Dear members and friends,
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Warm greetings from Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, Vijayawada! Trust this e-mail
finds you in the best of your health and success of all
your endeavours. At the outset, it is with immense pleasure and honour I
write to you after a long time. However, you are always remembered in our
memories and programmes. We acknowledge and appreciate your association and
relationship in safeguarding and protecting the rights of the millions of
children at risk in Vijayawada.
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I fondly cherish the time I had with you and your families. I felt at home
and one with you. It was wonderful to experience the family life especially
the European style and thanks a ton for whatever you have been to us.
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Its amazing to count on your hard work and efforts and recognize appalling
and valuable contribution to Navajeevan Bala Bhavan. In the process of
transition, we realized that a few communication gaps crept up and thereby
widened gaps despite your sacrifice and kindness. As you may know how
difficult it is to get into the shoes of Fr. Koshy, the legend of child
rights in India. It took couple of years for me to take on the mantle of
stewardship from Fr. Koshy. It was great pleasure, honour and learning
experience to spend one year with him although it was a short time. He
continues to guide us in all the matters of concern when required. I must
say he has undertaken pathbreaking interventions at the service of the
children at risk. And, all the interventions initiated are being continued
in the same spirit of best interest of the child and conducive policies and
systems governing the organization.
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All the same, the times have changed in the civil society’s response to the
human rights especially in India, shrinking public spaces while advocating
for childhoods to every child. In addition, division of Andhra Pradesh into
two states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and newly formed state capital is
close to Vijayawada, to be more specific, neighbouring villages of Chiguru -
Children’s village. Creation of a new capital in Vijayawada has its own
merits and demerits. It is a big blow as the entire governance,
administration and management got stagnated. Unfortunately, vulnerable
children and families ought to face the brunt of the so called development
in the newly formed state capital. Chiguru was even supposed to be taken
away; and by God’s grace, it was left out. The fertile land has been
converted into commercial spaces leaving farmers and landless labour as mere
casual labour. It attracts numerous migrants from all over the country; and
residents of the areas are forced to leave in search of earning livelihoods.
So, more than the advantages, there are lots of disadvantages and miseries
in the capital city. Therefore, the mission is to continue the envisaged
endeavours at the service of the children at risk.
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Let me re-assure you that all the interventions are being carried out except
minor additions and deletions in accordance with the laws of the land. I
must congratulate all our children for performing exceptionally excelling in
wholistic development on par with the children from the general communities,
including their academic endeavours; and staff for their commitment. During
this tenure, 90% of the children passed in the public exams and
subsequently, continued their education till graduation. Finally, almost 40%
of the children obtained government, private, self employment and bank jobs
and supporting their families; and almost 20 of the former children got
married. Unfortunately, the rate of underemployment is growing very fast and
there are less and less opportunities for the youth of the country. The
situation is grim and the youth do not possess employability skills.
Therefore, Navajeevan intends to fill this gap especially for the children
of Navajeevan in particular towards making them self-reliant.
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Besides, Navajeevan initiated models are care - piloted and tested
(alternate care and child safety net) are in the process of replication. We
are exploring opportunities and possibilities for collaboration so that the
every child at risk enjoys family environment. We are happy to share with
you that the role of Navajeevan at the service of the children is felt,
being acknowledged and appreciated by the Government. We are being consulted
in the formulation of policies and guidelines for vulnerable populations
especially children. Navajeevan is leading state level campaigns for the
migrants, juvenile delinquents and anti-trafficking of children for the
purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Navajeevan continues the same
mandate of rescue, rehabilitation, community based action, networking,
advocacy and lobby to realize child friendly communities and systems.
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After the due diligence and careful analysis, we have set right certain
systems to increase effectiveness of the programmes and reduce the
communication gaps. Now on, I will be directly in touch with you from time
to time apart from the project desk updating you on regular intervals. We
have introduced monthly news hour to reduce the communication gaps. I
cordially invite you to stay with us when you have time to spare. It will be
our pleasure to have you. Also, you are welcome to share your concerns,
comments and opinions on our work performance. Based on your valuable
feedback, we will improve, revisit and redesign our programmes to be more
effective stewards. You can contact me at: E-> mail-
frbalashowry@rediffmail.com, navajeevanvja@gmail.com and mobile- +91
9440951985, +91 866 2439913
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We need your support to carry forward the mission as on unit which
reinforces for our intervention improve the child friendly climate and
engage in positive social development. Therefore, we are looking for your
continued valuable association which is of high interest to our
organization.
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Please share our loving greetings to all friends and members. Would you
share this piece of information with all the members and donors that we
appreciate their kindness. Thank you for your time and consideration. Your
generosity is greatly appreciated.
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In solidarity with the children,
Sincerely yours,
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