Unnati Support Group

ORGNISATIONAL INFORMATION:

The sight of a young child rummaging for food in a dustbin next to its dying destitute mother moved late Smt. Vijayatai Lawate (a social worker and crusader for the rights of children), to take immediate measures for AIDS afflicted children and women, so that they would live and die with dignity. She gathered well wishers and social reformers to form a Trust to support her venture. Thus, Manavya was born on 18th June 1997 – and soon became a haven for destitute children and helpless women – all victims of HIV /AIDS. It was in the year 1998 that a purchase of 25000 sq ft of land at matalwadi, near Bhugaon, mulshi led to a shelter for the Aids affected children. They found their own home. This shelter having four walls and a tin roof provided home to first batch of 10 children. As pressure to accommodate more children increased, a permanent RCC building of 4500 sq ft came up which now houses 50 children and 3 women, all affected by HIV/Aids. In the year 2006 another building was added in the premises of Gokul which serves as hospital for Gokul children to treat for miner illness.

It has been a constant struggle to meet the needs of these special children, protecting them from vagaries of environment and community, getting the best of medical aid, proper staff to care for them, education and skills to give them a chance to enjoy their childhood without pain and tears. Although death looms large at every step, the Gokul children are groomed to put up a brave front – to live and enjoy each day.

However, the Manavya trustees are determined that the children at Gokul get a fair fighting chance to survive and overcome odds to get their rights for food clothing, health, shelter, education and socialization.

Although Smt. Vijayatai Lawate is no more, people inspired by her selfless service are carrying her legacy forward. Currently, Manavya is taking care of 50 children & 5 women.

AIM

To provide residential care and rehabilitation of HIV/Aids affected destitute children &women.

MISSION

To enable children and women living with HIV, get a fair fighting chance to survive and overcome odds and to ensure their rights to food, clothing, health, shelter and education without social discrimination.

GOAL

Relief, care and rehabilitation of HIV+ve and AIDS afflicted destitute/orphaned children and women.

OBJECTIVE

The following objectives help in addressing and achieving the ultimate project goal

• To provide residential care and support to destitute/orphaned children living with HIV

• To provide medical care and treatment to HIV afflicted children, including ART

• To provide formal education and vocational training for income generation

• To provide special nutrition and diet

• To provide support and care to women living with HIV

• To provide primary health care to the neighborhood village community

• To generate public awareness about HIV/AIDS

Few of our children are now above 18 years of age & have completed Std Xth. According to the Govt. rule, the Institution is requested to rehabilitate the child back to the society once he turns 18. But considering the health status and social background we requested the court to increase their stay at Manavya until they become self sufficient. Though the court has given the permission to extend their stay, they don’t provide financial aid for such children. We also try & provide vocational training like Mobile repairing, AC repairing, etc. to these children. Currently we are also planning to enroll our children for the ITI program conducted by Tata Motors. It will ensure financial stability to some extent which is an important aspect for them. They are enrolled in the support group started by Manavya named as “Unnati” Support Group. Manavya helps in Nutrition, Medicine & also guide them to overcome the obstacles in life. A monthly meet is been conducted where all the group members come together & have a dialogue with each other. Whenever necessary we do the follow up through regular home visits. The counselor enquires about the health status & also takes an update about their day to day routine. We have aimed to support all these children till the age of 23 years of age. Every child is given an opportunity to pursue a career in whichever field he/ she wish to.

Hence, financial assistance is needed to support them in whichever way needed. We would request you to consider our proposal & be a part of this noble cause of rehabilitation of HIV Positive children back to the society.