Steps In Action

SVSS works through the following programme sectors:

Rehabilitation of Child Labour

The area in which SVSS operates is endemic to child labour. Mirzapur, Sonbhadra and Bhadohi districts are known for carpet industry, which at one time had dubious distinction of employing large number of children. Though the industry does not employ that many children, the problem is acute in other industries. Children can be seen working in farms, shops, eating places, auto garages... Name it and they are there sweating out. Situation is so bad that a child who is not in a school in this area is stated to be a child labour.

SVSS is making efforts for rehabilitation of child labour. Alternative Learning Centres have been established in many villages. Children who would have otherwise been out-of-school are studying in these ALCs and are getting facilities like clothes, mid-day meal, health check up, etc.

Women Empowerment

Despite their contribution to homes and outside, women have only secondary status and often bear the brunt of violence. In view of this, empowerment of this half population becomes imperative. SVSS has organised women into self help groups, primarily for their economic empowerment. But these groups have emerged as a platform through which women discuss and share their problems, issues and concerns and seek solutions thereof.

Women are also being empowered socially through a number of strategic interventions. Their involvement in panchayats and Alternative Learning Centre activities are among such measures.

RCH and Infant Care

Mirzapur district has high maternal and infant mortality rate, partly because of abject poverty prevailing in the district and partly because of non-availability of qualified doctors and largely defunct government health facilities. Mandatory check-ups of pregnant women, administration of iron tablets and two doses of TT vaccine as well as complete immunisation of infants and children is a far cry. In this backdrop, SVSS providing reproductive child health and infant care in selected rural pockets of the district.

Strengthening Livelihood System

Livelihood options in Mirzapur are quite limited. Land in a part of the district is full of stones and land productivity is low. The problem is compounded by low rainfall that the district receives. The district does not have industries, except carpet industry. In view of this strengthening livelihood system has become a priority for SVSS. The organisation is making efforts in this direction by promoting small income generation activities through SHGs of women, mainly in agriculture allied sector.

Community Mobilisation

For any development intervention to succeed, it is imperative that the community be mobilised to fully participate in activities and demand its dues from the society and government. SVSS is doing so through mobilisation activities. Designing and distributing pamphlets and posters is one mean of doing so. Individual meetings, small group meetings, group meetings, workshops and other community events are another mean. The folk media team of the organisation performs at regular intervals to mobilise the community.