From Director's Desk

Spandan Samaj Seva Samiti has been proactively involved in curbing the malnutrition prevailing among the Korku U5 children. Over the years the realization has dawned that malnutrition is a multifaceted issue and hence Spandan has adopted a “layered” model that not only seeks to alleviate the present suffering of malnourished children but attempts to address underlying factors as well. It includes helping the victim families to access more food and nutrition entitlements, tide over peak hunger times and diversify their diets and revert back gradually to traditional crops and millets that once was the backbone of community nutrition. With it nearly gone the malnutrition has gnawed at their susceptible children. The pilots have been started to show a way for appropriate care of children below 3 years. The efforts at preserving their endangered language has focused upon research in oral traditions and use the knowledge and information so gauged into developing appropriate Behavior Change Communication materials, Preschool learning materials and dissemination of cultural heritage information to younger generation. The work has received a fillip due to material support received from GOONJ and through Joy of Giving support. We could reach out directly to nearly 600 food insecure families through various project interventions and direct support.

The initiated process has generated community participation and that of women in particular. The women leadership has developed and flourished and collectivism reinforced to achieve feat in volunteerism.

The layered model of Spandan has surfaced social changes. The community initiatives has set in a system that has helped many children recover at home through non-institutional care and lesser referrals to hospitals, the malnutrition is gradually being demystified among the community and Korku farmers have begun to revert back to traditional crops like maize and paddy. A beginning has been made and we hope a significant change in near future…

I am grateful to our Donors, Team and Supporters that have made it possible to carry on with our Mission to eradicate malnutrition among Korku tribe children and ensure their Household Food Security and conserve their language and aboriginal culture.