Celebrating Ageing with Dignity: International Elders Day 2024

Shakti Senior Citizens’ Home in Rayagada marked the International Elders Day 2024 with joy and vibrancy! 

The event brought together esteemed guests included enthusiastic students from Vignan Vidyalaya, and dedicated NCC cadets from Rayagada Women’s College.

Our Chief Guest, Mr. Subrata Acharya, Secretary of DLSA, highlighted that "Ageing with dignity" is not just a slogan; it’s a vital call to action. He shared important legal provisions that protect our senior citizens, emphasizing their rights and dignity.

The Chief Speaker, Mr. Binod Panda, encouraged us to look beyond age and recognize the wealth of wisdom and stories that our elders hold. He reminded us that we should create a society where seniors are not only cared for but celebrated for their invaluable contributions.

Mr. Akhil Panda, General Secretary, beautifully encapsulated the day’s essence, stating that the International Day of Elderly Persons is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to their dignity and well-being. “Our elderly are the bearers of our culture and the living history of our society,” he remarked.

The event culminated in an exciting dance performance by the students of Vignan Vidyalaya and the NCC cadets, who filled the atmosphere with joy and energy. Our seniors at Shakti Senior Citizens’ Home participated wholeheartedly, making it a truly memorable celebration.

Among others Lecturer of Women’s College Mrs. Ritarani Sahu and Director, Shakti Organisation Mr. Ramesh Chandra Nayak participated in the deliberation and Superintendent of the SSCH  Mr. Sangram Patanaik co-ordinated the event.

Let’s continue to honour and cherish our elders, recognizing their role as pillars of our community! #InternationalEldersDay #AgeingWithDignity #RayagadaCelebrates #RespectOurElders

 

Three-Day MEG Management and Business Planning Training at Block Office

Three-day Block  level program at Block office, in all the Blocks. MEG management and business plan Training SS level at Block level 

Shakti Organisation fostering economic development and empowering local communities. As part of our MPOWERD PROJECT, we recently conducted a transformative three-day training program on Micro Enterprise Group (MEG) management and business planning with Smart Sakhi at block level for SHG groups. This initiative was held at Ramanaguda Block and aimed to equip local leaders with essential skills to support and manage micro enterprises effectively.

The training program was part of Shakti Organisation’s Mpowerd project with the help of TrickelUp India Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and strengthening local economies. The three-day event provided a deep dive into crucial aspects of MEG management and business planning, ensuring participants are well-prepared to drive successful micro enterprises within their communities.

Day 1:-The first day of the training was dedicated to preparing participants for entrepreneurship. Key topics included “Assessing Business Readiness” Where they learn Evaluating personal readiness and understanding the prerequisites for starting a business. “Identifying Business Opportunities”, business ideas and assessing market needs within the community. “Initial Planning” for Setting clear objectives and anticipating potential challenges.

Day2:- On the second day, the focus was on crafting detailed business plans. Participants learned about “Marketing Plans” for Creating effective strategies for market entry, customer acquisition, and competitive positioning. “Organization & Management” for Understanding different business structures (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, cooperative) and their legal responsibilities. “Costing of Products/Services” Techniques for pricing products or services based on production costs and market rates. “Financial Planning” Developing budgets, cash flow statements, and financial projections to ensure business viability.

Day 3:- The final day addressed critical financial aspects necessary for business success. Topics covered included “Financial Planning” Developing comprehensive financial plans to manage resources, expenses, and revenue. “Sources of Start-Up Capital” Identifying and securing funding sources, such as grants, loans, and investment opportunities. “Financial Management” Best practices for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and cost control.

Through practical exercises and group discussions, participants learned how to effectively manage finances and secure the necessary capital for their ventures.

The training program was met with great enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants. The comprehensive curriculum and interactive approach provided valuable insights and practical skills that will significantly benefit local entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this program a success.

The Smart Shakhi project’s focus on empowering women and supporting local economic development is making a tangible impact, and this training program is a testament to our commitment to fostering sustainable growth at the grassroots level.

Shakti Organisation remains dedicated to advancing local entrepreneurship and community development. The success of this block-level training is a step forward in our mission to empower individuals and strengthen economies. We look forward to continuing our efforts and driving positive change in our communities.

Child Marriage: A Hidden Form of Child Labor

 Child Marriage: A Hidden Form of Child Labor

 When we think of child labor, we often picture children toiling away in factories or fields. However, there's a less visible, yet equally alarming form of child exploitation that often goes unnoticed: child marriage. It is a complete violation of a girl’s human rights. It is illegal because it puts girls in jeopardy, violates their rights as children, and distorts the rest of their lives. Its victims are raped repeatedly and subjected to high-risk pregnancies, life-threatening childbirth complications and heightened exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Here’s why understanding child marriage as a type of child labor is crucial for addressing both issues effectively.

According to ILO Recommendation and SDG 8.7 standards, child labor includes working more than 21 hours per week for children under 15 (no threshold exists for children over 15). 

A multi-country study highlights a troubling link between child labor and child marriage. In India, for example, girls aged 12-17 who worked longer hours—ranging from 7 to 28 hours per week—were more likely to be married. This suggests that the demands of labor and the pressures of marriage are interconnected. Additionally, married children may face hazardous working conditions, such as working at night or in unhealthy environments like smoky kitchens. Unfortunately, there is limited data on these specific conditions, making it challenging to fully assess the extent of this issue.

Shakti Organisation proudly proclaims a significant success in the ongoing battle against child marriage. Through focused intervention and collaboration with the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, it has prevented a marriage that could have drastically impacted the young girl's future.

On a positive note, the girl's parents have signed an agreement to delay the marriage until she is at least 18 years old. This document is crucial not only for protecting the girl's rights but also for ensuring a better future for her.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Shakti’s mission to create a child marriage-free India. It demonstrates how collaborative efforts and dedicated advocacy can bring about positive change.

Hon'ble Minister and Officials Celebrate Independence Day at Shakti Senior Citizens Home

This Independence Day, Shakti Organization in Rayagada celebrated at the Shakti Senior Citizens Home, with Hon'ble Minister Sri Sampad Chandra Swain gracing the event. Joining him were distinguished guests, including District Collector Parul Patawari, Superintendent of Police Shri Harisha B.C., and other notable officials such as the ADM, DSSO, and SSSO.

The presence of these esteemed individuals added significance to the occasion, as they engaged warmly with the residents. Their involvement highlighted the importance of community support for our elderly. Minister Sri Sampad Chandra Swain delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing freedom and the vital contributions of our seniors. District Collector Parul Patawari and Superintendent of Police Shri Harisha B.C. also expressed their appreciation for the efforts of Shakti Organization in serving the community.

Together, these leaders helped create a joyful and respectful atmosphere, making the Independence Day celebration truly memorable for all residents at the Senior Citizens Home.

Shakti Nutrition Project: Tackling Malnutrition in Odisha's Villages

At Shakti Organisation, our mission is to create a more equitable society by addressing critical issues such as exploitation and deprivation. We are excited to announce our new project, Shakti Nutrition Project, which focuses on combating malnutrition among young children in the villages of Gumaguda, Birubai, Pedaguda, and Palikidanga in Rayagada District, Odisha.

Malnutrition remains a pressing concern in India, severely impacting the health and development of children under the age of five. This crisis leads to stunted growth, wasting, and underweight conditions, which can have lasting effects on a child’s future.

In collaboration with Jiv Daya Foundation, we are implementing a targeted initiative to address this critical issue. Our program focuses on distributing essential nutritional supplements—milk and biscuits—to children aged 6 months to 5 years.

How this initiative will make a difference

Milk is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins, which are crucial for the growth and development of young children. By providing milk, we aim to fill nutritional gaps and support healthy development.

Fortified biscuits offer a convenient source of energy and additional nutrients. They are designed to complement children’s diets and help combat deficiencies that contribute to malnutrition.

How You Can Contribute

Your support is vital for the success of Mission to Nourish Young Minds. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: It will help us to make a better world for everyone. 

• Volunteer: Get involved in the distribution process or assist with community engagement efforts.

• Raise Awareness: Follow us on social media and share our updates to help spread the word about our initiative and the issue of malnutrition.

Stay Connected

We are committed to keeping you updated on the progress of our mission. Follow us for regular updates and stories about how your support is making a difference in the lives of children in Odisha.

For more information on how to contribute or to get involved, please visit our website www.shaktiorg.com and connect with us on social media.