organized training on Gram Sabha/ Ward Sabha
to the community leaders at VCT center Pothnal on 28th of April 2019 to
deliberate and seek a way forward to strengthen and to voice out to get
benefits for their respective Gram Panchyath. The Workshop was attended
by 122 community leaders from 20 pockets of our working area. Mrs.
Jecintha Lok Manch capacity builder welcomed the participants; Mr.
Charlie campaign facilitator was the Resource person who enlightened
community leader the importance of Gram Sabhas (GS) of Village
Panchayaths and Ward Sabhas (WS) of Municipalities are envisaged as for
a of direct democracy where citizens directly participate in taking
decisions regarding local administration and development.
Vimukti Pothnal organized awareness program on online Services to the
women and youth on 17th of April 2019 at Vimukti premises. Bridge IT
Module lead Mr. Chanabasava, Mr. Gangagappa and Mrs. Nirmala Cluster
leaders were the resource persons who enlightened the stakeholders
regarding various online services and its importance in today’s society
in length. They also explained how to find out various online services,
how to apply and how to do online payment so on. In the Afternoon
sessions vimukti entrepreneurs share their experience through their
personal case studies, which motivated the stakeholders very much.
Nearly 126 women and youth attended and benefited from this program.
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with Capuchin
Province of Emilia- Romagna Bologna organized awareness’ program on
Health and Education in two villages of our working area. The campaigns
were related to women’s health, drug and alcohol abuse, adolescent
health education, HIV/AIDS, sanitation hygiene, child marriage, personal
counseling, and dowry system and invest efforts to educate the community
through a variety of communication tools. Nearly 152 women and children
benefited from this program..JPG)
Introduction: In recent years, there has been paradigm shift in
the development of youth in India with a huge focus on livelihood
development through micro entrepreneurship. A severe lack of job
opportunities for youth, especially rural youth, has led to
entrepreneurship, even at the micro level, as a necessary and viable
alternative for livelihood generation. Providing the opportunity for
youth to successfully start and run a small business will improve rural
economy and lead tobetter quality of life for the youth, their families,
andtheir communities. Promoting rural enterprise will also serve as a
key to stem the migration of youth and bring about a reduction in the
number of youth who moveaway from their communities in search of
employment elsewhere. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust was indeed glad to receive our French friend
Ophélie de Boisdeffre on 8th April 2019. Fr. Sathish Fernandes the
Vimukti Director and the staff members welcomed her cordially. She was
received to the campus with the Indian traditional welcome. She was
extremely happy to meet and relive her old memories of 2014. She visited
the villages and observed each and everything along with the staff. The
rich and variety of culture, tradition, social problems and other
various issues related to the people and she is indeed made her short
visit as fruitful one. She carried the treasure of experience from
Pothnal. .JPG)
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal organized programs on personality
development camps in the targeted villages of Manvi taluka. Our
Adolescent Girls Training Program is focuses on building adolescent
girls’ capacities for individual empowerment and social survival
especially in patriarchal environments that do not value and respect the
rights of girls and women. VCT tackles gender inequality head on to
ensure that women and girls become advocates for their human rights and
build their self-esteem and self-worth. The program further provides
knowledge and skills that empower girls to detect and deal with
children’s rights violations and provides them with critical thinking
skills. Our program covers important life skills so girls gain the
knowledge of their rights and confidence to demand their right to stay
in school, reduce gender-based violence, and avoid early pregnancy and
marriage, child marriage, child trafficking, school dropouts and to
avoid all kinds of fear and superstitions beliefs, prevalent in the
villages.
In democracy, it is not simply enough to inform voters about election
dates. In order to help the electorates take an informed decision, it is
quintessential to sensitize them about the importance of participating
in the electoral process. Moreover, voters need to be educated about the
process and made aware of the political parties, their manifestos,
backgrounds of the contesting candidates and armed several other
information to help them cast an ‘enlightened’ vote. Vimukti staff along
with village leaders has stepped forward to spread the word about
importance of voting and the right to vote. In this connection, a
Voters’ Awareness Week was organized by vimukti Pothnal. The awareness
drive about the right to vote was successfully conducted under the
guidance of the Vimukti at Pothnal town as well as at targeted villages.
The students and community leaders actively participated in the
campaign. Even the first-time voters were also a part of the drive; they
spread awareness about the right to vote and also the importance of this
right.
From 2010 onwards, it is Fr. Sathish Fernandes who took reigns of
Vimukti at Pothnal and extended its patronage to the taluk, district,
and State level by recognizing the needs of the people and the demand of
service from Vimukti. In recognition of his work, he has received some
honorary titles and become the member of Child Welfare Committee of the
District of Raichur. Briefly, the significant achievements of Vimukti
from the year 2010 until 2019 have been the following: Analysing the
cause for the lack of education in the rural areas, Vimukti made
provision for many a programme to protect the rights of children,
increase their learning opportunities through supplementary training,
establish children’s Rights Club and to focus on such problems as
infrastructure, environmental concerns, health awareness, child labour,
child marriage, livelihood etc. thought of developing social leadership
through children's parliament.
“A woman is like the full circle. Within her is the power to
create nurture and transform”- Diane Mariechild.JPG)
Whatever you ask Manju was able to utter only one word, "Chichamma ...",
and he was wandering alone at Pothnal bus stand. When the Vimukti satff
Mr. Charlie saw him alone, brought him to the Vimukti organization and
He was questioned about his where abouts. Then he was asked to stay in
child care center. Meanwhile Manju's photo was published in newspapers
and shared in WhatsApp. Within 2 days publishing the news in the media,
Parents of Manju appeared before the Child Welfare Committee in the
Child care center. The boy who saw her mother, came running towards her
saying, “mummy” ...and was in the arms of his mother. Looking at this
scene of the union of mother and child, staff felt the satisfaction of
their work. Mother reported her story how she missed her son, Manju. The
incident happened 3 years ago when they had gone for Kurnool Jatraa
(Fair bazar), son got lost. One dead body of a boy was brought to her
saying that he is her son and he was cremated. 
%20copy.jpg)
Lakshmi, a year old orphan hailing from Devipura village, Raichur
District, Karnantaka, was a victim of domestic violence for long years.
Both her husband and mother-in-law were drunkards and tortured her
physically and mentally to bring in more dowry. Lakshmi was forced to
work as a domestic maid in many houses to earn a living. At the training
organized by Safe Village staff under the program Women empowerment
against violence, she learned her rights and the legal provisions
against domestic violence. Armed with the learning and insights, and
peer support, she found the courage to report the domestic violence she
was subject to. With the help of Vimukti staff she, approached the women
legal aid cell Manvi and took help of women helpline 18004198588.
Representatives from the legal cell made a home enquiry and verified
Lakshmi’s reports. While she has not yet filed a complaint against him,
Lakshmi took the drastic step of separating from her husband even though
it is not the norm in her community. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with Capuchin
Province of Emilia- Romagna Bologna organized awareness’ program on
prevention of contagious diseases at Vimukti Premises on 24th March,
2019. Public people were called upon to keep their houses and
surrounding’s clean to avoid contagious, water-borne and mosquito-borne
diseases. People were advised to contribute to create a disease –free
society. Mrs. Jecintha Vimukti staff appealed the officials of health
and education department to create awareness among people on prevention
of spread of contagious diseases, including dengue and malaria. Door to
door campaign was done to create awareness about prevention of malaria
and dengue in the villages. People were asked to keep clean water stored
and not to allow water to stagnate near the houses which will give way
for breeding ground for mosquitos in the living vicinities. 
A day to be remembered, a day to be shared, a day to be celebrated
and moreover a day to be lived at every moment was enhanced,
strengthened and nourished on 25th of March, 2019. Vimukti 35
staff came together celebrated the gift of life of Fr. Sathish Fernandes
the Director; and thanked God for the gift life during the Eucharistic
celebration being the main celebrant. Fr. William Prabhu the guardian
preached an inspiring homily and the various works done by Fr. Sathish
Fernandes for the people for the orphan, semi orphan poor children in
the boarding and asked all present to pray for him. Gratitude
unlocks the fullness of life which is a free gift of God. With
these sentiments VCT staffs raise their hearts in gratitude for the
selfless service rendered by the Director by organizing short program
and wished all the best for this future ministry. 
CHILDLINE
1098, Raichur organized more than 8 open house programmes in Raichur
district. In preparation to this Open House programme the staff of child
line visited and met people concerned in 58 villages, 26 wards, 15 gram
panchayats, 21 schools, 41 Anganwadi, 74 SHGs, 8 hospitals, 75 ASHA
animators, and other community related trusts. They were informed about
the Children related problems, their rights related issues. Dates were
set. The whole purpose of all the Open House programme was to discuss
and come to decision addressing various problem and laxity of provisions
to our children whom we educate and take care and about making best use
of the child line to help out children in danger specialty those caught
up in misery of Child labour, child marriage, trafficking, assault, and
other problems. The children openly shared their difficulties in their
respective schools and centers with boldness regarding the lack of
toilet facilities, open play ground, playing articles, accommodation,
meals, and lack of proper teaching and so on. 
Vimukti CHILDLINE Raichur organized the signature campaign at Pathrika
Bhavan Raichur to promote child rights. The occasion was the celebration
of child line Se Dosti week organized in collaboration with Department
of Women and Child Development, Raichur. Mrs. Mangala Hegde (CWC
President) inaugurated the signature campaign that highlighted the
rights of children and said that the rights of children should be
protected at all cost. “People who violate the rights of children often
do not realize what they are doing”, said Mr.Guru Prasd (DCPO Raichur),
while speaking on the topic, ‘Protection of Child Rights’. R. Naga Raj
(Deputy Director, Department of Women and Child Development), B. K.
Nandanur (DDPI Raichur), Kirlingappa (Project Officer, DWCD, Raichur),
Mr. Prabu Dev Patil (CWC member), Mr. Bas Raj ( CWC member), Mr. Manjunath
Reddy (DLO, Raicur), Fr. Sathish Fernandes (Project Director, Vimukti
Charitable Trust®, Pothnal), and Mr. Sudharsh Coordinator along with
CHILDLINE team members were present for the function. 
On 10th of March, 2019 vimukti in collaboration with other likeminded
NGOs from Raichur jointly organized campaign to save the constitution of
India. All the SC, ST, OBC and other minority communities’
representatives from the entire district collectively raise their voices
before the concerned authority to safeguard constitution and protect the
rights of minority communities. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. S. R.
Herematt, President of Samajika Privarthna Samithi said Indian
Constitution was a holy document of democracy to which all the Indian
should abide by, irrespective of their personal beliefs. Mr. Umar kalli
the president of youth Delhi said that the constitution was envisaged to
break the shackles of traditional social hierarchies and usher in a new
era of freedom, equality, and justice. Mr. M.R Beri expressed that the
constitution of India empowered the traditionally deprived sections in
the country and had brought in socio- economic transformation of the
underprivileged. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with Capuchin
Province of Emilia- Romagna Bologna, Italy organized program on capacity
building and career guidance to youth was organized on 13th March, 2019
at vimukti premises. The base line of the workshop was to help
prospective generation to understand their hidden talent in an advanced
way. Nearly 125 youths attended and benefitted from this training.
Career guidance plays a very important role in the lives of all
individuals, as it helps in setting future goals and chooses careers.
Career guidance is much needed service to those who did not plan for
their future at an early stage; more should be done to assist the
younger generations in personal career development. When high school
students have a clear understanding of the best career choices for them,
end result is better planning, more college enrollments, and a more
productive society for the future. 
“Education
is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world” -
Nelson Mandela
Child line 1098, Raichur organized Awareness programmes for ASHA workers
both in urban and rural areas. Every programme witnessed 15 to 20
animators. They were briefed about the work of CHILDLINE 1098. They were
made aware to make the best use of the free helpline to meet out such
issues where children ill-treated, sick, made to beg, work in hotels and
garages or made orphans and so on. The children who face sexual abuse,
malnourished, and other disturbing factors were discussed. CHILDLINE
Raichur gave good information to safeguard and protect the children and
urged them to put Child Line poster on the wall of their centers. Nearly
103 ASHA workers benefited from this program.
The Sneha jyothi boarding had been beautified once again well by the
renovation works of mending, moulding, building, furnishing and
painting. Almost all the works were completed with few minor works,
which would be completed soon. The campus has got a complete face lift
and now it looks like a well decorative bride. The new brooms sweeping
the boarding and the premises under the supervision of Fr. Sathish
Fernandes Director VCT has done a commendable job. Every nook and corner
has been cleansed and given a new looks. All the available space right
from the compound gate has been artistically utilized in such a way that
a semblance of an atmosphere conducive to learning is clearly visible.
We convey our special thanks, gratitude and appreciations for all the
donors in helping us in this great venture. 
As a part of our efforts to make basic healthcare accessible for all,
Vimukti Pothnal with the support of Ensemble Agissons France conducts
free health camps and free medicine distribution services provides in
the villages of Manvi Taluka. For many people in rural areas, quality
health care is both unaffordable and inaccessible. Hence, medical camps
are organized and conducted in several areas of villages, for the
uneducated, poor and needy who cannot afford their medical expenses or
do not have the knowledge of medical issues. Free BP check-ups, Blood
Sugar, medical check-ups like master check-up, heart check-up, etc are
conducted for hundreds of poor women, children and men benefit from
these camps every year. VCT initializes these methods not only to
support them in their health but also to help them gain knowledge and
educate them in these issues for their well-being and healthy life
ahead. 
A team from Gangavathi children Parliament comprising of 90 children
along with Staff participated in the training cum exposure programme
organized by VIMUKTI Pothnal on child rights issues. The training was
organized at Vimukti premises on 24th of February 2019. The main
objective of this training was to enlighten the children regarding
children parliaments and its function. The training was on various
topics like, child labour, school dropouts, unaccompanied children on
the streets and child marriage. The most important strategy that was
thoroughly discussed was that of community participation in eradicating
these child-related problems, especially through the participation of
children. In order to elicit community participation, all the
stakeholders especially the children, need to be trained on child rights
and its violations.
On 10th February 2019 Vimukti Pothnal celebrated 10 years its service in the
humanitarian work empowering children, girls, youths and adults, people who are
differently- abled through Right based approached and extending their service to
all, promoting holistic excellence. The audience which comprised of Children,
women, youth, staff members and Ensemble Agissons President and members
witnessed a celebration of the 10 years of service with an array of events and
programmes organized on Sunday, at Vimukti premises. A sense of fulfillment was
in the air, the audience was enthusiastic and ecstatic, while the mood
of the dignitaries who graced the occasion as well as the performers was
upbeat. 
31st of January was a joyful day as we welcomed the arrival of our loving
friends from France Daniel Helbert, Bernadette Daniel, Veronique Patrice , Lily
Jattiot, Alix Girard, Catherine Guillemont and Didier Sevre. They are all the
members of the funding Agency ‘Ensemble Agissons’ (Let’s get going together).
Indeed, it is a wonderful occasion of joy to have them amidst us and to join us
in the venture of our work. We are and our sponsored children are filled with
joy. They are going to visit their Sponsored Children, their families and
villages. It is our great pleasure to associate with them to achieve the purpose
of ensemble agissons. This year especially the nine members of the ensemble
agissons are representing in the Decennium celebration of vimukti charitable
trust on 10th February, 2019. As we thank them we also cordially welcome them
and wish a happy stay with us. 
Vimukti
CHILD LINE, 1098, Raichur, staff went out to meet the garage owners,
both in city and rural area of Raichur district. The Child Line staff
made efforts to gather the garage owners and helpers to address them
about child helpline. Almost 140 meetings were held in different places.
In the meeting the garage owners and workers were briefed about the
functioning of the child Line and the gravity of the crime for making
the children work in the garage workshops, they were inspired to help
children who are in such cases like school drop outs, trafficked, child
marriage, sexually assaulted and so on. They were communicated to use
child line which is free to inform if they come to know such children.
Many were convinced of promoting the Child Line in their workplaces. 
CHILDLINE 1098, Raichur in an collective effort to give awareness to the
auto drivers made efforts to meet them in different auto stations and
also the passengers and public. They were given the awareness about the
functioning of the CHILDLINE 1098, how they have to make use of it to
help to protect the children who are in need, threat, under the bondage
of people, working in hotels, factories, assaulted, abused, malnourished
and so on. Children who are of underage must be protected. Since the
auto drivers are on duty in public places who encounter such children
they were guided to take social responsibility to help such children in
need. 
VIMUKTI CHILD LINE 1098, Raichur organized awareness programmes at
Market place of Raichur city and specially the onlookers and the
passersby and many people gathered around to listen to us and about
Child help line. As the staff briefed them about the CHILDLINE, Raichur,
they were all requested to inform us and make use of the child line to
state about the children in danger as they come across anywhere both in
city and villages. They were made aware that the child works 24 hours of
the day. It wants to help the children caught up with child labour,
trafficking, child marriage, atrocities, assault and other bad issues.
With everyone’s help they can be helped to be freed from such evil
clutches. The people were motivated on this move.
The Staff of CHILD LINE 1098, Raichur held meetings with 90 anganwadi
animators, helpers, and children. During meting they were briefed about
the work of CHILDLINE 1098. They were made aware to make the best use of
the free helpline to meet out the issues where children ill-treated,
sick, made to beg, work in hotels and garages or made orphans and so on.
This also concerns the children who face sexual abuse, malnourished, and
other disturbing factors. CHILDLINE Raichur gave effective information
to safeguard and protect the children. The meetings were very
successful.
VIMUKTI CHILDLINE Raichur in collaboration with District line-Department
of Raichur had press meet In view of CHILDLINE SE DOSTI week celebration
at Pathrika Bavan Raichur. The main objective of this Press meet was to
televise the whole week program and how to spread the message in
safeguarding the children from their rights. But even today millions of
children are out of the safety network of protection and still entangled
in the net of child labour, drop out, trafficking, flesh trade, wedlock,
and sexual abuse so on. Mr. Sudharshan, Childline coordinator said, in a
small city Raichur, we at CHILDLINE1098, everyday attend to an average
of such 10 cases. The committed team at CHILDLINE attempts to reach out
to all the children round the clock who need care and protection. He
further explained in detailed week program, like signature campaign,
Mass awareness campaign, silent Jatha, rally on online safety and drug
abuse, misuse of internet, creating awareness on prevention of child
marriage, child abuse, human trafficking, etc. Fr. SathishFernandes CWC
member said every child has the right to a full and productive life.
On 7th November, 2018 under the collaboration of Health and Family
Welfare Commission Raichur, Primary Health center Pothnal Vimukti
Charitable Trust (R) Pothnal celebrated Village Health Nutritious Day (VHND)
and Village Helath and Sanitation Committee meeting was organized (VHSC).
Dr. Rajendra, the physician of the Primary Health Center addressed the
Village Sanitation Committee members that the health services for mother
and infant’s health, fever, cough, vomit, dysentery must be received
from the government hospitals and also the pregnancy treatments, Dengue,
malaria, bone damage, and some other general surgeries and certain
secondary level treatments are provided by the government health
centers. Nutrition, health and education is the fundamental right of
every children. Everyone must responsibly support for the developmental
growth of children, pregnant women, adolescent girls. Nutrition, health
and education from age 14 to 45 years for all the women, children must
be well taken care and awareness of family health and nutrition must be
taught said Mr. Charli Udbal, the animator of SVP under Vimukti Trust.
.jpg)
Vimukti
Charitable Trust, Pothnal in collaboration with Bharath Jnana Vigyana
Samithi Karnataka and Education department Raichur organized District
level workshop on how to improve the Results, on 4th of January 2019 at
Rangamandira Raichur. More than 352 Head Masters /Head Mistress of
Government, aided and unaided schools across the district took part in
this workshop. Mr. B.K Nandanur DDPI Raichur urged the teachers to
concentrate more on subject such as mathematics, Science, and English in
which students are lagging behind and special attention should be given
to students who are week in studies. Zilla panchayat Chief Executive
Officer Nalin Athul Calling upon the teachers to identify children whose
academic learning is poor and make efforts improve their learning skills
and all those involved should strive for bringing Raichur to top
position in SSLC exam. Calling upon the teachers to carefully analyze
the past results, he suggested them to adopt smart classes’ techniques
for most effective results. Thus workshop ended with positive note.
One day Sports was conducted by Vimukti charitable Trust® Pothnal to the
non-organized youth. While inaugurating the sportive event the President
of Ensemble Agissons, Mr. Daniel Helbert expressed that youth is a power
and they have energy to change the society in a better way but he said
that today many of the youth choose wrong direction and spoil their
future and some of the youth are brain washed by the anti-socialists and
terrorists. Thus the life of the youth and the family of such youth is
dragged to danger. The youth gathered here must take into consideration
that you must stand responsibly to avoid such circumstances and work in
unity and friendly manner, respecting each other build a society with
true values. The sports that are held must build the friendly rapport
with each other he said. The sports event included the games namely;
musical chair, passing the ball, volley-ball. And for all young ladies
sports was conducted by Mrs. Jecintha, Mrs. Nagaratna and Miss. Mamatha.
The sports event was witness by around 150 youth from the surrounding
villages of Pothnal. The meals, tea and the transport service was
arranged for the gathered youth. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust, Pothnal in collaboration with Health
department organized awareness on 108 ambulances service at Utaknoor
high school. The main objective is to know the services of 108 emergency
helpline in the state and how its functions. The coordinator of the
health department explained it in length, saying; the 108 Emergency
Ambulance Service is a 24x7 service, which anyone can avail by dialling
the number 108 on their phone during the case of any emergency. It could
be a medical emergency, a fire emergency, or a crime being committed.
The number 108 is a toll-free number and can be dialed from any phone,
be it a mobile phone or a landline, at the time of an emergency, without
any prefix or suffix. Help reaches the person within 20 minutes.
Initially, the person who receives the call at Emergency Response Centre
(ERC) takes down the nature of emergency and the location of the
caller. Depending on the nature of the call, an ambulance, a fire
engine, or police assistance is sent. This is done through the Emergency
Response Centre. 
Vimukti
Charitable Trust® in collaboration with Ensemble Agissons France, AYUSH
Directory Banglore, and Primary Health Center Pothnal, conducted free
Ayurvedic medicine distribution and health check up camp at Vimukti
premises on 29th of December, 2018. Awareness about health and
environment has always been the chief objective of VIMUKTI, which has
always been concerned to achieve the goal in rural areas. Lack of health
awareness is the major problem in rural areas leading to many diseases.
A bit of consciousness is much needed among people to take some
preventive measures. People generally depend on farming to earn their
livelihood regular health checkup up is beyond the consciousness of the
people. Sustainable and safe health service can be developed by health
education, social awareness and herbal medicines. Herbal medicines are
the safest medicines in the world. The people of India know herbal or
ayruvedic medicines more or less as a part of their life and culture. 
The 8th Taluka level Kannada Literary Meet (Kannada Sahitya Sammelana)
was organized on 28. 12.2018. Recognizing his dedicated and valuable
service in the social work the director of Vimukti Charitable Trust (R),
Pothnal Rev. Fr. Satish Fernandes was honored on this occasion by
respected Raj Venkatappa Nayaka MLA Manvi Taluka. The honored Fr.
Sathish Fernandes has worked from the month of May 2010 as the Director
of Vimukti Charitable Trust in bringing some change in the lives of the
people in and around this rural area and through various projects the
children from Govt. Schools have been helped by instilling in them the
focus for education, the leadership qualities, need for sanitation and
good health protection of environment and their rights of having
children clubs and children parliament. Thus he has become the guide for
their better future. Hand in hand, he also works for the poor, helps the
sick dedicates time for the betterment of the society. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust, Pothnal in collaboration with Bharath Jnana
Vigyana Samithi Karnataka organized taluka level Science Festival at
Vimukti premises from 21st to 22nd December 2018. The art and craft
workshop that was conducted in the VCT premises was indeed a successful
one. There were around 150 students who took active part in it. The
workshop began with a stage programme. The kids enjoyed to the full the
workshop with learning beautiful craft and art work. They learnt
different skills like rolling and cutting papers, gluing pieces
together, most importantly the skill of cooperating and collaborating
with each other. For about 102 children made masks from paper, so also
plates, paper pulp, balloons, flowers and caps. Selected teachers from
Manvi taluka were the Resource persons, to conduct this two days
workshop (Mr. Mahesh, Mr. Rajusab, Mr. Raichandra, Mr. Nagappa, and Mrs.
Laxi Devi) and involved with children excellently well. .JPG)
May the spirit of Christmas bring you Peace
Health camp was held for the Sneha Jyothi boarding children on December
15th 2018 in VCT center Pothnal. Fr. Sathish Fernandes the Director of
Vimukti presided over this camp. Dr. Rashmi Patil, PHC Pothnal, Mr.
Ballappa Block health officer, Mr. Devendrappa ANM and team conducted
the health check up. The children were sensitized about the importance
of washing their hands before and after eating and exercising daily and
the importance of playing sports and inculcating other healthy habits to
avoid falling sick. The children were asked to share their daily
routines and the steps they took every day to maintain hygiene. The
children learnt a lot from the session and promised to follow all the
good habits. 45 children benefited from this health checkup camp. 
CHILD LINE 1098, Raichur conducted programme for farmers to address them
about Child Line 1098 and how to make use of this helpline to ensure
safety of the children. Around 90 meetings were held to the farmers
gathering them in specified places. The farmers came to know about the
working of the Child Line which connects to departments to help the
children those who are in danger of child labour, child marriage,
trafficking, health issues, orphans, beggars, school drop outs and those
sexually assaulted. The child help line could be made used by even the
children or anyone on behalf of such children. The farmers were
enlightened about the many of the rescue stories of the children. .JPG)
CHILD LINE 1098, Raichur visited slum. The staff of Child Line have
covered almost 50 slums and met them both individually and in smaller
groups. The youth, the children, the women and working men and other
aged people were addressed about the CHILD help LINE. They were made
aware of the children who face lot of dangers in today’s society. There
is help line to rescue them. They were told to make use of the child
line to state the problem the children face whom they whenever
encounter. They were explained about the issues of child labour, child
marriage, child abuses, beggary and so on. They were also instructed
about the laws and children rights. The people of the slum were
enlightened about the CHILD LINE 1098. 
The Vimukti charitable trust® has been implementing the project “HELATH
FOR ALL” in 18 villages in the three blocks of Gram Panchyath of our
project area on 7th of December at Thorandini Primary Health Center. The VCT project team organized a rally to mark the World AIDS Day, nearly 62
ASHA workers and ANMs participants including community members, Village
Health workers, Doctors, BHO and staff of VCT participated in the rally.
Dr. Ballappa, Block Health officer, was the Chief Guest and he flagged
off the rally. The rally started from PHC center to the town. ASH
workers and ANMs holding placards shouted slogans on HIV/AIDS during the
rally. The rally covered main streets of Thorandinni town, Headquarters
sending messages through the public address system to create awareness
on HIV/AIDS. 
VCT, Pothnal organized awareness on Arogya Karnataka Bhagya Scheme on
5th November, 2018 in the targeted pocketed of Manvi taluka. The main
objective of the scheme is to extend ‘Universal Health Coverage’ to all
residents in Karnataka State. Under this new scheme, primary health care
specified secondary and tertiary health care benefits will be provided.
The current ongoing health schemes like Vajpayee Arogya shree,
Yeshaswini Scheme, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme, Rashtriya Swasthaya
BimaYojana (RSBY) including RSBY for senior citizens, Rashtriya Bala
Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK), Mukhya mantri Santwana Harish Scheme, Indira
Suraksha Yojane, etc. and many other related issues were explained to
the stakeholders; As a result 125 attended the training and benefited
from this awareness program.
Vimukti Charitable Trust organized training on Indian Constitution &
Human Rights at VCT Resource Centre, Pothnal on 27th November 2018. A
total of 105 participants from 20 pockets participated in the trainings.
Fr. Sathish Fernandes, Director, VCT welcomed the gathering and In his
inaugural address he exhorted the participants to teach the
Constitutional Values to the people so that everyone respects the
fundamental rights & duties and enjoys Justice, Liberty, Equality and
Fraternity. the Resource Person, Advocate Mr. Yallappa. explained that
the Indian Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights to all its
citizens like Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against
Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational
Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies. The Resource Person
continued that Human Rights as enshrined in the Indian Constitution are
generally defined as the rights which every human being is entitled to
enjoy can be found in the Preamble of the Constitution of India.
VIMUKTI Pothnal (Raichur District): Over 528 children from the 11
villages that come under the Manvi Taluka limits participated in the
“Makkala Grama Sabha” (children’s gram sabha) at two panchyats in
different places demanded immediate intervention of officials concerned
in redressing their grievances. By successfully listing out problems
being faced by children, especially those living in rural areas, these
children became a role model for their counterpart in other parts of the
Taluka. The children, guided by the non-governmental organizations
Vimukti Charitable Trust (VCT) and the Concerned for Working Children
had made all efforts to make the gram sabha a grand success. The Gram
Sabha started with the prayer song by a group of children. The meeting
was chaired by Mr. Baslingappa Hasamane Public Development Officer Gram
Panchayath, Heredinni. 
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with
great love.”.JPG)
On 18th and 20th of November 2018 Vimukti CHILDLINE Raichur organized
mass awareness program and rallies were conducted in the main streets of
Pothnal and Jawlgera town. The college students and children took out
rallies through the main streets of Pothnal and Jawlgera town by holding
placards and banners containing the message on the needs of protecting
the rights, to create awareness on adverse impact of child marriage,
Child Sexual abuse, child line, child dropout, Child trafficking, Child
labor, RTF, protection of earth, health-hygiene and cleanliness, beggary
etc., in the society; and demanded the concerned officials to take
stringent measures in this regard to impose fine on those who violate
these laws. The main aim of the rally was to sensitize privileged
citizens to protect children rights and empower them with the power of
education. 
CHILDLINE Raihcur organized Child Rights Rally on the occasions of
international Child Rights Day on 20th November 2018, to create
awareness on children’s rights in the public. Mr. Malikarjuna, CRP,
inaugurated the rally. Mr. Basva raj, Assit Teacher flagged it off which
passed through the heart of the town and ended at School premises.
School Children parliament and club children actively took part in the
rally. Fr. Sathish Fernandes CWC member Raichur said, “Love, childhood,
education and protection are the birth rights of all children.” Millions
of children have no access to education; works long hours under
harardous conditions and are force to child labour and child dropout.
Young and immature, they are often easily exploited. In many cases, they
are abused by the very individuals responsible for their care. It’s
every individual’s duty and responsibility to help and protect children
from harm. 
On 15, November 2018 Open House programme was conducted by the CHILD
LINE 1098, Raichur in the Higher Primary School which comes under
Kalmala Gram panchayat. The programme witnessed by Mrs. Mangala Hegde,
the president of Child Welfare Committee(CWC), Raichur, Fr. Sathish
Fernandes, the member of CWC, Gram Panchayat Secretary, Rupasingh and
the staff. Along with them Education and Tax Department Officers, Staff
of Police Department, Asha animators, Health Department officers,
Anganwadi Animators, The heads of the Schools and staff, SDMC members
participated in the programme. In his introductory talk Fr. Sathish
Fernandes stressed on the purpose of the open house programme and urging
children and those closely connected with children to make the best use
of the CHILD LINE 1098 and to get required facilities for their schools
and villages. 
The Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble
Agissons France had organized sponsor day program at Pothnal on
04.11.2018. 55 sponsored children along with their parents participated
in the program. This day was filled with full of entertainment. Sonamma,
sponsored child welcomed the guests on the dais. Sponsored children
honored the guests with the garlands. The program commenced with the
prayer dance lead by Arogya Mary and group. On this special occasion
variety of games were conducted. Different cultural programmes were
performed by the sponsored children. Ensemble Agissons members namely
Mr. Daniel Helbert, President, Mrs. Bernadette, Mr. Marcel, Mrs. Lucie,
Mr. Eric and Mrs. Patricia, were very happy to see all the 55 sponsored
children on that day. Fr. Sathish Fernandes Director, Vimukti in his
speech exhorted all the sponsored children saying that every child
should learn to give value for time and money the sponsors spend on each
child and always remain thankful to their sponsor’s who are selflessly
trying to give better education. 
The Ensemble Agissons members namely Mr. Daniel Helbert, President, Mrs.
Bernadette, Mr. Marcel, Mrs. Lucie, Mr. Eric and Mrs. Patricia, visited
VIMUKTI trust and gathered together on 9th of November, 2018 at Merci
Nivas for the evaluation, in order to review the ongoing projects and
further visited sponsor’s families and the area of implementation.
During the field visits they interacted with the beneficiaries and also
saw the progress of the work done under the program child sponsorship.
They expressed their happiness on hearing from the beneficiaries how
this project had helped them and their family members especially in
improvement of health and education. The meeting was presided over by
Rev. Fr. Alwyn Dias Vicar provincial, Holy Trinity province; Karnataka.
He heartily welcomed the Ensemble Agissons President and members, and
VCT staff for the evaluation. 
Vimukti organized awareness program to the village leaders on Mission
Antyodya mobile App on 28th of September, 2018 in Utaknoor GP. Mission
Antyodaya is a convergence framework for measurable effective outcomes
on parameters that transform lives and livelihoods. Objective of Mission
Antyodaya is to Survey and Collect the Village Infrastructure Data for
all the Villages in the Gram Panchyat. To know the reality of the entire
GP, whether GP has basic facilities like, Community hall, Primary health
center or sub center, Schools, AWCs, drinking water facilities, drainage
facilities, roads etc. Ministry Of Rural Development has planned to
collect the village level data on infrastructure and economic activities
using this ‘Mission Antyodaya’ android mobile App. 
Vimukti in collaboration with “Ensemble Agissons” organized one day
summer camp at vimukti premises from 25th to 26th October, 2018. The
main intention of this program was to get numerous opportunities to the
children to grow and learn new things. Mr. Jaysheel, vimukti staff
welcomed the dignitaries. Mr. Arogyappa described the aim and objectives
of the camp. Fr. Sathish Fernandes inaugurated the camp by lighting the
lamp. Various sessions on life skills, awareness on health and hygiene,
training on good manners, information on moral values, child rights, and
leadership and other activities like ice breaking sessions, outdoor
games, etc were part of the summer camp. Nearly 350 children attended
and benefited from this camp.
Vimukti strongly believes that human rights and human development share
a common vision and a common principle. Keeping this in mind, VIMUKTI
worked accordingly and makes sure that the strategies are Right based.
Vimukti is very particular in developing a right perspective among the
unorganized youth, in the targeted villages. In all the 20 pockets
awareness and survey has been on the process. As a result we could
convince and began the work of accompanying the unorganized youth by
forming the youth clubs in seven pockets. The totally 101 youth have
registered their names and formation of the clubs are in progress. 
Vimukti charitable trust® Pothnal organized, free medical camps on 20th,
23rdoctober, 2018 in the targeted villages of Manvi taluka. The main
objective of the free medical Camps can be considered as a life-saving
program which aims to provide free medicines to poor communities living
in rural areas by a mobile team. Secondly to provide initial care to
people in life-threatening conditions which reflect the unique strengths
and goals of medical ethics. Thirdly, set up with a sacred aim to bring
awareness amongst the deprived population, who have no access to basic
healthcare services or knowledge about the diseases they are suffering
from. 
Children
parliaments were formed in 13 to have right education in living
villages, having regular visits and organizing the meetings once in a
month and mold those disciplined life and gain their rights and enjoy
their childhood life. More than 300 students participated in a
Children’s Parliament training at various places of project area. The
main aim of the training was to make children aware of the powers of a
parliamentary democracy. They would know how to be a responsible citizen
and the importance of involving themselves in community affairs. 
Vimukti organized training on importance of breast milk to all the ASHA
workers of two clusters (Pothanl and Kavithal Primary Health Centers) on
29th of September, 2018 at vimukti premises. Dr. Rajendra Patel Pothnal
PHC, Mr. Ballappa BHO, Dr. Vijay Dorandinni PHC, Mr. Anthony Anthodya
Mudola, Mrs. Sharada Neolacta life Science Bangalore and Fr. Sathish
Fernandes VCT Director were present of the dais and witness the program.
Program inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Dr. Rajendra Patel explained
the Breast milk contains all the ingredients for a healthy new life. 
On 28th of September, 2018 vimukti organized legal literacy training to
all the Village leaders at Vimukti premises. An important part of our
capacity building work is enhancing the legal literacy training to our
village leaders. This training is vital to improve as responsibilities
of the leadership quality and to dedicate his/her time to help the
people to understanding of legal mechanisms so that they can use this
knowledge to effectively address the issues of discrimination, rights
and exclusion that affect socially excluded groups. Vimukti has been
helping people to become responsible citizens who can proper decision
for their village. Nearly 85 leaders attended the training and benefited
from this training.
Vimukti Childline Raichur conducted awareness program on various schools
of the district. More than 65 schools in an around Raichur District
enlightened the children, School teachers AWCs teachers and public,
regarding the services of CHILDLINE 1098, its functioning and who can
avail the services and for what purpose. As a result we are receiving
more calls from the children when they need help and support. Nearly
9850 children were enlightened and benefited from this program.
In order to inspect infrastructure with regard to ensuring safety and
security of children and implementation of the Right of children to free
and compulsory Education Act (RTE) 2009 Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (CCPCR) President Mr. Y Mari swamy gave a surprise visit to
Race concept School and AWCs Raichur on 19th of September, 2018.
Chairperson of the commission was accompanied by the concerned
government officials from the district. During its inspection at Race
concept school, the team appreciated the school management and lauded it
for keeping the school's premises clean. It said that the school had
well-maintained toilets for children. "They have maintained toilets for
drivers, conductors and lady attendants separately," the team stated. 
Protection of Rights of Children under 18 years is the responsibility of
the Child Welfare members. Though fundamental rights guaranteed by the
Constitution of India are common for adults and children, there are some
rights specifically defined for children. The United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the child to which India is a signatory also has
specific articles on rights of child. There are also special laws for
children in India. All children irrespective of caste, colour, and creed
are entitled to the full enjoyment of their rights. Some children
however need special attention like those marginalized due to economic
or social exclusions or those subjected to physical, mental or sexual
abuse and in need of care and protection, victims of natural or manmade
disasters, children in conflict with law etc.
Sneha Jyothi child care center Pothnal participated training on Juvenile
Justice Act-2015 on 19th of September, 2018 at Krshi vijinana Kendra
Raichur. Karnataka State child rights President Mr. V. Mariswami
express, that the children are assert of the nation and they should lead
a disciplined life. Child care centers should compulsorily follow the
rules and guidance mentioned in Juvenile justice Act- 2015. Further he
noted that, the staff at Child care centers should treat the children
residing there with love and affection. They should identify the talents
in them and encourage them. There should be homely atmosphere and the
children should be exposed to the rich culture and tradition, and see
that they are taught human and moral values, without expecting much in
returns. 
Stolen People Stolen Dreams
A health awareness programme was conducted for students from a school in
Karabdinni high school. The children were sensitized about the
importance of washing their hands before and after eating and exercising
daily and the importance of playing sports and inculcating other healthy
habits to avoid falling sick. The children were asked to share their
daily routines and the steps they took every day to maintain hygiene.
The children learnt a lot from the session and promised to follow all
the good habits.
Vimukti Parliamentary and club children members from
Heri Dinni Grama Panchyath submitted the memorandum on 14th of August, 2018
in demanding concerned panchayath president to form Child Protection
committee in their Gram Panchyath. The main objective of this CPC
Committee is to address child rights and provide more awareness and
spread knowledge among children, parents and the society in general. A
CRPC is a group of individual including duty- bearers, who are primarily
responsible for creating and promoting a child friendly and safe
environment wherein all children well-being, safety and rights are
protected. Every GP shall have a child CPC under the Chairpersonship of
the president to recommend and monitor the implementation of child
protection services at the GP level. 
When one mentions INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA, the city that comes
to mind is Bangalore in Karnataka. Known throughout the world as a
leader in IT and innovation, our state’s most famous city is a synonym
for “Silicon Valley” and information technology. But how many of us know
Karnataka beyond Bangaluru? If we mention Manvi, how many would know
that this under developed Taluka in North Karnataka also forms part of
the vibrant, diverse fabric that is Karnataka? Not may, and that’s the
sad reality of many of the neglected and backward districts, Panchayath,
and talukas that exist in this beautiful state. Plagued by poor
literacy, the devadasi system, caste system child marriage, migration,
water scarcity, poverty and drought, Manvi Taluka, in Raichur district,
is one of the most backward talukas in one of the most backward
districts in Karnataka.
“Women play a crucial role in agriculture and they provide
agricultural labour yet they feel that they are not FARMERS”
First aid is an important life skill that helps reduce fatalities and
enables the faster treatment of injures. It also has an important role
to play in providing pupils with a sense of purpose and achievement, in
giving them the skills that will potentially save lives but also learn
to be responsible for the welfare of others, adding to the sense of
community within a school. Keeping these thoughts Vimukti Staff Nurse
Mrs. Nagarathna gave inputs sessions on first-aid and enlightened the
children its importance and the role as a student in the school. After
the session parliamentary and club children got together and discuss
this matter in their monthly meetings and planned to buy a First- aid
box to their school. 
Vimukti in collaboration with NGO partners from Raichur district, on
30th of August, 2018, staged the Dharana in demanding crop loss
compensation by walking 85 kilometers. The protesters said farmers were
in distress due to scanty rainfall this season too. Many laborers have
migrated in search of employment in the cities.
Many farmers incurred loss due to the failures. Therefore, the
government should declare Raichur as the drought affected district and
initiative relief measures at the earliest. They also said, the
government should waive all the crop loans borrowed from the
nationalized banks. The loan clearance for Rs. 2 lakh waived off by the
government should be issued to farmers. Fresh loans should be provided
to take up cultivation. 
Every year on September 5 we celebrate teacher’s day on the occasion of
the birthday of Dr. Sarvapalli Radha Krishnan, second President of
India; The great academic philosopher and one of the most well known
diplomats, scholar, president of India and above all a teacher. As a
tribute to this great teacher, his birthday has been observed as
teachers' day. On this day Sneha Jyothi Vidhyalaya Boarding, children
organized a short program at vimukti premises. Children express their
gratitude and appreciation for their teachers on this day. The whole
program was planned by children themselves. A short program followed by
cutting the cake by the teachers who were present for the program.
Fr.Sathish Fernandes Director, highlighted about the purpose of being a
teacher in the school as well as in the society. 
For many people in our rural areas, quality health care is both
unaffordable and inaccessible. Hence, medical camps are organized and
conducted in several areas of villages, for the uneducated, poor and
needy who cannot afford their medical expenses or do not have the
knowledge of medical issues. Free BP check-ups, medical check-ups like
master check-up, heart check-up, etc are conducted for hundreds of poor
people every year. VCT initializes these methods not only to support
them in their health but also to help them gain knowledge and educate
them in these issues for their well-being and healthy life ahead.
Vimukti believes that human rights and human development share a common
vision and a common purpose.in order to create public awareness
regarding right based approach and to have proper understanding of
Various Government Schemes and the impediments in taping those schemes.
Vimukti Pothnal joined hand with a team of NGOs in Karnataka and
organized a state level public hearing programme on 28th of August, 2018
at St. Joseph institute Bangaluru. In this programme state level
concerned Ministers and government officials were present to hear those
problems. 16 NGOs partners from north Karnataka along with local village
leaders’ representatives were present for this programme. 
Free information camp on use of herbal medicine was conducted in our
targeted villages, in collaboration with Ensemble Agissons, France,
under “HEALTH FOR ALL” project. The sessions held in Kannada by
traditional practitioners. Mrs. Chinnamma and Mrs. Nagarathna staff
nurse enlightened the gathering with regards herbal medicine and its
importance today’s world. People suffering from diabeties, Asthama,
Gasterities, Paralyeis, Obesity, Leporsy , Psosiasis, Old skin diseases,
knee or joint pain , varicose vain, fits , constipation , Jaundice ,
Depression, Weakness of nerves , Infertility, Menstrual Problems ,
Mental Disorder in children etc…were well explained to the beneficiaries
and motivated to the women to spread this message to the other women in
the villages. Nearly 41 women benefited from this camp. 
Vimukti Parliamentary and club children members from Utakanoor Grama
Panchyath submitted the memorandum on 22nd of August 2018 in demanding
concerned panchayath president to form Child Protection committee in
their Gram Panchyath. The main objective of this CPC Committee is to
address child rights and provide more awareness and spread knowledge
among children, parents and the society in general. A CPC is a group of
individual including duty- bearers, who are primarily responsible for
creating and promoting a child friendly and safe environment wherein all
children well-being, safety and rights are protected. 
On 20th of May, 2018 Fr. Sathish Fernandes Pothnal organized the
training on CHILDLINE 1098 for the Government hostel children at Pothnal.
Fr. Sathish Fernanders Child Welfare committee member Raichur, made
random visit to the hostel and enquiry regarding facilities, and how the
children are taken care by the hostel in charge. After interaction with
the children he spoke about children rights, to create awareness on
adverse impact of child marriage, Child Sexual abuse, child line 1098,
child dropout, Child trafficking, Child labor, RTF, protection of earth,
health-hygiene and cleanliness etc., in the society. The session was
well interactive and though provoking. The underlying message of the
training was to take collective responsibility in protecting the rights
of children. 
Vimukti Charitable trust® in collaboration with CHILDLINE India
Foundation organized five days of CHILDLINE in- house training to
Raichur CHILDLINE staff from 31st to 5th of August, 2018. Inaugural
function was held at JC Bavan Raichur. CHILDLINE India Foundation’s
south Zone program coordinator Miss Chithra anchan said in her inaugural
address that the CHILDLINE 1098 project of the Union Ministry of women &
Child Development offers 24x7 toll free emergency helpline service and
children in distress must seek help from this service. She further said,
that this is the only helpline for children in the country and it was
establish in 1996. 
We create awareness about child abuse to children of all ages and their
parents. We have an open talk with children about keeping them safe from
abuse. Since child abuse has always been an ongoing issue, it is our
responsibility to create an awareness to bring a change in their lives.
They don't have to be quiet like we did in our days. The kids enjoyed
the activity session and also made awkward faces when we mentioned
certain details. We also provide training on child safety and protection
to all staffs and volunteers who work with children. We believe that
this opportunity will open up doors to bring an end to child abuse at
least in the community we serve.
With exuberance the children of Sneha Jyothi Boarding organized a
wonderful recreational evening after the meticulous organization of the
celebration of Independence Day. “Every Child is a different kind of
flower, and all together, makes this world a beautiful garden” says an
author Play, activities and recreation are the best part of student life
apart from the classroom study that makes them lively, active and
energetic. Our children began the task from morning with the cleaning of
the surrounding, paid tribute to Our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi
and remembered sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the proud soldiers
of Bharath Matha, Fr. Sathish Fernandes, the director of Vimukti
Charitable Trust and a member of CWC, powerfully enlightened the budding
minds of these children with a short message on the occasion of
Independence. 
Our mission at the Sneha Jyothi Child care Center is to create and
ensure a safe, nurturing, and family environment for destitute,
abandoned and orphaned vulnerable little children presently aged between
5 to 18 years which will fulfill the vision of offering them a hope and
a future. In our home, they will be loved, valued and empowered through
quality care and education. Our goal at The Sneha Jyothi child care
center is to excel in holistic childcare and ensure optimum care is
provided for all children by meeting their physical and emotional needs.
Our vision for The Sneha Jyothi child care center is to become a
reputable home and excel in childcare.
Vimukti Charitable trust® conducted Right to Food training to all the
adolescent girls in project area. During the sessions adolescent girls
were educated regarding the holistic concept of RTF, its various
components, entitlements that effectuate its realizations and concern on
its progressive realization. An overview of the NFSA Act, 2013 along
with an evaluative critique was given to the participants, as a form of
inducting them into the session. This was followed by an interactive
session which helped to highlight the numerous practical problems,
lacunae and policy gaps that need to be fulfilled on order to strengthen
right to food within the country.
A total of 10 adolescent Groups and each group ranging of 25 to 30 girls
between the age of 10 to 18 were formed in the project area. Adolescent
girls are availing the pleasure of group membership. Animators have
played a vital role in strengthening these groups on adolescent issues.
The club provides a platform for adolescents collectively to discuss
issues around domestic violence, early marriage and more importantly
encourage their peers to adopt healthy practices and follow medical
intervention, for preventing anemia. Regular meetings are conducted in
these groups. On the other hand VIMUKTI has organized 10 adolescent
groups. All the groups get benefited in terms of knowledge and awareness
on family life education, reproductive health, STI, HIV/AIDS &
Information on family planning, access and use of contraceptives, condom
usage, delaying sexual debut, menstrual cycle management, assertiveness,
decision making, leadership, and rights of women and girls, Vocational
skills and leadership skills. 
Vimukti
charitable trust®, Pothnal in collaboration with ENSEMBLE AGISSONS,
France organized the valedictory function to all the training
beneficiaries on 21st of July 2018. The key problem in all our target
villages was unemployment. The primary objective of this programme is to
create employment opportunities for disadvantaged adolescent girls and
women/widows in rural areas at an early age by providing training in
tailoring skills and a sewing machine. In our project locations many of
the poor women, widows & girls are idle without doing any work and some
of them are working as daily wage labourers migrating to some other
towns and cities by leaving their children and elder parents at home.
Even though they have desire to learn fashion designing skills, due to
lack of resources they are idle at homes and depending on some other
persons in the families. 
It
is said,
"Separations are wounds that no one can heal, but memories are
treasures that no one can steal". After two years of a journey that
seems to have just begun, it was the time to bid farewell to our dear
Fr. Elvin Lopez. It was special moment for us. It was painful to say
good bye to dear Fr. Being the, Director of Sneha Jyothi Boarding and
severed in the Clara Vihar fraternity in various capacities. Now you are
going to New Delhi to pursue your higher studies in communication, we
the Vimukti Director and staff wish you all the best in your studies.
Fr.sathish Fernandez took this occasion to recall all the good times and
the good things that the vimukti centre had received during his term.
Fr. Elvin Lopez had been a great support in all the areas of our
missionary and social work endeavours. The Fraternal care and dedication
you had shown to the orphan/semi orphan children, youth, and women had
been really inspiring.
Vimukti Pothnal organized a free sapling distribution camp in three
pockets. The pocket leaders and women were sensitized about their
responsibilities towards the environment and society. The main aim of
this awareness program is to “spreading awareness on environment and its
protection”. On this occasion awareness was created among the pocket
leaders and members to protect and preserve our mother nature through
tree plantation and cleanliness drive. Mr. Charlie VCT staff highlighted
saying, free distribution camp is very important day in our life. It is
the day when we get aware of issues related to our environment and
pledge to keep it safe for our better future. We should take care of our
environment all through the life. It can be done only when we will keep
our eyes open and be active to bring some positive changes within
ourselves and environment. Nearly 145 pocket women and others benefited
from this program..JPG)
Vimukti organized nutrition awareness program under “Health for all”
project on 14th of July, 2018. Malnutrition amongst women is one of the
prime causes of low birth-weight babies and poor growth. Low birth
weight is a significant contributor to infant mortality. Moreover, low
birth weight babies who survive are likely to suffer growth retardation
and illness throughout their childhood, adolescence and into adulthood,
and growth-retarded adult women are likely to carry on the Preventing
under-nutrition has emerged as one of the most critical challenges in
recent times. Though various schemes are introduced by the government,
yet failed to reach to the beneficiaries. Therefore VCT has been
conducting nutrition program in our project area and helping women and
children to get maximum benefit from these schemes. Nearly 98 women
attended and benefited from this program. 
The
project, aptly named Bridge-IT, is a micro entrepreneurship program that
aims to provide livelihood opportunities and bridge the IT gap between
urban and rural India by building the capacity of rural youth in
e-entrepreneurship. Bridge-IT will focus on building the IT and
entrepreneurial skills of rural youth, build their confidence, and
enhance their life skills, providing them with the necessary means and
support to earn a livelihood through e-entrepreneurship. The initiative
will not only allow rural youth to be gainfully employed and
self-sufficient, but will also bridge the IT gap by enabling the youth
to bring much needed IT related services into their communities. By
promoting rural entrepreneurship, the intervention aims to improve the
rural economy, reduce illiteracy, and provide academic inputs to both
school going children and adults through computer based education. 
Education a man, you educate a person, but you educate a woman and
you educate a whole civilization- Mahatma Gandhi
Vimukti charitable Trust® organized mass awareness campaign from 6th to
9th July, 2018 in five major villages of our working area. Vimukti Staff
with the help of local community leaders gave input sessions on seeds
and fertilizers stock for monsoon cultivation. Govt. as already allotted
sufficient seeds and fertilizers for the farmers for the monsoon
cultivation. But farmers should demand the concerned authorities to
distribute the seeds and fertilizers in concessional rate. Seeds are
available with the Karnataka State Seeds Corporation Limited, National
Seeds Corporation and other private agencies. Sufficient stock was
ensured and there would not be any shortage for this season. Seeds would
be distributed on 75% of concession for scheduled caste and scheduled
tribe farmers and on 50% concession for general category farmers. The
price of BT-1 variety would be Rs.635 and BT-2 would be Rs.240. Seeds
should be purchased from approved 30 agencies; if sale of unauthorized
seeds was found kindly, contact agriculture officials immediately. This
mass awareness campaign was very successful in the targeted villages.
Nearly 545 farmers attended and benefited from this program.
Girls boarding and child Recourse center is a long awaited dream is
finally becoming reality and brought great joy and gladness for the
staff and Director of Vimukti Charitable Trust(R) Pothnal. With the
blessing of God and the hard work of Fr. Sathish Fernandes and Fr. Elvin
Lopez along with Vimukti staff, the newly constructed Merci Nivas 1st
floor at Pothnal was blessed on 8th July by Rev. Fr. John Alwyn Dias,
Vicar Provincial Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka; Who proudly unveiled
the plaque and proclaimed with humble gratitude to God saying ‘Lord your
love is eternal; Complete the work that you have begun.... what is done
in love is done well. Fr. William prubu Director clara vihar, said i
would like to thank immensely those who have put their efforts for the
completion of the work and thanks to Merci Nivas 1st floor has given a
new look with the construction of an extension. Fr. Sathish Fernandes
Director Vimukti expressed his gratefulness to our benefactor Mr.
Patrice Fabart and Ensemble Agissons Mr. Daniel Helbert President and
all the Members - France, for their love and sacrifice towards sponsor
children and their family. 
As a part of our efforts to make basic healthcare accessible for all,
Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal with the support of Ensemble Agissons
France conducted free health camps in villages, providing succor to over
250 people. Many of these villages have no healthcare facilities or even
a qualified healthcare worker. Monthly free medical camps are being
conducted specifically for pregnant women with active participation by
staff nurse and support staff from Pothnal hospital. The objective of
the camp was to provide information regarding diet, exercise and weight
control. Free medicines have been provided to subjects who were
diagnosed with HTN and or DM and advised them to follow up with their
local doctors or Public Health Centers. Follow up has been done with
those patients who have been diagnosed with HTN or DM on a regular basis
by our staff nurse with their medications and ascertain that their blood
pressure and/or blood sugar are controlled. People are very positive
regarding this camp and 214 people have been benefited from these camps. 
Yoga for Harmony and Peace
Vimukti Charitable trust®, Pothnal with the collaboration Aptha mithra
development organization, Sindhnoor jointly organized awareness program
on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) ,female sex
worker, and people living with HIV on 16th of June 2018 at Vimukti
premises. The objective of the program was to make known the struggles
of LGBTQ, female sex worker and people living with HIV people face in
the society for their existence. The resource person Sri Madhu said, as
a community, LGBTQ people face higher rates of poverty, stigma, and
marginalization, which put us at greater risk for sexual assault. We
also face higher rates of hate-motivated violence, which can often take
the form of sexual assault. Moreover, the ways in which society both
hyper sexualizes LGBTQ people and stigmatizes our relationships can lead
to intimate partner violence that stems from internalized homophobia and
shame. 
Blood is the fluid that gives life, growth and health. Every year on 14
June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD).
The event, established in 2004, serves to raise awareness of the need
for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their
voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. World Blood Donor Day is one of
eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health
Organization (WHO). With these key note from Fr. Elvin Lopes Sneha
Jyothi Boarders organized World Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2018 to mark
this event Mr.Charlie was chief guest, spoke of the benefits and the
myths about donating blood. By donating blood we become life savers and
real hero and a ray of hope to someone in need of blood and Mrs.
Nagarthna the staff nurse guided the children and spoke of the purpose
of the event.
An awareness rally was taken out by Child line Raichur at Muddamaguddi
School on 12th of June 2018 on the occasion of World Day against Child
Labour. The rally started from the School ground and ended at the temple
premises. The children were holding placards with slogans against
employing children. After the rally stage program was organized in the
school. Childline team member Mr. mukkanna staged that employing the
children below 18 years is punishable offence as per law, Both the
persons employing the children and the persons who have supplied the
children are equally responsible. The law provides three years
imprisonment for this offence he explained. Further Mr. Charlie Vimukti
staff said, children are the future of the country. It is the
responsibility of every one to ensure that the children are provided
good education and become good citizens.
Vimukti organized one day training on revised Mukya Mantri Ujjwala
yojana scheme to the women at Markumdinini pocket. Speaking on the
occasion, Mr. Agrogyappa VCT animator said previously this scheme had
fixed target group, but now no target has been fixed, and all the
eligible beneficiaries will be given free cooking gas. The people
belonging to scheduled caste/ scheduled tribes and backward classes can
avail the facilities. The beneficiaries have to bring ration card and
identification card to avail the facilities.55 women attended the
training and applied for this scheme. As a result 12 of the
beneficiaries received the cylinder gas kit and others are waiting to
receive.
“Cleanliness is the only medicine to all diseases”.JPG)
It is said, “Separations are wounds that no one can heal, but memories
are treasures that no one can steal.” It was painful to say good bye to
eight of our senior sponsor children, but as they go for another stage
of experience which is the part of their life. To mark this event we
gave them memorable farewell with an excellent program along with
sumptuous meal. It was the day the our beloved sponsored children took
center stage; a day the companions experienced mixed feelings of pride
and sadness, while the parents looked on joyfully; a day that will
forever be etched in the collective consciousness of Vimukti as covering
yet another milestone in this beautiful journey of togetherness. It was
the most awaited moment of the year for the outgoing batch- their
Valedictory Function.The symbolic lighting of the lamp and cutting the
beautifully decorated cake by the departing sponsored children along
with Fr. Sathish Fernandes, director, took on an added significance as
did the invocation that followed. 
“What is done in love is done well”.
“Children are the world’s most resource and its best hope for the
future”- John F Kennedy
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal organized the awareness program on
increase knowledge among farmers to enhance the production and
productivity. The main aim of this program is to improve the
technologies related to agriculture and allied fields benefited the
farmers in terms of increased crop production and improved farm income.
The successful technological interventions identified through On-farm
testing (OFTs), soil testing, etc. This program includes cluster
demonstration of rice, wheat, pulses on improved package of practices,
demonstration on cropping system, cropping system-based training of
farmers, seed distribution of high-yielding varieties and other agro
inputs. The Govt. has approved crops developmental programme on cotton,
sun flower, paddy and sugarcane etc., for enhancing production and
productivity of these commercial crops. Vimukti, also creates awareness
among farmers regarding Ganga Kalyana yojene, krishi Honda, land Bhoo
Odetana Yojane( land purchase Scheme), Pashu Bhagya Scheme etc.
On 19th of May, 2018 Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal organized the
program in collaboration with CHILDLINE India Foundation to mark the
international child helpline day at Sunkanoor village, Manvi Taluka. The
rally was conducted in the main streets of Sunknoor Village. The
students took out rally through the main streets of Sunkanoor by holding
placards and banners containing the message on the needs of protecting
the rights, to create awareness on adverse impact of child marriage,
Child Sexual abuse, child line, child dropout, Child trafficking, Child
labor, RTF, protection of earth, health-hygiene and cleanliness etc., in
the society. The day was packed with events which were meant to
sensitize the citizens for the need for children friendly spaces with
included access to a helpline service for children. The underlying
message of the campaign was to take collective responsibility in
protecting the rights of children..jpg)
One of the major issues in the present context is ‘Right to Food’, which
stands great challenge to the poor people to get their rights and One of
the concrete example of option for the poor today in India would be to
campaign for the government schemes on the Right to food. There are 8
schemes but are unknown to the poor and the marginalized. Through
regular home visits, awareness was generated among people on RTF, PDS,
ICDS, APL/BPL, MDMS, AAY NFBS, and NOAPS etc. our project aim is to at
least 80% of the households have improved access to entitlements of NFSA
and SCSP/STSP/WASH and other government schemes. Followed by Vimukti RTF
Training last year, several programmes have been conducted at the
village levels with focus conscientizing the marginalized communities
such as the Dalits tribal and the slum dwellers on their right to food
and of enabling them to make the most of the food related schemes of the
governments. 
.JPG)
“Disabled children in Manvi Taluka miss out due to lack of support
services…”
In recent years, there has been paradigm shift in the development of
youth in India with a huge focus on livelihood development through micro
entrepreneurship. A severe lack of job opportunities for youth,
especially rural youth, has led to entrepreneurship, even at the micro
level, as a necessary and viable alternative for livelihood generation.
Providing the opportunity for youth to successfully start and run a
small business will improve rural economy and lead to better quality of
life for the youth, their families, and their communities. Promoting
rural enterprise will also serve as a key to stem the migration of youth
and bring about a reduction in the number of youth who move away from
their communities in search of employment elsewhere. With the
advancement of technology, and the ever growing reliance on
digitalisation, rural communities are fast being left behind on the
availability of technology based services. 
Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal, organized mass awareness program on
voting; with an aim to promote democratic values the campaign leverages
both online and offline channels to make voters aware of the values of
their invaluable vote and how each vote can strengthen democracy. In
democracy, it is not simply enough to inform voters about election
dates. In order to help the electorates take an informed decision, it is
quintessential to sensitize them about the importance of participating
in the electoral process. Moreover, voters need to be educated about the
process and made aware of the political parties, their manifestos,
backgrounds of the contesting candidates and armed with several other
information’s to help them cast a valuable and ‘enlightened’ vote. Three
village people benefited from this mass awareness program.
Women from Raichur are urging the government, “Please stop the sale of
liquor!” In a 71-day protest, which began on February 20, the women are
demanding to ban the cause of problems in their personal lives. Mariyamm
a member of Vimukti staff stated “We have chosen 71 days because it has
been 71 years since India has been declared independent but us women
still lead enslaved lives.” She added, “The wretched liquor has ruined
our lives – ask the women here. Many of them are regularly beaten up by
their drunken husbands and sons. Rampant alcoholism has eaten up the
earnings of most families. What is worse is an even boy as young as 13
and 14 have begun drinking!” The protest is taking place in a shamiana
in the Mahatma Gandhi stadium complex in Raichur city, Karnataka. The
women participating in the protest are boiling with anger and do not
plan to move until the problem of alcoholism is solved. They are
infuriated by the fact that the state suffering water scarcity is
abundant in the supply of alcohol. “Beeru beda, neeru beku; We don’t
want alcohol, we want water,“ demanded women.
Vimukti organized safe water awareness campaign in Pothnal on 25th of
April, 2018. The main objective of the campaign is to create awareness
about safe and clean drinking water and to combat the challenge from
polluted drinking water. VCT develops partnerships with healthcare
professionals and respected community service organizations to provide
outreach and education programs in the communities where it operates.
VCT also undertakes various social awareness campaigns to bring about
behavioral change towards safe drinking water and its positive impact on
health. The social awareness programs focus primarily on creating
awareness among women and school children in the communities being
served. The organization has reached out to more than 9 villages in
creating awareness in this regard and encouraging people to opt for
better health. Mrs. Chndra Shekar Taluka THO, AWC Teacher, ASH worker,
Mrs. Jecintha and Mrs. Nagarathna Vimukti staff nurse witness the
program.
First of all we sincerely thank you for your valuable prayers. Our Merci
Nivas Construction work is in progress. The plastering work is about to
finish. Presently painting and tiles works are on the move. The
carpentry work is yet to complete. ATHITHIDEVO BHAVA; some of our
friends and friars made their fraternal visit to our Vimukti center,
Rev. Fr. Provincial and many guest friars; May God bless you and come
again. The plumbing, wiring, cementing, wash room construction, soak-pit
works are completed. As the work is progressing in full swing there is
an assurance that the entire construction will be completed by end of
May.
Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal set-up child-line service at Raichur,
in partnership with Childline India Foundation. It is a project of the
Ministry of Women and Child development, Govt. of India. CHILDLINE is a
24x7 toll free helpline for children who are in need of care and
protection (CNCP). Mass awareness were conducted in all the important
and crowded circles, 215 schools, slums, public places as a result from
February 2018 to April 2018, totally 223 cases were dealt with the
coordination of concerned government departments. Most of the children
received counseling after the first intervention. Some of the cases that
were dealt are re-uniting children with their families, offering
financial support for education, and medical assistance to those in
need. Child line Raichur works for the protection of the rights of all
children in general. .JPG)
BR
Ambedkar can easily be remembered as "The Father of the Constitution of
India" and the man who fought for the oppressed in the country. On
Saturday, April 14, 2018, India celebrated the 127th birth anniversary
of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Popularly known as Babasaheb, he was an
Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired
the Dalit Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social discrimination
against untouchables since he was a Dalit too and also supported the
rights of women and labour. However, Ambedkar’s importance in Indian
history cannot just be limited to a person who championed for the rights
of the poor, downtrodden and lower caste people. He can easily be
remembered as “The Father of the Constitution of India” and the man who
fought for the oppressed in the country. He was the principal architect
of our Constitution and a founding father of the Republic of India.
Affection and commitment towards social work is the best activity of
life. We the Vincentian brothers, currently pursuing our philosophical
studies in Bangalore, were privileged to be a part of the Vimukti
Pothnal from 3rd to 12th of April 2018. Belonging to a congregation
which inherits its spirit from St. Vincent De Paul, it was a
rejuvenating experience for us to walk into the life of the people and
experience their very state of life. Our mission exposure programme in
Pothnal was animated and guided by Fr. Satish Fernandes OFM. When we
look into the past ten days, we had a gradual and progressive growth in
our outlook towards social work. We were introduced to a number of
activities and initiatives that aimed at the betterment of children,
youth, women and adults. In our visit to Gangavati, we could witness
with our own eyes the functioning of Child Resource Centers (CRC’s) and
Youth Resource Centers (YRC’s), run by Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra (CKSK)
in collaboration with Child Fund India (CFI). 
Vimukti organized an innovative campaign in Sunkanoor on Saturday when
Vimukti women group visited each home and appealed the occupants to
exercise their franchise without fail. Amidst hot weather women along
with Anganwadi, ASHA workers and the school teachers, visited families
and appealed them to compulsory cast their votes in the coming assembly
elections. Women walked in the villages and distributed pamphlets among
people to create awareness. It is important for voter turnout that local
and state voting policies and procedures are public knowledge. Often,
voters do not know where, when and how to vote. Public awareness
campaigns can encourage voter participation and make important
information ubiquitous, thereby reducing barriers at the ballot box.
Thus Vimukti spread the public awareness in the villages of our targeted
area.
One day training on RTE was organized for village members at Vimukti
premises on March 18th, 2018. All pocket members were present for the
training. Mr. Sudarshan talk on ‘possibility thinking’ and social
leaders as mentor had made deep impression in the participants. The
documentary film ‘Jyothi’ with fitting commentaries was very effective
to teach the role of public leader as mentor. The participants expressed
their happiness and satisfaction in finding new meaning for their life
as mentor in social sector. In the Second session he spoke on length at
the end of the seminar each group made concrete action plans to promote
child right regarding RTE and its benefits. Nearly 42 CL and MCM members
participated and got inspired for the training.
On 4th march 2018 Vimukti with the collaboration of like- minded NGOs
from Raichur had press meet In view of upcoming general and assembly
elections; released a manifesto for political parties, demanding
adequate budgetary allocation for issues related to children. It also
includes measures for protecting their rights. According to a status
report on child rights, investment and attention to ensure education to
all children is extremely low, infant mortality rate remains a concern
and India's performance in crime against children, child marriage, child
labour, child trafficking and child sex ratio is dismal. "Though
children find a place in party manifestoes, their share is confined to
only 5 to 13%," said the Mr. Jaysheel, Taluka Coordinator.
One day seminar for Vimukti staff was organized on March 18th, 2018 in
VCT premises. Including village staff 58 participants were present for
the training. Mr. Sudarshan talk on ‘possibility thinking’ and social
animator as mentor had made deep impression in the participants. The
documentary film ‘Jyothi’ with fitting commentaries was very effective
to teach the role of teacher as mentor. The participants expressed their
happiness and satisfaction in finding new meaning for their teaching as
mentor in social sector. At the end of the seminar each group made
concrete action plans to promote child right education and leadership
for the young students in their own respective villages.
A state-wide massive ban liquor agitation is being launched at Raichur
from 20th of February 2018 to May 2018, has been organized at Mahatma
Gandhiji stadium Raichur. Every day nearly 100 women from various
villages of Raichur district come together and protest against liquor
ban in entire villages of Karnataka, holding placards and banners and
shooting slogans against alcohol consumption and demanding government to
put complete ban on alcohol and made a specific demand to political
parties to include prohibition in their manifestos saying “Our vote is
for those who implement prohibition”. "The effort of creating awareness
among people to stay away from liquor is being held continuously in the
district. Many religious leaders have joined their hands in this
protest. The agitation aims at spreading awareness among rural women to
fight liquor addiction in the society. 
Annual Day forms an integral part of our vimukti activities. It is an
occasion of celebration, felicitation, feast and festivity when Vimukti
children present not only their wonderful performances but also receive
honors for their curricular and co-curricular achievements. The Annual
Day 2018 was woven around the theme ‘CHILDREN FEST’ and the Prize
Distribution was entitled ‘HARMONY’. Rev. Fr. Anthony Raj Parish Priest,
Pothnal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest for the Cultural Show.
Mr. Sudhrshan, Child Right activist, Raichur, was the Chief Guest for
the Prize Distribution function. The functions were presided over by
Mrs. Manjual Hegdde, president, Child welfare Committee, Raichur. The
other dignitaries present were Rev. Fr. Elvin Lopez Dirctor Sneha Jyothi
Vidhalaya Pothnal and various members of Board of Governors.
Vimukti organized a program on soft skill training program for the staff
on 22nd of February, 2018 at Vimukti premises. The main aim is to how;
one can be an efficient and effective staff in the field. The resource
person Mr. Anthony Mudola highlighted the main soft skills like
emotional intelligence, problem solving, time management, interpersonal
skills, leadership, communication skills, ability to work in team and
strong work ethics etc. Further resource person motivated the staff to
achieve their goals by facing the challenges bravely. Along with that
the practical tips and examples were given to motivate themselves to
work effectively in the field. Thus all the staff was exhorted to work
genuinely. 
On 11th and 20th February 2018 Vimukti organized mass awareness program
and rally was conducted in the main streets of Pothnal town. The
students took out rally through the main streets of Pothnal by holding
placards and banners containing the message on the needs of protecting
the rights, to create awareness on adverse impact of child marriage,
Child Sexual abuse, child line, child dropout, Child trafficking, Child
labor, RTF, protection of earth, health-hygiene and cleanliness etc., in
the society; and demanded the concerned officials to take stringent
measures in this regard to impose fine on those who violate these laws.
The main aim of the rally was to sensitize privileged citizens to
protect children rights and empower them with the power of education. 
The VCT organization conducted training to women about various
government schemes in six villages of our working area. The governments
launched various schemes or programs for development of the women in the
rural area. The resources person briefed about the schemes like,
Pradhana Mantri Rozgar yojana, Rajeev Gandhi Chithanya Yojana, Pradhan
Mantri Employment generation program, Chief Minister Employment
generation Program Mudra Yojana, Mathru Puran Yojena, Swatchh Barath
Mission(Toilet facilities), Educational loans etc. thus all the women
are encouraged to apply one or the other schemes and get benefits from
the schemes.
On 11th February 2018 Vimukti celebrated children fest at its premises.
16 Government school parliament children and staff spent their time and
energy in preparing varieties of dance and music programs. 762 children
participated in this colorful event. Vimukti organized this program this
year in a more creative and unique way. The students took out rally
through the main streets of Pothnal by holding placards and banners
containing the message on the needs of protecting the rights, to create
awareness on adverse impact of child marriage, child dropout, Child
trafficking, Child labor, RTF, protection of earth, health-hygiene and
cleanliness etc., in the society; and demanded the concerned officials
to take stringent measures in this regard to impose fine on those who
violate these laws. The main aim of the rally was to sensitize
privileged citizens to protect children rights and empower them with the
power of education.
The Village Health Staff Nurse program was launched in collaboration of
Ensemble Agissons, France, in order to address the rural health problems
of the 16 villages in Manvi, Raichur Dist. The program was aimed to
create a sustainable model for health care by training local rural women
to deliver basic health services in their own villages. The goal of the
Village Health Staff Nurse program is to provide primary health care at
the village level to prevent illnesses from progressing to a more
serious and costly state. The women are taught to identify and refer
serious or life-threatening illnesses to the Primary health center or
any other institution that provides health services. A number of
learning methods are used during the training of Village Health Staff
Nurse, including films; focus group discussions. The women learn to use
a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor and many other tools to analyze
health issues in the village. 
On 20th January 2018 the 9th District level Kannada Literary Meet
(Kannada Sahitya Sammelana) was organized. On this auspicious occasion
recognizing the dedication and immense service in the social field the
director of Vimukti Charitable Trust (R), Pothnal Rev. Fr. Satish
Fernandes was honored by respected N.S. Boseraj the member of the
Legislative Council and G. Humpayya Nayak, the member of Manvi Vidhana
Sabha Constituency. Fr. Sathish Fernandes was chosen to receive the
honor for best social worker. Since the month of May 2010 he was
appointed as the Director of Vimukti Charitable Trust and during all
these years he was working tirelessly in bringing significant changes in
the lives of the people in and around this rural area and through
working on various projects for the welfare of the children from
Government Schools where the main focus was the education, sanitation,
good health, inculcating leadership qualities, making them aware of
their various rights, working for the protection of the environment by
forming children clubs and children parliament. .JPG)
Vimukti Charitable Trust® with the collaboration of Utaknoor Panchyath
organized awareness program on construction of Toilets and its
usefulness. Mr. Channa Reddy, PDO, Utaknoor Gram Panchyath provided
information about the financial support provided by the panchayath with
regard to the construction of toilets. The awareness programme began at
11.00.a.m. which was organized in Belwata village. 98 villagers
participated in this awareness programme and Mr. Channa Reddy; PDO
distributed the form and explained about the different grants and
schemes that are available in the Panchyath and insisted on the
construction of Toilets in each house. Fr. Sathish Fernandes Director
VCT symbolically inaugurated the toilet construction work and encouraged
the beneficiaries to benefit from the schemes that are available in the
Panchyath.
Vimukti with the collaboration Dalit Sangarsha Samithi Manvi took out a
protest rally from kudala sangama to Freedom Park, in demanding
implementation of the recommendations of the commission. Addressing the
protesters, Mr. Jaysheel VCT staff called upon the Dalit community
members not to rest till the recommendations of the Sadashiva commission
report on arriving at the reservations based on the population of
scheduled Castes, were implemented into. Further he urged the state
government to recommend to the Centre for implementation of the report.
“This has been the long standing demand of the Madiga and Chalavadi
communities. The internal reservation is our birth right. The
recommendations were made by the commission which was setup by the
government itself. These recommendations have been given after careful
study, keeping the ground realities firmly in mind. Hence the state
government should not delay further, and implement the report
immediately” he urged. 
The joy of Christmas was at its zenith when all the children from the
remote villages gathered at the Vimukti premises on 23rd December 2017
for the Christmas program.Fr. Sathish Fernandes, Director VCT, Fr.
Anthony Raj, PP and Fr. Elvin Lopez, were the chief guest for the
function. During the program Fr. Anthony Raj gave a befitting message to
all the children. Later, Fr. Sathish Fernandes addressed the children
saying; The Christmas Celebration at Vimukti brought together one and
all as brothers and sisters to spread the good news of peace, love and
harmony. Spirit of Christmas reminded everyone that we should not be
blinded by hatred, violence and injustice. As God the Father gave his
only son to the humanity so also we are called to give ourselves to each
other. Giving gifts is an easy task, but giving oneself to the other
needs great sacrifice. The colorful programme of the day was included
the distribution of Gifts to our children. The kids were gifted Pants,
Shirts and dresses for girls along with that plenty of sweets were
distributed. 
Girls boarding is a long awaited dream is finally becoming reality and
brings great joy and gladness for the staff and Director of Vimukti
Charitable Trust(R) Pothnal. By the grace of God Vimukti is blessed with
the new building with five rooms with the good small hall. Constructions
began with the prayer service led by Fr. William Prabhu Director,Clara
Vihar, Pothnal . The work is in a speedy progression under the
leadership of Vimukti Director Fr. Sathish Fernandes and the generous
support and timely guidance of Mr.Patrice Fabart (Donor) and Mr. Daniel
president, EA, France. The Merci Nivas 1st floor is focused for the
orphan, semi-orphan girls boarding and we are happy to invite you all
for the opening of the 1st floor (girls boarding), 2nd week of
February,2018. Praise God for His benevolence on us.
Vimukti charitable Trust with the collaboration of Ensemble Agissons,
France organized training and awareness program on Mathru pooran Scheme
at dotharbandi village. The ‘Mathru pooran’scheme is one of the most
ambitious schemes which aims at the wellbeing of pregnant women, newborn
babies and lactating women. The main objective of the scheme is to
provide at least one nutritious meal every day to pregnant and lactating
women particularly those living in rural areas of the taluka. This
scheme includes rice, dal or samber, green vegetables, pules, egg and
groundnut, jaggery chikki, milk and iron tablets, to meet the
nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women. This scheme ensures
that, to improve maternal health that has a direct impact on the women
and child’s nutrition. Nearly 56 women participated and benefited from
this program.
VIMUKTI Pothnal (Raichur District): Over 328 children from the 11
villages that come under the Manvi Taluka limits participated in the
“Makkala Grama Sabha” (children’s gram sabha) at two panchyats in
different places demanded immediate intervention of officials concerned
in redressing their grievances. By successfully listing out problems
being faced by children, especially those living in rural areas, these
children became a role model for their counterpart in other parts of the
Taluka. The children, guided by the non-governmental organizations
Vimukti Charitable Trust (VCT) and the Concerned for Working Children
had made all efforts to make the gram sabha a grand success. The Gram
Sabha started with the prayer song by a group of children. The meeting
was chaired by Mr. Channa Reddy Public Development Officer (PDO) Gram
Panchayath, Utaknoor. He said it was important that the State Government
conduct capacity building programmes to equip panchayats and officials
and all civil society groups which would be engaged in ensuring that the
children’s gram sabhas realized their full potential.
Child Right club children from Tadkal, Organized HIV/AIDS awareness
rally on 1st of December 2017. The children took out a rally to create
awareness about AIDS and importance of hygiene among villagers. The
students walked in the lanes of the village and made people aware about
myths related to HIV/AIDS. The villagers also appreciated the initiative
and took active part in the informative session. Other than students,
faculty of the school including Head master, Mr.Sadashiva Patil, Dr. P.B.
Shing Kavithal PHC, Mrs. Nagarathna Nurse, tadkal school teachers and
Vimukti Staff and several others took part in the initiative. It is
important to mention here that child rights club children conducted a
week-long awareness, street play, cum informative drive in Tadkal
village. Under the banner of Vimukti charitable Trust, the aim behind
the camp is to create awareness about health, prevention from deadly
diseases and hygiene among the villages. 
“Sanitation is more important than political independence”. ~ Mahatma
Gandhi, Vimukti organized 19th November 2017, World Toilet Day
awareness program at Utakanoor Grama Panchyath. As per project Swacch
Bharat Andolan (Clean India Mission) has not been able to provide
toilets to 335 million women and girls in India today. It also says that
about 732 million Indian have no access to toilets and are thus forced
to defecate in the open. VCT for the past eight years through its
continuous awareness programmes only 5% of families have stopped open
defecation. Efforts to increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene
not only advance progress towards reaching the water and sanitation
Millennium Development Goal (MDG 7), but also contribute to the
reduction in child mortality (MDG 4) and reduction in malnutrition (MDG
1). Access to improved sanitation facilities can even prevent young
girls from dropping out of school. 
“When we talk of children’s right to participation, we are talking
about children being able to intervene in decisions that affect their
lives.”
“Many girls’ students at primary level quit studies owing to lack of
this facility” Vimukti children parliament members with the
collaboration of likeminded NGO’S from Raichur staged a protest in front
of Deputy commission office at Raichur on Tuesday 14th November,2017
alleging that the elected representatives and the concerned officials
had failed to utilize the allotted amount for the development of the
school infrastructures like maintenance of toilets, cleanliness in the
school premises. Vimukti Children here demanded proper implementation of
Right to information Act and checking of children’s rights violations.
While children across the state celebrated children’s Day, hundreds of
students of government-run schools across the district took part in a
protest. The students participated in the drawing competition held as
part of their dharna on the ‘Children’s day’ to get the attention of the
authorities. 
Vimukti after revising the situation of government schools in the
project area brought out various prevailing issues and collected them in
a booklet form. This report highlights the real situation of AWCs and
educational institutions in Manvi taluka in general. Schools are
supposed to be the temple of learning, but the average primary
educational institutions and AWCs in the taluka are likely dingy,
dilapidated, with no access to electricity, toilets, lack of basic
infra-structures, leaking roofs, without play grounds, broken furniture,
late arrival and handing over of school books, absence of computer labs,
shortage of teachers, etc., are major problems which are blocking and
reducing the standard of child education at large.
Heaving Father, please awaken in us a sense of universal responsibility
towards children. May we collectively welcome children into our lives,
learning from them as we serve them, and may our leaders teach and guide
their communities, businesses and countries with the needs of children
foremost in their plans; May power be used with gentleness and kindness.
Please unite the world community in efforts to give children status and
respect. Bless our global efforts to end the violence and cruelty
inflicted upon your children; May the world see your likeness and image
in every child. Amen.
SHGs are novel and innovative organizational setup in India for the
women up-liftment and welfare. Self-Help Group refers to self-governed,
peer controlled, informal group of people with same socio-economic
background and having a desire to collectively perform common purposes.
Having new strategic plan, Vimukti formed the women groups in the
targeted villages to fight for their rights. It took long time to
convince and to motivate the women to make known their rights. The
primary focus is to give awareness on various rights and schemes that
are given by the government and how to benefit from these various
schemes; by way of awareness, motivation, leadership, training and
associating in other social inter-mediation programmes for the benefit
of the entire community.
The Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble
Agissons France had organized sponsor’s day program at Pothnal on
05.11.2017. 47 sponsored children along with their parents participated
in the program. This day was filled with full of entertainment. Mr.
Arogyappa welcomed the guests on the dais. Sponsored children honored
the guests with the flowers. VIMUKTI believes every child deserves a
future. Here in Vimukti, we give children a healthy start in life, the
opportunity to learn and supporting them to create a platform to exhibit
their talents. This program is very unique because we look at all the
things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their
community. We work with each sponsored child family to bring all the
pieces of the puzzle together to build a better future for all children. 
On
29th Sunday October, 2017 massive awareness rally was organized at APMC
Gunj premises, Raichur with the collaboration of 34 likeminded NGO
forum. In the rally 18 district women representatives were present for
this protest rally. Women protest against liquor ban in entire Karnataka
holding placards and banners in the rally. The protestors were also
chanting slogans against alcohol consumption and demanding government to
put complete ban on alcohol and made a specific demand to political
parties to include prohibition in their manifestos saying “Our vote is
for those who implement prohibition”. During the rally political
representatives were called (Congress, BGP, and JDS) and memorandums
were submitted to make Karnataka as NASHA MUKT Karnataka. To expand the
support base, the organizations have been making efforts to rope in
religious heads with influence in the region. Medha Patkar, a leader of
Nasha Muka Bharat Movement was the speaker of the day. She said in her
speech “Alcoholism is more serious than unemployment, illiteracy,
poverty and other problems.
Even
after decades of freedom, India is struggling to provide basic health
services to its people. According to government sources, in India 45
children die every hour due to respiratory infections. 1 child dies
every 2 minutes due to diarrhoea. And annually, about 2 million children
under 5 years of age die due to preventable diseases. The situation
calls for timely care and diagnosis which can reduce the incidence of
morbidity and mortality especially among children and women. General
Health Camps is one such special initiative of Vimukti with the
collaboration of “Ensemble Agissons” France to provide healthcare
services to meet the immediate health care needs of the marginalized
community in remote rural areas through stand-alone camps. Vimukti
Sponsored children in various age groups underwent health check camp to
create awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare. The
initiative was taken to prepare a comprehensive health profile of all
the Sponsored children. 
There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children than to be
able to express themselves openly and without judgment; the ability to
be creative, to create something expressing personal feelings and
experiences, can reflect and nurture children's emotional health.
Creativity fosters mental growth as well by providing opportunities for
trying out new ideas, and new ways of thinking and problem-solving. At
Vimukti, we provide a creative environment as a complement to the
integral education system at the school. Through creative arts we aspire
to develop aesthetic sense in our sponsored children and give them a
platform where they are able to express themselves freely. Our ultimate
objective is to help identify in each child their full potential and
bring out their best. Each child is given a chance to develop at his her
own pace. With the collaboration of Ensemble Agissons, France
Vimukti organized workshop to our sponsored children at Vimukti premises
on 21st to 22nd October, 2017. 
On
16th and 17th October, 2017 Vimukti with the collaboration of likeminded
NGOs came together for the strategic planning on combating human
trafficking at Kripalya Bishop’s house Gulbarga. Since Karnataka is
turning out to be a hotspot of human trafficking, reporting the third
highest number of cases in the country during 2013-17. Home ministry
data says 1,379 human trafficking cases were reported from Karnataka in
the five-year period. Human traffickers find a fitting breeding ground
in the fast-growing southern metros, luring victims with huge salaries
and better lifestyles. A sizeable chunk of trafficking victims, migrant
labourers in particular, are often forced into sex work. Recent raids
led to the rescue of over 300 bonded labourers in Bangalore. NGO and
government officials say this is only the tip of the iceberg. The
resource person Mr. Anthony C. Mudola said, Bangalore has become a human
trafficking hub over the years, and many of the victims are children.
On
11th of October, 2017 Fr. Sathish Fernandes Director Vimukti, Pothnal
address the Orphan Children and street children regarding Child-rights
and POCSO Act more detailed way. The children are taught to know their
right to education and to live a disciplined life, to gain their rights
and to enjoy their childhood. At the same time, they are also made aware
of the powers of a parliamentary democracy. They are taught to know the
four basic rights:
The VCT Staff created lot of awareness among households, families and
communities regarding social audit and its implications. The continues
efforts of VCT staff bore fruits on 12th October 2017, concerned
authority were called for a meeting to discuss the issues pertaining
NREGA work. Pocket leaders and people gathered, protested that all the
work under NREGA has been done through machines and also the amount is
not utilized rightly. As a result People gathered demanded the concerned
authority to stop this malpractice and to allow the people to work and
to get maximum benefit from this scheme. LM staff requested the
concerned authority who was present, to ensure accountability, that the
outcomes or results along with proof must be made public and must be
discussed in the open forum. The meeting was held in public place, after
the long discussion regarding various schemes and projects of the
Panchayath, Action plan was drawn for the next six months. 
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death amongst men and women
around the world. The heart is the most vital organ in the body and
taking care of it should be first on everyone’s priority list. Studies
have revealed that every year, more than eight lakh people experience
their first heart attack, leading to other serious heart diseases. With
statistics pointing to a very high number of deaths due to
cardiovascular diseases and other heart ailments, World Heart Federation
(WHF) is a ray of hope. It shares with people information on the health
and diseases of the heart and promotes smoking and alcohol-free living,
healthy diets physical exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Keeping
these thoughts in mind Vimukti organized awareness program on 6th
October 2017, at Vimukti premises. Vimukti staff motivated the parents,
women, men, youth and children who had participated in the campaign
against heart diseases and strokes and ensure that we all live a healthy
and disease free life.
Fr. Satish Fernandes OFM Capuchin appointed as the new member for
Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Raichur district.
“A baby girl… one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the
greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a
little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today.”
Vimukti charitable trust® Pothnal organized an awareness program on
“save the Girl child, Educate the Girl Child” at Narbanda village, Manvi
Taluka. Mrs. Shoba the resource person expressed her view saying, Female
foeticide is both a national wide glitch and a social evil. Sex
selective abortions and rise in the number of female infanticide have
become a major burning social problem in several part of India. Cases of
female foeticide are mounting at a swift rate in urban India
transcending all barriers of caste, class and community. The most
worried factor is the fact of homicide of a girl child is infanticide
intentional act of killing a female within one year of her birth. If
female babies survive foeticide, they are deserted or dumped in a
dustbin or sewer. Sometimes, they are buried alive or poisoned to death.
Sometimes they are even killed by applying poison on the mother’s
breast.
Vimukti children parliament members along with club children from
Pothnal area submitted the memorandum on 12th September 2017, demanding
concerned panchayath president to conduct Children Grama Sabha without
delay. After the several reminders to the concerned authority, have not
given sufficient attention to the burning issues, as a result Children’s
parliament members identified the major issues, discussed it in their
meeting and took it to the Vimukti staff. Surprised by the initiatives
of the children Vimukti staff supported and engaged this matter to the
concerned authority. Children approached the Panchayath president and
pressed up on him to take earliest action and solve the problems
specially, clean drinking water, toilet, play ground, play materials,
and compound wall should be provided in the school premises. Vimukti
staff and school teachers encouraged the children for their initiatives.
External assessment of the project was held on 25th September, 2017 at
Vimukti Social Centre, Pothnal. The Meeting was presided over by Rev.
Fr. Sani Bai, Secretary, Lok Manch, Delhi. Mr. Arogyappa Vimukti
animator heartily welcomed the dignitaries and in a very special manner
the special invitees who were present for the meeting. The highlighted
of the meeting were the How Project is progressing. At Vimukti,
coordinator, staff and local leaders came together for an analysis
meeting. The volunteers shared their rich experiences and the struggles
which they faced during their field work especially when they visited
the villages, communities and schools to study and to know the reality.
The volunteers also came up with new suggestions and plans in order to
work more effectively in the given situations. The Secretary advised the
volunteers to be vigilant always towards the fundamental rights,
entitlements of the people through RTF Campaign. 
Human trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights issues of our
time. It is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force,
fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in
commercial sex acts or labor services against his/her will. Secondly Sex
trafficking has been found in a wide variety of venues within the sex
industry, including residential brothels, escort services, fake massage
businesses, strip clubs, and street prostitution. Thirdly Labor
trafficking has been found in diverse labor settings including, domestic
work, small businesses, large farms, and factories. We the educated
people should come together and fight for these global evil.
Children are subject to physical, sexual and emotional abuse and they do
not report or share it with the parents or the concerned person. But
most of the children are unaware of these rights and they are not
safeguarded.
The Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble Agissons France had organized an awareness program to the stakeholders
in the project area to get the maximum benefits under the scheme of
“Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Krishi Yojana 2017”. Speaking at the
workshop on crop insurance Vimukti coordinator Mr. Charlie stressed the
need for discussions about proper implementation of crop insurance
schemes of union and state government. Crop insurance does not bring
compensation for crop loss. It is the compensation for the expenditure
on farming activities, if crop is damaged, so that farmers should not
face financial problem to start sowing in the next season. Further he
explained in detailed the documents to be submitted to concerned
authority to tap this Government scheme. Pocket leaders with the help of
VCT team made to visit the concerned authority to spot on 12th
September, as a result Utaknoor pocket 32 farmers submitted the
documents and got benefited from this program.
With the aim of combating deadly disease dengue, Devipura schoolchildren
on 7th September, 2017 participated in an awareness rally organized by
the Vimukti in collaboration with the Health Department Manvi. The rally
passed through the main localities of the village. Vimukti parliament
members along with other children flagged off the rally through the main
localities of the village. the rally consist of children parliament
members, staff, teachers, health officers, and staff Nurse passed
through the main thoroughfare of the village and surrounding area with
carrying placards bearing message on prevention and control of viral
diseases besides distributing pamphlets to the public. Parliament
children requested the Panchyath members to spraying of insecticides in
all the open places and places where water is found logging to destroy
the larvae of the mosquitoes.
Anganwadi is a type of rural mother and child care centre in India that
were started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated
Child Development Services program to combat child hunger and
malnutrition. A part of the Indian public health care system, these
Anganwadi centres provides basic health care in Indian villages. Basic
health care activities include contraceptive counseling and supply,
nutrition education and supplementation, as well as pre-school
activities. These centers provide supplementary nutrition, non-formal
pre-school education, nutrition and health education, immunization,
rehydration salts, basic medicines, health check-up and referral
services of which later three services are provided in convergence with
public health systems. 
Local leaders and villagers were sensitized and motivated on the
importance of the Grama Panchayat and Grama Saba. On 4th of September at
Tadkal village Grama Saba was organized to discuss about housing Scheme
and other various development sections and their execution along with
Panchyath budget for the year 2017-18. Local leaders and villagers
argued with the officials to solve the problem pertaining to the basic
facilities in the Panchayath. They demanded that priority should be
given for housing allocation and addressing the drainage facilities and
proper cleanliness by properly by developing the roads and drainage
systems for waste water to follow, drinking water, toilet facilities in
the school, AWC govt. housing schemes for the poor deserving families
etc. the Grama Sabha was attended by large number of villagers local
leaders and benefited from this meeting.
The project “Development and Access to entitlement of the marginalized”
is progressing very well under the collaboration of Govt.. VCT organized
Review meeting “Dissemination & Collaboration” Meeting of the project on
26th August 2017 at PHC center, Tadkal. Objective: To share about the
work done so far and to disseminate information on various schemes with
a view to foster collaboration with Govt. and complement its efforts.
Mrs. Jecintha spoke about various Government schemes related to women,
children, National health Mission and Income Generation. Mr. Jaysheela,
Programme coordinator, briefly spoke about the legal requirements to run
child-related programmes, various legislations and schemes related to
children. 55 participants from Tadkal pocket were present for this
session.
The initial three or four years of child’s life are crucial to its later
healthy growth and personality development. Since the children under
three/four years spend their time in the family atmosphere, such family
environment considered as crucial for their overall development. It has
profound impact on a child’s survival, health, hygiene and development.
at the initial stages of growth breast milk provides all the essential
nutrients, vitamins and minerals to an infant for growth for the first
six months, and no other liquids or food are needed. In addition, breast
milk carries antibodies from the mother that helps to combat and resist
diseases. 
Training
imparted to animators, community members on various RTF schemes, and
with other Govt. schemes. VCT team in turn relayed the information on to
the people in the villages also. Initially, the villagers had difficulty
believing what the team had to tell them. Soon they started not only
believing but liking the information. VCT animators first started with
imparting awareness to people in small groups. And it was easy to allay
people’s doubts. The team also made use of lots of kananda materials on
RTF schemes, collected from various sources, which were widely
distributed and read out to SHGs for the sake of those who cannot read
them. Through regular home visits, awareness was generated among people
on various schemes. About 20 women were guided to apply for widows and
old age pension.
Amaresha was born in the year 1998 in a very poor family as the youngest
among the five children. His father was addicted to alcohol and five
years ago was succumbed to death. His mother with her meager source of
income struggled to support the family. Amaresha was also born with
cerebral palsy and at the young age a sudden accident worsened his
condition later. It took five years to get healed fully and come back to
normal life. With the support of vimukti trust and his mother’s constant
love, care and support he finished his P.U.C. He then decided to find
some work to help the family. Vimukti provided him free Computer course
and helped him to begin a small grocery shop in his own village. But it
didn’t work out as he thought, later he migrated to Bangaluru where he
joined in to mobile center. There he was assigned to as a cashier. He
could do it sticking to one place. He earns sum of Rs.6000/- which is
quite a big amount for him.
Education a man, you educate a person, but you educate a woman and
you educate a whole civilization- Mahatma Gandhi
A training program was conducted for the community leaders of the 16
villages of our working area. 58 participants from the target are
participated in the said training. The resource person explained the
nine schemes in simple language. He explained the nature of each
schemes, its provisions, how to get these schemes and the redress
mechanism of these schemes. The resource person also explained about the
Right to information Act and the way it helps the people in getting
their share from the government. The training program was an eye opener
for many animators and village leaders. Many participants expressed that
they were ignorant about many of these schemes and they promised that
they would cooperate with the campaign and fight for justice from the
government machinery. Participants come out with the action plan mainly
consisted of few meetings in village and Gram panchyath level
sensitizing the people of these schemes.
“Even
if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still
plant my apple tree” – Martin Luther King 
Vimukti has been conducting sensitization programmes on Government
Welfare Schemes viz, Pradhan mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Free LPG gas for BPL
families),Free lap top Scheme for SC/ST students, Mukya Mantri Adarsh
Gram Yojana, Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojana- Increasing Farmers Income,
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana to
help Road Accident Victims, Karnataka ksheera Bhagya scheme, Yeshasvini
Co-operative health Scheme, pashu Bhagya Animal husbanry ,Kshori shakti
Yojana etc. And people are paying attention to the programmes and our
animators helping them in order to benefit of them.
Vimukti
with the collaboration of health department conducted the TB Mass
awareness rally in the project area. The rally, was flagged off from
Udbal School, and got ended at the Panchyath ground after passing
through the main street of the village; which covered all most 312
families. The Vimukti children actively participated in the rally by
shouting slogans and by displaying the pluck cards. Nurse Staff along
with ANM visited the houses and gave awareness on TB to the families.
Propagating WHO efforts for Unite to End Tuberculosis by 2030,
Participants included 210 students and other government officials which
included the health department officers. Apart from the rally a TB
awareness talk was also organized. This activity created a positive
impact in the communities of our project area, educating them of
Tuberculosis. 
Vimukti children parliament members from Markumdinni (Maldgudda
Panchyath) submitted the memorandum on 25th July 2017 demanding
concerned panchayath president to provide basic facilities in the school
as well as in the village. All the children parliament members got
together discussed and listed out the problems one by one and approached
the concerned authority to help specially, clean drinking water, toilet,
play ground, play materials, and compound wall should be provided in the
school premises. Drain water flows near the school and cleanliness
remained a mirage. Waste was thrown in the school premises and it had
turned into mosquito centre. The children parliament members studying in
the school have been facing the threat of contagious diseases. 
It is easier to convey the message to the public gathering or by public
meeting; so, with a motto to bring awareness among the villagers on use
of toilet, health, water and cleanliness. This Health awareness rally
was organized in mudammaguddi village, manvi taluka. The Vimukti
children actively participated in the rally by shouting slogans and by
displaying the pluck cards. Mr. Ballappa Nayak, taluka health officer
and well known and experienced in his profession, explained at length as
how to keep ourselves our surroundings clean and remain healthy. Further
he gave an eye-opening talk on consuming nutritious and hygienic food,
drinking clean water and explained the importance of oral health
practieses and its impacts on general health. There were more than 220
children participated in this health awareness rally and got benefited
from this programme. 
Providing educational Aids to disadvantaged school going children : Vimukti Pothnal
Vimukti
Charitable trust® with the collaboration of District and Taluka Forest
Department organized awareness programme to the farmers in the project
area on 5th July 2017. The main aim of the program was to make know the
various Government schemes accessible to the farmers; in return they tap
these schemes and benefit from it. The farmers were being informed
especially regarding “AGRO-FOREST DEVELEOPMENT SCHEME”. This scheme
envisages providing farmers with saplings of some of the local variety
plants like Honge or the Pongamia pinnata, Indian gooseberry, Mango,
tamarind and some medicinal, herbal plants. During the first year the
farmers would be given Rs.10 towards expenditure on maintenance of each
sapling; in the subsequent years Rs.15 and Rs.20. A preliminary demand
survey is to be conducted this June by the department, to ascertain the
demand by farmers. Enrolment of farmers under the scheme would be
facilitated by officials visiting nada Kacheri (office) and Grama
Panchayats. . The awareness was created in the targeted project area; as
a result 13 farmers were availed with the 420 saplings and got benefited
from this scheme. 
The statement that “health is wealth “is a very true to its meaning, as
one cannot do anything if he or she does not have good health. So, it is
very important that each person must know the causes, effects and remedy
related to their individuals’ health issues. One person’s careless or
ignorance of good health care can affect other person living with him or
around him. For the past 12 months, Doorstep healthcare services has
been provided by Vimukti Staff Nurse to the sponsored children families,
physically disabled and economically disadvantaged patients who live in
the villages without discrimination of caste and religion. Pregnant
women and postnatal mothers and children were motivated to go for a
regular check up during pregnancy, they were given awareness on
nutrition, special care and nutrition for infants, cleanliness,
exercises, sanitation, hygienic, health issues, immunization, Routine
check-ups, and tests etc. Vimukti main aim is to educate them and
provide them with knowledge to live more hygienically so that they too
can lead a healthy life and prevent themselves and their families from
any health issues.
The Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble
Agissons France had organized an awareness rally against child labour at
Janatha colony Pothnal. Children from Pothnal nearby localities
participated in the rally. The practice of child labour is a common
enigma today. Large number of poor children is falling in its trap. Due
to lack of financial support, the children are forced to work at a very
young age when it is the time for them to learn and grow. The rally
generated awareness among the masses through songs, shouting slogns and
by displaying the pluck cards, which caught their attention. The rally
ends with the stage program by giving inputs session on child labour
prohibition and Regulation amendment act 2016. More than 215 children
participated in this rally and gave awareness to the public. The main
objective is sensitizing privileged people and sending an appeal to
empower underprivileged children through education. Vimukti would like
to appeal to the privileged individuals- Don’t employ children rather
help empower them through education.
Let us provide a safe place to live for our children and to our grand
children.
One day Career Guidance Programme was conducted for the catholic youth
of St. Clare Parish, Pothnal, on 22nd of April 2017. Meetings of all the
youths of the parish who are studying outside the parish were called to
this programme. The main aim of this meeting is to give systematic
guidance to the students since many would be puzzled as to what to do
next after completing plus two Degree or P.G. etc. The meeting was
animated by Fr. Sathish Fernandes Vimukti Director, Pothnal. He said
that today we can expect only10% opportunities in the Government sector,
while 90% of it is in the private sector. Those who study the arts
stream should not feel that they are less privileged because
opportunities for the Arts students are endless. Some of the options
suggested by him are teaching, law, small business/industry, social
work, mass communication, Fashion designing, interior designing....
I
am Tayamma from Jeenoor village, Manvi Taluka Raichur District. Two
years back, I lost my husband. He was a farmer. We used to grow cottan.
Everything was going well. He was a wonderful husband and a very loving
father. We had four kids, lakshmani, Praksh, Rudhramani and Verupaksha.
We were happy in our small world. We were not rich, but whatever we
earned was enough to keep all of us content and happy. Then one year the
merciless drought hit our village. We had enough to sustain that year.
But then this became a routine for the next two years too. The 1.5 acres
land that we had hardly gave us a two quintal of Cotton. This was not
enough to even pay for the investments. My husband decided to work as a
laborer in other’s farms in order to get at least two meals everyday for
the family. I joined him too!
The Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble
Agissons France had organized sponsor’s children summer camp at Pothnal
from April 18th to 28th 2017. 35 sponsored children actively
participated in this camp. The first phase of the camp saw fun-filled
and educative moments with Spoken English and Computer lessons along
with other motivational sessions for the children. Caring staff prepare
campers to face life’s challenges with a positive outlook. Over a week
at camp, kids develop new skills and a strengthened sense of citizenship
and self-esteem. Children return home with incredible memories, proud
achievements, and new friendships. Camp provided a safe, fun and active
environment in which children can develop new skills, gave chance to
explore their unique talents and interests, self esteem and friendships.
Vimukti charitable trust’s main thrust is to build up a new generation
with spiritual, moral and leadership qualities. Through a well thought
out meticulously planned modules and practical activities based on life
experience for two days training enable the youths to mould their young
minds imbibed with values of life and lasting vision for self and nation
building. Seminar was organized on 23rd and 24th of March 2017. A leader
is someone who engages in the activity of facilitation and helps a group
of people understand their common objectives and assists them to plan
how to achieve these objectives; in doing so, the leader remains
"neutral" meaning he/she does not take a particular position. If you
want to be a good leader then you have to develop the qualities of
Faithfulness, Acceptance, Communicator, Inspirer, Listener, Imitator,
Teacher, Adviser, Technician, Observer and Reader said Fr. Sathish
Fernandes, Director, Vimukti in his keynote address.
Vimukti Charitable trust®, Pothnal in support with Ensemble Agissons
France, organized free medical check-up camp for the beneficiaries
residing around the project surrounding villages of Pothnal. The health
camp conducted provided primary and referral health care services to the
patients, wherein 3 cases of viral fever, 7 high blood sugar, and 3
women blood pressure were referred to the government hospital Pothnal.
All the types of primary and comprehensive services had been provided to
the clients. Mrs. Annamma PHC consultant and Mrs. Lalitha Vimukti Staff
Nurse advised them various medicines and consultations during the camp
and also interacted with the beneficiaries. Vimukti health camp team
also conducted sensitization activity with the community to sensitize
the people on common preventable health problems and to improve the
health and hygiene of the people residing there.
“Child Marriage is a practice that robs millions of girls of their
childhood, their rights and their dignity.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
On
19th to 20th and 23rd to 24th of March 2017, Vimukti
organized training on SCSP/TSP/WASH (planning, allocation,
utilization of financial resources) act 2013. Vimukti pocket
leaders and community monitoring leaders were the
participants for these trainings. Mr. Ravidra Janekal and
Mr. Lawrence, ARD Raichur were the resource person who have
highlighted the SCSP/TSP/WASH act as a whole and its
background to dispel lot of political, legal and other
misconceptions surrounding it. Though lots of funds are
allocated for this welfare of scheduled castes and scheduled
tribes each year by the state and central government, in
actual practice there is no compulsion to spend the amount
as allocated and always the funds were diverted to other
purposes or shown as unspent. 
Vimukti
Charitable Trust®, Pothnal with the collaboration of Loyal and Janodhya
Manvi celebrated international women’s day at public ground Manvi on
16th March 2017. 1020 SHG group members participated in this event.
women’s took out rally through the main streets of Manvi City by holding
placards and banners containing the message on the needs of protecting
the rights of women, campaign on RTF, and to create awareness on adverse
impact of child marriage in the society; and demanded the concerned
officials to take stringent measures in this regard to impose fine on
those who violate these laws. The main aim of the rally was to sensitize
privileged citizens to protect and demand their Rights on RTF campaign
and other entitlements of the poor in Manvi Taluka. 
On 14th February, 2017 Vimukti staff and the members of Ensemble
Agissions gathered together for the evaluation. An extensive report of
all activities undertaken during the year was presented to the members
present. Vimukti director Fr. Sathish Fernandes explained in detail
different activities held during the year. Fr. Elvin lopez explain the
child sponsorship programme in detail and Miss Mamatha office assistant
presented the audited account of the financial year 2016-17. Many other
issues with regard to the future plans were discussed. For the
betterment of the project new directives were suggested to be
implemented in the future. All accepted the new suggestions and assured
to work hand in hand with the guidance and strong support from Ensemble
Agissons, France. 
Vimukti on 21st February 2017, with the collaboration of few well-known
NGOs from Raichur district released the Audio CD “Vijnana Hadugalu”
which is very useful to all the SSLC students. When the students cannot
grasp the knowledge contained in the textbooks entirely, listening to
the Audio CD can help them out in this regard. The audio matching with
the textbook contents, clarifies the various questions and doubts which
arise while reading the books. The CD has interactive educational base
for Science and Maths for those who study in Kananda medium. This is a
first CD that has been produced in Raichur district for the benefit of
the Government school children to secure good results in the SSLC board
examination. 
The Enemble Agissons members namely Mr. Daniel Helbert, Mrs. Veronique,
Mrs. Lilly, Mrs. Clementine, Isabelle and Guy visited VIMUKTI trust and
stayed in the house from 1.02.2017 to 14.02.2017 in order to review the
ongoing projects and further visited sponsor’s families and the area of
implementation. During the field visits they interacted with the
beneficiaries and also saw the progress of the work done under the
program child sponsorship. They expressed their happiness on hearing
from the beneficiaries how this project had helped them and their family
members especially in improvement of health and education. Fr. Sathish
Fernandes Vimukti Director thanked them profusely on behalf of the
Vimukti team for the generous contribution to the poor and marginalized
people of Pothnal. 
On 12th February 2017 Vimukti celebrated children fest at its premises.
16 Government school parliament children and staff spent their time and
energy in preparing varieties of dance and music programs. 958 children
participated in this colorful event. Vimukti organized this program this
year in a more creative and unique way. The students took out rally
through the main streets of Pothnal by holding placards and banners
containing the message on the needs of protecting the rights, to create
awareness on adverse impact of child marriage, child dropout, child
labor, RTF, protection of earth, health-hygiene and cleanliness etc, in
the society; and demanded the concerned officials to take stringent
measures in this regard to impose fine on those who violate these laws. 
The
Vimukti charitable trust® with the collaboration of Ensemble Agissons
France has organized sponsor day program at Pothnal on 05.02.2017. 65
sponsored children along with their parents participated in the program.
This day was filled with fun and frolic. Mr. Arogyappa welcomed the
guests on the dais. Sponsored children honored the guests with the
garland. The program commenced with the prayer dance by Sushma and
group. On this special occasion variety of games were conducted.
Different cultural programmes were performed by the sponsored children.
Enemble Agissons president and members were very happy to see all the 65
sponsored children on the day.
On 29th and 30th January 2017 two days training programme was organized
for all the local leaders at Vimukti premises. Nearly 66 leaders from 20
villages were present for this training. The aim of this programme was
to introduce them the various Govt. schemes like Access to educational
Scholarship through Scheduled Caste sub Plan (SCSP plan-SCP) and the
Tribal Sub plan (TSP) Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) etc; were
explained by the resource person in detailed way an in simple language.
Keeping in mind the overall development of the adolescent girls, VCT
organized training camp at eight places of Manvi Taluka with a few
resource persons. The main topics covered under this programmes are:
Personality development, Health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS, contagious
diseases, reproductive health, physical growth and mental changes,
gender discrimination and Information on protection during sexual
harassment. 602 adolescent girls actively participated and benefited
from the camp. They also shared and discussed their adolescent problems
with the resource persons and received satisfactory solutions. 
Sharanamma, a poor Devadasi (Temple Prostitution: A Religious cultural
evil) hails from Utakanoor village of Raichur District. They are totally
eight members in the house live as joint family. She looks after the
family as a daily wage worker with meager income. The eldest brother is
married and his family too stays in the same house. It is a social
stigma to live as a daughter of Devadasi. Her Younger daughter (Yellamma)
is studying in the primary high school at Utakanoor. The family was
living in a thatched house in 3 cents of land owned by them for so many
years. A small stable and beautiful house was a long cherished dream for
this family but they were unable to save money for this purpose as they
struggled to meet the day to day expenses and educate their younger
daughter yellamma. 
The weather has been cold since past few days in Pothnal. In the season
of winter we the 17 Vimukti staff along with Director and Asst. Director
wanted some kind exposure for learning, perhaps outside the Social field
work. The idea was put forth and two days of tour was organized. These
were the places of tour namely Murdeshwara, Gokarna, Yana and Echo beach
Karwar. The tour was filled with team building activities, planned by
Fr. Elvin Lopez the Asst. Director, Vimukti, Pothnal. The learning in
such a beautiful environment was full of fun as well. The best part of
the tour was swimming and playing at the Echo sea beach. 
VIMUKTI Pothnal (Raichur District): Over 328 children from the 11
villages that come under the Manvi Taluka limits participated in the
“Makkala Grama Sabha” (children’s gram sabha) at two panchyats in
different places demanded immediate intervention of officials concerned
in redressing their grievances. By successfully listing out problems
being faced by children, especially those living in rural areas, these
children became a role model for their counterpart in other parts of the
Taluka.
Sensitization camps were organized in three Grama Panchyath of manvi
Taluka, were in, 88 were given consultancy and free medicines. 28 Males
and 42 women and 18 children were among the patients. Importance was
given to identity communicable diseases like TB, leprosy, hepatitis,
sexually transmitted diseases and mother’s health.
May
the spirit of Christmas bring you Peace
A hectic schedule from June till December made everyone look forward to
freak out as “only work and no play make jack a doll boy”. So, during
the month of December Vimukti Sneha Jyothi boarding, Pothnal organized a
trip to Kishkinda Resort Hospet under the leadership of Fr. Elvin lopez
the Director on 18th of November 2016. Wow!!! What would be more
pleasing than a scenic beauty combined with chill weather? The day is
filled with happiness and anticipating thrilling and breath-taking
experience in the water. Children and staff were seen having ultimate
fun in the water park. Gaming sports like swimming, jumping horse
riding, boating etc was enjoyed by everyone. 
We
the Children parliament members of Malkapura School presented the water
issue which we faced before the Panchayat P.D.O on 21.08.2016. It has
been since several months; we were suffering from consuming unclean
water from our school. Several times we brought to the notice of the
school head master and concerned local authority regarding this, but
there was poor response from them. One fine evening with the help of
Vimukti staff we visited our Gram Panchayth P.D.O and met Mr. suresh and
gave a memorandum with facts and figures of those children who were been
the victims of various diseases and of children dropouts after drinking
the unclean water. 
Local leaders and villagers were sensitized and motivated on the
importance of the Grama Panchyat and Grama Saba. Now People are aware
about the developmental work which is carried out by the Panchyat and
the facilities made available through panchayat to the poor people. Now
members regularily attend Gramasabhas and also participate in the
discussion as it is their right. 
Every
year ‘World Aids Day’ is observed on 1st December to create awareness
about the symptoms, causes and preventives of the pandemic disease
HIV/AIDS that has taken unprecedented number of lives. To accelerate
efforts, to take preventive measures and to be cautious about the impact
of the disease, on 7th December 2016 ‘World Aids Day’ was observed by
Malkapura children parliament members. The children parliament members
along with other club children observed this event by involving
themselves by watching video on the theme “Save A Life Today”. For
around 156 high school students participated actively in it. Secondly an
interactive session where the following issues on HIV its transmission,
staging, stigma, discrimination, prevention, and treatment were
discussed. 
On 25th of November 2016 Vimukti organized toilet awareness program,
with the help of parliament children at Malkapura. The main aim of this
program was to concentize public people to built personal toilets in
their houses. As part of this initiative, children, the local village
people and elected representatives held a meeting at Malkapura village
to create awareness among the residents about importance of having
toilets in their houses. Speaking on this occasion Vimukti director said
that having toilets in their respective houses are the symbols of
self-respect. “Now-a-days every family has a smart phone, but when it
comes to the construction of toilet, most of them hesitate to spend
their money.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working
together is success” says Henry Ford so too, no network can function
effectively without the wealth of the experience that comes from
collaboration with other like-minded entities. These partnerships bring
in different perspectives, innovative ideas and new friends to work
collaboratively. Raichur Network of NGOs has always believed in this
principle. Network is formed to represent the voice for the voiceless,
hope for the hopeless people, vulnerable to hazards to influence global
policy to strengthen their efforts to build a people society, where
justice prevails. 
Br.
Joseph Dolphy Pais, our Provincial minister made his
canonical visitation on30th November 2016. It was an
occasion for the renewal of the Vimukti center. He met all
the Vimukti staff to get to know our work in depth. He was
edifed by our work for the poor children in this locality
and exhorted to all the staff to work more dedicatedly;
Thank you dear Bro.Provincial minister for your valuable
input session and suggestions. 
Teachers
had the joy in celebrating the children’s day. Through a verity of
programme they made the children happy. Vimukti staffs put up a
meaningful and enlightening message to the students, that cooperation
with God as well as with their teachers would bring them prosperity in
life. Prize distribution day was also held on this day. Children were
also appreciated and awarded prizes for the cultural as well as literary
competitions. Thus children were made to feel happy and important on
their day. 
I Mariswamy, am the eldest son of my parents Mr. Monesh and Mr. Gangamma
residing at Kalangeera Village, Manvi taluka of Raichur district, Karnataka. I
am the only fortunate child in my family who could go to school because all my
three younger brothers are taken along with my parents for daily wage earning.
When I was studying in 7th standard immediately after the class I used to go for
collecting firewood, water, for cooking food etc. I never used to get time for
study. Very often in my free time I used to visit tuition centre in our village
after completing my daily work in the house, where I developed friendship with
few children who are part of tuition centre. They used to visit my house
regularly and plead my parents, but my parents did not heed to their appeal. 
Vimukti charitable trust
Pothnal organized a health checkup camp to all the sponsored children
parents on 5th of November 2016 at its premises. The goal of the project
was to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, Blood
Pressure and diabetes among the underserved by 25%. The project aimed to
enhance sponsored children and their families through empowerment,
timely guidance and support; The project “Health for all” being
implemented by “Ensemble Agissons” of France aims at reducing premature
deaths due to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension
in sixteen villages of the project area. 
30th October 2016 was a joyful day as we welcomed the arrival of our
loving friends from France, Mr. Deniel the President and Mrs. Bernadette
is the members of the funding Agency ‘Ensemble Agissons’ (Let’s get
going together). Our joy was doubled with the arrival of our guest from
France to Vimukti. The Vimukti premise was also filled with lot of
brightness as our kind benefactors who travelled all the way from France
to Pothnal to share their joy amidst the children who are being
sponsored and are very much concerned. They are even responsible in
bringing the bright future of the children. 
Two students along with one of their MSW college lecturer from Venkat
Trust College Sindhnoor, visited Vimukti on 10th of October 2016 in
order to get a foretaste of field work experience on various aspects.
These students visited the child right clubs, children parliaments,
evening tuition centers on the first and second Saturdays’ of very month
Fr. Sathish Fernandes the director took classes for MSW students
regarding the field work on every Thursday and helped them to meet their
end.
Vimukti Charitable Trust® (VCT) Governing Body Meeting was held on 29th
October, 2016 at Saccidananda Capuchin Provincialate, Bangalore. The
Meeting was presided over by Rev. Dr. Joseph Dolphyj Pais, Provincial
Minister, Karnataka. He heartily welcomed the VCT Members and in a very
special manner the special invitees who were present for the meeting.
The highlighted of the meeting were the presentation of the Annual
report of VCT, the presentation of audited account of the financial year
2015-16. He asked all too actively participate in the meeting, evaluate
the reports being presented and give their valuable feed-back and
suggestions which would be incorporated to make the programs a success. 
The Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra (R) with the collaboration
of ChildFund India has organized sponsor day program at Subrahmanya
Sthanika Sabha Bhavana, Laila, Belthangady on 12/10/2016. 200 children
participated in the program. The program commenced with the prayer song
of Manasa and group. Fr. Francis Assis Edwin Monis, The Chief
Functionary of CKSK inaugurated the program by lightening the lamp. Mr.
Francis Danthy, The Project Manager of ChildFund project in his
introductory speech said, “as we know our sponsors are from different
part of the world are very generous and they do sacrifice their life to
improve the living condition of our children by saving their part of
income. 
On 21st and 22nd October 2016, 17 Vimukti staff participated in a
seminar conducted by Mr. Anthony CWC member Bagalkot at Vimukti
premises. The two days training consisted of input sessions on analysis
of social political context and challenges that we face in present day
society, importance of vision and focus, towards qualities of leadership
to know the rights and schemes given by the government, tips for
planning, monitoring evaluation and documentation, SWOT (strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), group work and many other
relevant topics were discussed in the seminar. At the end of the seminar
they made an action plan to improve the quality of effective social
workers.
Sunanda is from Markamdinni village of Manvi Taluka in Raichur District
became a victim of child marriage. She was from an economically backward
family. Sunanda shared the troubles she underwent by being married at a
tender age. Her family’s economic condition compelled Sunanda to migrate
to neighbouring town to earn a living as a domestic worker, though she
was very much interested to go to school had to discontinue her primary
schooling. She pleaded her parents to allow her to continue studies but
parents didn’t heed to her request. She worked hard to fulfill the needs
of the family. One fine evening her parents decided to give her in
marriage to Santhosh her cousin brother who was 17 years of age.
On
13th October Vimukti Charitable Trust® distributed study desks to all
school going sponsored children. Some Schools in Raichur could be facing
worse situation where we can’t even expect, very basic amenities like a
writing-table, and chair to sit, and in where children end up sitting on
dusty floors all the day long. None of us bear the consequences except
these children, who sit in a bad posture, constantly lose their
eyesight, and have bad handwriting and least form quality education.
Vimukti, that works for the children recognize such situation and try
hard through innovative way to help the blooming buds which is simply
nothing more than an invention driven through determination. The Vimukti
came up with an idea of providing portable Study tables and that too in
a most economical and efficient manner. 
I
am Pampanna, the son of Basanna, resident of Udbal Village of Manvi
Taluk. I have been farming since many years and thus farming I support
and take care of my family. Daily life has been hard and I am trying my
best to sustain it through all my efforts in the fields. My cultivating
land is near the river. Though there is water it has been difficult to
divert that water to our fields. We use motor to pump the water to the
fields. One day I met Mr. Charlie who is the staff member of the
Vimukti Charitable Trust. I had heard that he helps the famers in
various ways to get some benefits with regard to cultivation of the
land. Therefore I spent some time with him explaining the problem that I
faced being a farmer. I spoke about the need of a new motor pump set.
The
Organization has constantly formed children Parliaments and clubs to
improve the capacity of the functioning of the children. Staff members
of the Organization constantly keeps visiting the children clubs and
organizes various programmes like training on child rights, leadership,
personality development camps, summer camps, adolescent camps and
exposure visits to Government departments. For upcoming months there are
certain plans to work on the themes of awareness on cleanliness, rights
and responsibilities of children and public issues. These types of works
will help the children to improve their knowledge. Once in a week the
children Parliament and club members come together for an evaluation and
discussion. The meeting starts with the prayer, selection of the
president, welcome, and discussion about .....
As
it is rightly said that, “A teacher is the heart of educational system”,
we the Vimukti children parliament members from Malkapur had decided to
honour all the teachers of our school by celebrating teachers day on
17th September, by rescheduling it for a convenient day. All the
teachers were present and graced with their presence this gathering in
spite of their busy schedule. All the motivational words we used to
encourage them and they were very glad that we have come up with this
idea of celebrate a day in honour of them. As a token of our love and
gratitude we had made them cut the cakes and had offered them small
gifts as a sign of love and gratitude from the children parliament side.
The local people’s presence added colour to the success of this
celebration. 
Vimukti
organized training on Antenatal care on 10th of September 2016 at
Malkapur village with the collaboration of Women and child Welfare
office Manvi. The training was done under the guidelines of the new
scheme, which provides for improvement in prenatal and maternal health,
in the Government hospitals. As per the guidelines issued under the
National Health mission (NHM), the ninth of every month would be
dedicated to providing treatment to expectant mothers. Ground- level
staff such as ASha(Accredited social health Activists) workers should
get the details of pregnant women and do a follow up of their treatment.
Lab investigations would be conducted and counseling offered to pregnant
women, individually or in groups. Resource person exalted that existing
facilities in the hospital should be used, the main aim is to bring down
maternal mortality rate. 
Shri
Devi is from Malkapura village in manvi Taluka of Raichur District. Her
parents work in the agricultural field. She left studying when she was
in 4th standard. She helped her parents in doing the house-hold duties.
Whenever she found time she used to attend the evening tuition classes.
She is very charming girl in the tuition centre, where she too motivates
other children and shows lot of interest in the tuition. After coming to
know her family background Mr. Charlie the Vimukti staff often visited
her house. One evening he met the parents in her small house where he
persuaded to send Devi back to the school.
After
introducing the Right to Food Scheme, its aim and objectives to the
appointed 40 local leaders in the 20 pockets, Vimukti itself did the
task of educating and enabling the people to gain maximum by the
following seven specific schemes through street plays under RTF: Public
distribution system(PDS), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Mid Day Meal
Scheme (MDMS), National Old Age Pension Schems (NOAPS), Annapurna;
Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), National Maternity Benefit
Scheme (NMBS), and National family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) etc. It was in
view of widening the impact Vimukti with the collaboration of staff
organized street plays along with singing awareness songs in the project
area. 
On
4th September 2016, a health check-up camp was organized for all the
sponsored children at Vimukti premises. Our sponsored children who are
unaware of the basic knowledge about health and hygiene were gathered in
the camp. Mrs. Shantha, the taluka health officer a well known and
experienced in her profession, explained at length about the cleanliness
of oneself and keeping the surroundings clean and to remain always
healthy. Further she gave an eye-opening session on consuming nutritious
and hygienic food. Around 45 enrolled children’s general health
check-ups were conducted by the Doctor. Especially blood counting and
grouping, reference to hospitals, medicines were given to enrolled
children. Every child’s height and weight was recorded in the individual
children file and later cards were distributed. 
I
am Mr. Lalsab, son of Honurasab, completed my 70 years of life and I
live in Karabdinni, Manvi Taluk, of Raichur district. I have two
daughters who are already married and settled with their families in the
neighboring city. I lost my wife when was at the age of fifty. Now I am
single, I do seasonal agricultural coolie work and my earnings somewhat
sufficient to lead my daily life. Seven years back I had a polio attack
and my leg was infected and due to this I suffered a lot. Now I am very
weak and not able to walk or even earn for my life. Secondly I have none
to support me at this age. Three years back I came to know about the
government scheme for which I could apply and get my pension for my
sustainability. But I tried more than fifteen times by going to Taluka
office by taking with me the necessary documents for approval; Even then
I could not succeed in this regard. 
On
12th August 2016 a full day training programme was organized for all the
local leaders in Vimukti premises. Nearly 40 leaders from 20 villages
were present for this training. The aim of this programme was to
introduce them the NFSA Government schemes in detail to all the local
leaders. In this training, resource person helped the participants to
know the schemes like integrated Child Development Services (ICDS),
Mid-day Meal Schemes (MDMS), Public Distribution System (PDS), Nation
Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS), National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS),.
Sampooran Grameen Rozgar Yogina (SGRY) etc. The knowledge with regard to
Right to food workshop & training is helping the staff to work in the
villages very efficiently. 
Life
is not all about spectator sport. We cannot just sit back and watch
things happen; we need to find a purpose in order to make life
meaningful and strive towards achieving that particular purpose. On 7th
July, 2016 to rejuvenate the staff and Remedial Teachers after the hot
scorching hot summer, a very enriching and motivating seminar was
conducted after re-opening of the school. This seminar proved to be a
wonderful experience for the staff and the teachers as they learnt that
“a sincere, balanced and kind attitude towards our-selves and others is
a key to happiness and success in all life’s ventures”. The running
theme of the workshop was, ‘Teachers as Mentors’. 
Hundreds
of people across 120 villages of Manvi taluka are consuming contaminated
water of the deadly toxic chemical, and arsenic. However, in the absence
of alternative sources of water, people in these villages are forced to
use the polluted with fluoride and arsenic content water. After knowing
the real struggles of people in this area, Vimukti made a survey to know
the water quality as how far it is portable to drink. The analyses of
ground water samples of the Taluka revealed that the ground water
quality is generally found that it is not portable. It is only suitable
for irrigation purposes and cultivation. 
Vimukti
organization participated in the Fundraising workshop held in Bangalore
on 25th June 2016. V- Solve organization of Bangalore organized the
training programme. Sufficient inputs were given on various modern fund
raising tools and techniques, strategies and methods and as on how to
raise the funds from individual donors, Business Corporations through
Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) through fund raising events,
proposal writing, through ECS, Tele-call and Tele-face fundraising and
face-to-face fundraising methods were explained in order to raise the
funds to run the social institute effectively. Nearly 102 different NGO
representatives were present and benefited from this training.
Vimukti
animator with the collaboration of CWC officials prevented child
marriage which was arranged at Hire Kotnekal. The parents of the girl
had planned to give in marriage their 15 year old daughter with the
youth who is also hailing from the same village. When the Vimukti
animator learned about this he without delay rushed to the family with
the help of local police and concerned authority. They collected a
written bond from the parents of the girl that they would not marry
their daughter until she completes 18....
A
week-long door to door school campaign titled as “shale kade namma nade”
(our walk towards the school) was conducted from 25th June 2016 to 29th
of June 2016 by Vimukti staff, to motivate first the parents and to
admit their children to government schools. All the 26 villages of our
project area were covered through this programme. Handbills were
distributed in all the habitations within the Panchyats. 328 children
were enrolled in different schools and benefitted from this programme.
Vimutki
charitable trust under the banner of ‘Back to School/College,’
distributed uniforms, bags and books to 80 underprivileged children of
surrounding villages of Pothnal. Chief Guest Rev Fr. Thomas Assit.
Parish Parish Priest gave away the school bags, books, uniforms and
stationery to the children in the presence of few dignitaries, parents
of the children and the local people. Addressing the occasion, Fr.
Thomas said that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and hence
Vimukti aims at reaching those children who are denied of their basic
right to education due to incapacity to afford for education. Every
child can be nurtured to be a better individual if the right
opportunities are provided at the right time. 
All
good things must come to an end and all good memories must be
cherished….
In
order to create public awareness on child dropouts, to
eradicate child labor and to get all the children back to
the schools VCT members took initiative to call for a
meeting with the concern government officials at Vimukti
premises. VCT was also selected as Nodal NGO by Deputy
Commissioner (D.C) of Raichur to make a survey of child
dropouts and to give a overall report of the situation of
the entire Manvi taluka. Different government officials of
Manvi Taluka namely, Block Education officer, BRCs, EO, CDPO,
school head masters, Asha workers, AWC’s teachers, and SDMC
members were present for the meeting in order to draw a
strategic plan to work in near future. District child
protection officer inaugurated this programme and while
addressing the gathering he said that there are about 12400
children out of school due to various reasons. To conclude
nearly 42 government officers took part in this programme.
On
3rd May under the banner of ‘Shale Kade’ Nanna Nade (My
journey towards school) with the alliance of likeminded NGOs
of the Raichur District and Government Education officers
namely DDPI, CEO, CDPO and women and child protection and
child right officer and also child welfare officers were
present for the one day workshop was held at Girls PU
Collage, Raichur. Thus Vimukti created a platform in order
to bring all the concerned District authority people to this
programme. After the official inauguration of the workshop,
Vimukti presented the in-depth study survey report of those
children who were staying out of school in the entire taluka
of manvi. It was a hard reality to accept that more than
4950 children were not attending school in the manvi taluka
itself, leaving rest of the talukas of the District. It was
evident that though the children were not attending the
school, it was being shown in the records that they were
attending schools in order to indicate that the number of
children absent in the school were minimum.
Commission
for Justice Peace and Ecology (JPE) under the leadership of
Fr. Arun Lobo, JPE Secretary Karnataka, organized capacity
building training and study tour to the Vimukti staff, 7
members participated in the event and refreshed themselves
from the sessions, leisure activities and group dynamics.
This program had definitely helped the staff to work more
efficiently. Fr. Faustine Lobo (Nationa Director, Pontifical
Missions organizations) who conducted the workshop and
enlightened the participants on how to be active social
workers in an effective way. He enabled the participants to
move from charity-based activities to human rights-based
activities. 
Just
as the famous saying goes 'no man is an island', so too, no
network can function effectively without the wealth of
experience that comes from collaboration with other
like-minded entities, These partnerships bring in different
perspectives, innovative ideas and new friends. VIMUKTI has
always believed in this principle. Therefore, Vimukti took
up itself the task of educating and enabling the people to
gain most by the following three specific schemes under RTF.
Public Distribution Scheme(PDS), Annapurna Scheme and
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. So as to widen
the impact, Vimukti roped in the following as its
collaborators in the RTF Campaign: Lok Manch India, ,
Janodhaya manvi, Jagrutha mahela Sangatana Pothnal, Nava
Jeevana Mahila Okkuta Raichur, Gram Vikas, , Roovari Raichur,
etc.
The
art and craft workshop that was conducted in the Tadkal
school premises was indeed a successful one. There were
around 220 students who took active part in it. The workshop
began with a stage programme. The kids enjoyed to the full
the workshop with learning beautiful craft and art work.
They learnt different skills like rolling and cutting
papers, gluing pieces together, most importantly the skill
of cooperating and collaborating with each other. For about
35 children made masks from paper, so also plates, paper
pulp, balloons, flowers and caps. Mr. R. Kumar was the
resource person for the day gave them a demonstration on
landscape, drawing and painting, He also taught the kids as
on how to derive at different colors from the six basic
colors. In the second session children were introduced and
taught how to draw a cartoon character using different forms
and how to fill color in to it. Secondly children made
cartoon faces using different alphabets. They also learnt of
making cartoon faces with different expressions with
different forms. The participants enjoyed the workshop and
benefited to the maximum from this workshop.
Vimukti
charitable trust® together, with the director, Staff and the
Women from different villages celebrated The International
women’s at Vimukti Premises on 13th March 2016 in Pothnal.
Mrs. Monamma Eranna, Grama Panchyath President Pothnal was
the Chief Guest of the celebration. The day’s celebration
began with the various Competition games and the public
function began at 12pm. Mrs. Ausha Banu one of the
participants shared her experience of being a sister, wife
and mother. She encouraged all the women to educate the girl
children for she believes that if one girl child is educated
the whole family is educated. The director offered special
prayers for women especially for those who are trafficked,
abused and used and who are at the margins. It was a great
moment when a woman from the women’s group voluntarily came
forward to share her views, desires and aspirations. Mrs.
Jecintha animator Vimukti spoke from her own experience that
we too had desires and aspired that we want to be someone.
But then our desires were cut off as we were deprived of
education.
On
27th February, 2016, CKSK has organized block level children
alliance called “Nanna Kanasina Grama” to discuss the issues
affecting their lives and to develop action plans. The
program was held at Shri. Subrahmanya Sthanika Brahmana
Samaja Sabha Bhavana, Laila, Belthangady. In the first
session, Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, the Project Manager of CKSK
and Fr. Amar Lobo GB member of CKSK gave guidance to
children about how to present their problems before the
Government officials. Children drew picture about their
model village and listed out the various issues and raised
many problems they face in their villages that affects their
day to day life before the government officials.
The
program was inaugurated by Mr. Prabhakar, sports
representative of Thaluk Panchayath, Belthangady by hosting
the flag. 4 youths groups participated in the march past
inaugural ceremony with colorful dresses. Mr. Prabhakar, in
his inaugural speech motivated the youths and he opinioned
that the Organization has taken a further step to motivate
the youths in the field of sports. The Organization, since
many years has been supporting the rural children for
quality education through various programs and now also
supports to various extra-curricular activities viz, sports.
Sports help youths to acquire better physical and mental
health through which youths can enhance their personality.
Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, the president of the program wished
all the participants and requested the youths to actively
participate in all the games arranged in the sports meet and
to cultivate the habit of participating in all the
co-curricular activities that will help them to build good
personality. 
Liberating
women from all sorts of oppressions has always been the main
aim of Vimukti trust. From the past it has been the endeavor
of the Trust not only to help women through welfare works
but also to direct them to become self-sufficient and have
dignity to their life. For the betterment of the women,
trust has introduced various programmes and schemes.
Conscientization is one of the effective methods that
Vimukti has introduced in its approach such as mobilizing
women to fight for their rights and demand for justice,
formation of community based organizations, empowering them
to break the culture of silence and question the system of
degeneration through various trainings. Thus it has created
an atmosphere of awareness, an insight into the existing
oppressive system, and has offered opportunity for a better
standard of living and a scope for creative livelihood. On
3rd February 2016 our Ensemble Agissons members visited the
tailoring center and appreciated and encourage the
beneficiaries to use this opportunity and benefit for their
self sustainability.
The
sponsored child is at a great surprise to see the God's
providence executed through human hands of French Benefactor
Mr. Christian Bensnier. I am Praveen hailing from Belwata
village. I am the second son of my father, who is no more
and my mother Mrs. Reginamma, who is the only bread winner
of our family. And I have an elder brother, studying in
twelth grade. My mother is suffering from dangerous and
incurable disease, which has put her into feeble and
vulnerable condition. Soon after the death of my father, we
were abandoned and left away on the streets by his brothers
and relatives. Being lonely and distressed we knocked at the
door of my grandmother's house for the shelter and sought
refuge. Though we were welcomed and comforted initially, but
later she too rejected us. In order to work and support my
family I had to discontinue my studies. Then we worked in
the fields of a land lord who assured us minimum wages and a
hut to live in temporarily. 
