BLOCK PLACEMENT REPORT

Block Placement Agency: Tollygunge Women In Need (Kolkata)

Submitted by: Sonam Singh

Roll no: 060117

Session:2017-19
Course:Masters of Social Work

Submitted To (Block Placement Coordinator): Mr Bhat Iqbal

TWIN

Department of Social Work

Central University of Jammu

Scanned Copy of Certificate
Receiving certificate from A K Basu
Acknowledgement

First of all I would like to thanks Department of Social Work, Central University of Jammu
through which I got chance to experience a beautiful journey full of knowledge, learning’s and
challenges. I’m heartily grateful for all the faculties of the department for their continuous
guidance, motivation and supervision to enable me to turn out into a professional social worker. I
would like to express my humble gratitude towards the institute (Tollygunge Women In
Need,TWIN) as a whole. To add to it, I’m very much thankful to Mr A.K. Basu, Secreteary, for
giving me an opportunity to pursue one month internship under this kind and reputed institute.
This has given me a chance to learn, grow and develop my skills in order to work as a humble
catalyst for fostering the growth of communities and national development at large. I would
further like to thank him to give me time to stay at TWIN . Being very busy, he always took out
time to solve out my queries. I would like to extend this gratitude to MS Mahuya Dutta, for
spending her valuable time to orient us about the organization structure, functioning, values. The
way she explained is the best explanation trainee has ever heard.

Her mentoring, guidance and support all added to my existing knowledge base. The discussions
with him broadened my thinking capability and helped me to turn out into a more professional
being. Tushar Sir, Diamond Harbour is the one who deserves much to be applauded. Trainee
learnt a lot under his guidance in a very short time. His nature towards trainee and the tasks he
used to give me appeared to be little tuff but it was that, which built a new perspective towards
communities. I’m very much thankful to him to giving me his valuable time. Next, I would also
like to thanks, Ms Irele Paul my supervisor, till the time I stayed Kolkata. Her attitude towards
me was very polite and her guidance was more of like a friend and I found him trainee oriented
person with humble personality. Thus my short journey with this institute ends here but these
memories will never and will seek to work with this organization, if given chance, in near future.

INTRODUCTION

A career in social work is a noble profession, helped me to make a positive difference in the lives of
others. Social workers help people to gain access to services that help them live more productive lives and
enjoy stability and self-sufficiency. The first step in becoming a social worker is to embark on a course of
study that will prepare you for this career path. Taking an internship is a great way to get hands on
experience in the field.

TOLLYGUNGE WOMEN IN NEED (INTRODUCTION)

Founded in 1995 by a dedicated couple from Belgium, Tollygunge Women In Need (TWIN) is a
registered not for profit social organization working in Kolkata with the underprivileged women
and their children – regardless of caste, religion, age or gender.

MISSION

The goal of TWIN is to improve the social, economic and health situation of the destitute
communities by means of prevention, education and income generation.

PROJECTS

TWIN has designed an effective holistic approach for achieving its sustainable development
aims with:

An Education program

A Health care program

Awareness campaigns

Micro finance

A Handicraft workshop

TARGETED COMMUNITIES

We focus on three categories:

Slum children and their parents

Children engaged in child labour and their parents

Commercial sex workers and their children

TWIN concentrates its development activities in 3 localities:

SLUMS IN TOLLYGUNGE

TWIN projects cover 6 slums in Tollygunge: Biswas Para, Hogla Para, Jhoro Basti, Masjid Para,
Modartala and Mollahati. Under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Ward Nos. 93&94, of
2500 families. The number of families actively accessed by TWIN is about 600. The project
which started in 1995 has 199 children and 294 women actively engaged in the project.

SLUMS IN DHOBIATALA

Dhobiatala is situated in New Tangra in KMC Ward No. 58. This area is a recycling ground of
hazardous wastes. Children and women are engaged in battery breaking, sorting metal, rubber &
plastic wastes as well as reclaiming lubricant & oil from wastes. The target group is child
workers engaged in hazardous recycling work and their parents. 63 children and their parents
take part in the programs.

RED-LIGHT AREAS IN DIAMOND HARBOUR

In the District of South 24 Parganas under Diamond Harbour Municipal Ward Nos. 9 & 10 we
work with the target group of commercial sex workers and their children. In 1998, TWIN started
a trial project in the red-light area, with a group of 50 sex-workers and 70 of their children. At
present, there are 137 children and 146 women in the projects.

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TARGETED COMMUNITIES:

Overcrowded & unhygienic settlements. People are deprived of civic amenities that they are
supposed to receive from local authorities.

Inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and electricity.

People are mostly neglected and underprivileged. They are not protected with appropriate and
social security schemes.

Constant fear of eviction.

People are mostly unorganized and have no time for collective development action because of
their daily livelihood struggles.

Domestic violence concerns a lot of women and children.

Most of the men folk are addicted to alcohol /drug and are not at all concerned about their
families.

Increasing number of unemployed youth and out of school children/adolescents having no

definite plan for their future.

High risks of trafficking especially of children and adolescents.

Malnutrition
Creche & Kindergarten

TWIN crèche& Kindergarten take care of the children from 6 months to 5 years old while
their mothers are working . Children get the opportunity to express themselves and learn
through Montessori method of learning.

Coaching classes

The purpose of these classes is to improve the standard of education of the school - going
children and to minimize drop- out rates. This programme focuses on assisting students
academically and sustaining their motivation and interest for studies . Special attention is
given to each child with the focus to strengthen their skills and develop their interest in
specific subjects.

Same activities are also performed in Dhobiatala and Diamond Harbour Project.

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

PRESIDENT PRASANTA KUMAR PAUL

VICE PRESIDENT SHYAMAL DUTTA
SECRETARY ARUN KUMAR BASU
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DIPESH GUHA ROY
TREASURER CHITRA BASU
MEMBERS ARGHA KUSUM DATTA GUPTA
MARIE PAUL BAUDOT
JOSEPH MUTTON
MAHUYA DUTTA
IRELE PAUL
TUSHAR TIKADAR
DIPALI
PROJECT COORDINATOR GARGI SINHA RAY

ORIENTATION REPORT

Initially, trainee underwent an orientation programme where she interacted with the staff and
introduced herself to the organisation.During that period, she came to know about the working
principles of the organisation.Tollygunge Women In Need(TWIN) , Tollygunge Project covers
six slum areas ie in Biswas Para, Hogla Para, Jhoro Basti,Masjid Para, Madartala and Mollahati
that comes under the Kolkata Muncipal Coorporation Ward no 93 and 94. Trainee came to know
that this organisation runs a education programme , healthcare programme and also the
awareness campaigns so as to improve the social , economic and health situation of the destitute
communities by means of improvement and prevention of diseases , education etc.
 A Creche is also operated by the NGO for the small Kindergarten students. Here, the children
are introdued to primary education in Bengali and English and provided their Mid-day meal
followed by a small nap.During this period, their mothers can work and earn money .The
children are taken home by their mothers in late afternoon. These children are encouraged to
study regularly at home in the evening also.The other students of higher class also comes in the
organisation so as to learn more in the Coaching Classes where trainee also played a small part
by imparting knowledge to them for English and Maths. There is a Medical Section in TWIN,
where the women and children gets free health services.Two Ladies, Mrs. Sarbani and Mrs.
Deepali work under that section. Trainee interacted with them and were told about the working
principles of that section ie In a week,two days comes the Physician Doctor and one day in a
week comes the Gynaecologist for the regular checkup of the mothers.They have to make a card
for checkup of Rs 15 which includes all expenses of their medicines also. Trainee also came to
know about the common health problems and medicines used for it ie :

For Gastric Problem: Femotin 20

Blood Pressure: Aten 50

Sugar: Metfarmin 500

Calcium: FolviteFolic acid

Blood/Iron:Ferasulphate

Vitamin: Bicomplex

For Pregnant Women

Gestin

Duvadlin
Ondame

Trainee observed that most of the time Doctor suggested them to Drink more and more water in
a day and also eat healthy food for good health and also to take medicine regularly.The
atmosphere of the medical section was very comfortable for everyone as everything was already
framed in a good manner. The files of the women and sponsered children were also properly
arranged.Trainee also came to know how the underpriveliged children are sponsered by the
Foreign Parties and provided by all the services related to their health and education. Their
motive is to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor and most vulnerable sections by
the means of prevention , education and income generation and also sustainable development by
ensuring quality , education And best health care.

FIELD VISITS

During the field visits, trainee visited three areas of under privileged families Madartala Masjid
para and jhoro basti where she interacted with different under privileged woman and there
sponsored children of TWIN . Trainee enquired about there journey with tollygunge women in
need , tollugunge project , What changes and benefits did you got after joining with them and
also about the time period . trainee came to know that their social interactions with other
member of society are develop , health and eduction services were also gained .trainee also
observed that how they have completed all necessites of their life in one room even though they
have very much financial limitation .

Data collected
1 Joydeep

Family members : Father ( worker) Mother (housewife) Sister

Both children are sponsored since 14 years.

2 Tina

Faimly members : Father ( policy agent) Mother (housewife) Sister

Only tina is a sponsered child since 12 years .

3 Jasmine

Family members : Father (Golf trainner) Mother (worker)

Joined twin before 13 years etc

SUCCESS STORIES OF SPONSERED CHILDREN OF TOLLYGUNGE WOMEN IN NEED

PROJECT

 TAMANA KHATUN:

She was a student of class 11th and had been getting support for persuing her education
in the form of school fees, books, stationery, etc.The medical clinic of WIN help them in
keeping their health good and well.The coaching classes of WIN were very helpful in one
endeavour to persue their education. She was feeling very honoured while telling us that
she had been able to come so far in her life only because of the help of WIN.

 MOULI BOSE:
She was associated with WIN since her chilhood when she was in the womb of her mother as she
was getting all services of health from that period only.Further, she received all assistance for her
education from WIN . The support was in the form of financial assistance as well as the care and
guidance of the teachers of the organisation.She also thanked WIN for all her achievements in
her life till now.

 Joydeep:

He passed his higher education, examination with the support of WIN . HE said that , he would
not have come spo far without the assistance of WIN Programme. He joined WIN’s programme
at an early stage. The teachers guided him sympathetically and with care in persuing his
education.In future, he wanted to assist children who needs support for their education in same
way , he recoieved the education services .

 Afsana Gazi:

She was resident of Masjid Para and passed her higher education ie 12th by securing 80% marks
and presently doing Honors in Botany.All these things happened in life were possible with the
helping hands of WIN .She came from a poor house where it would not possible for her father to
support her education. She was thanking WIN for all assistance she received and further want to
become doctor in her life.

 Arshi khatun:

Her relationship with TWIN starts from 1997 when she was enrolled in a Creche that is run by
the NGO itself.This has been like her second family as it assisted her in all spheres. After
Creche, she started her primary education in TWIN’s Kindergarten. In the Kindergarten, her
teachers opened her eyes to a whole new exicting world of letters, sounds, rhymes, and other
wonderful experiences.They told her that “Life without Education is just like a Dark Road
without Street lights.”After Kindergarten TWIN assisted her in getting enrolled in reputed
English Medium School. She used to attend school regularly and afterwards come to TWIN for
getting her Coaching classes.Her teachers helped her a lot in her studies, never scolded her and
loved her life their own children.They not only made me liberate but also taught me to become a
good Human Being. With their help and blessings, she completed her secondary education with
flying colours.This success was highly appreciated by her teachers of TWIN and they also held a
programme where she was feliciated for passing her secondary exams successfully.She got their
help and guidance during her higher education .After completing the higher education, she
further got help and assistance from TWIN in getting enrolled in a Reputed college of kolkata for
further studies. They often ask her regarding the progress of her studies ,as Now she was
persuing Bachelors of Commerece with Honors. She told us that None of this would happen in
her life without her Kind,charitable and Generous sponsers. The fact is that they helped a child
like me without knowing me altrouistically without any expectation in return as a sign of their
greatness.TWIN’s influence in a child’s life is not limited to imparting good health and
education but they also focus on child’s Holistic growth.Health checkups were done regularly to
make sure that the children were healthy and fit . Underweight Infants in Kindergarten were
given nutritional supplements to improve their health.They also organise a Dance class as well as
Cultural programmes including Dance , Drama and singing so that children must me indulged in
co curricular activities as I had also participated in all activities.She said that she will give her
best in her life and one day she will also become succesfull and provide my whole time for the
workings of TWIN .

Rahul Roy:

He had been associated with WIN since his childhood. He had received all the expense needed
for his education as well as support of the coaching classes. All these helped him to come to this
stage and clear the class 10th board Exam.He also thanked Mr and Mrs Basu for their cooperation
and kindness.

Subash Bose:

He was associated with WIN from the age of 2 years. During the last 14 years , he received all
the assistance in the form of all expenses for his studies as well as all the facilities for coaching
classes to help his studies. He was grateful to WIN for the help.

MEDICAL SECTION

There is a Medical Section in TWIN, where the women and children get free health services.
Two members of TWIN ,two Physician and one Gynaecologist look after the work of medical
section.Trainee interacted with them and was told about the working principles of that section ie
In a week, the Physician comes twice and the Gynaecologist once. Regular checkup of the
children and the mothers especially the pregnant ones are done by these medical
professionals.Each makes a card for checkup with Rs 15 which includes all expenses of their
medicines also. Trainee also came to know about the common health problems and medicines
used for it viz :

For Gastric Problem: Femotin 20

Blood Pressure: Aten 50

Sugar: Metfarmin 500

Calcium: FolviteFolic acid

Blood/Iron:Ferasulphate

Vitamin: Bicomplex

For pregnant women, the following medicines are generally prescribed

Gestin
Duvadlin

Ondame

Doctor suggests them to drink enough water daily,eat healthy food ,take medicine regularly.The
doctor prescribes the menu for lunch for the kindergarten children.The atmosphere of the
medical section is very comfortable for all .The files of the women and sponsered children were
also properly arranged and maintained.Trainee also came to know how the underpriveliged
children are sponsered by the foreign donors and provided all services related to their health and
education. Their motive is to improve the socio-economic conditions of the underpriviliged and
most vulnerable sections by the means of prevention , education and income generation and also
sustainable development by ensuring quality education and the best of health care.

Health Care Programme

Health Care is the other important programme of TWIN. The programme provides:

 Preventive support through several community based Awareness Programmes on

hygiene,sexually transmitted diseases, breast-feeding, etc.
 Support for Pathological & Diagnostics tests.
 Immunization programme for children under the age of 5.
 Hepatitis – B vaccination for all women & children.
 Family Planning Counselling.
 Pre- and Post-natal Programme for pregnant & lactating women in Tollygunge.
 Meals for all children of the Sponsoring Programme in Dhobiatala, for children in the
crèche and kindergarten in Tollygunge.
 Meals for malnourished children.
 Cervical Screening and Breast Cancer Screening Camps.
 Curative support through:

o 6 days a week general clinic and once a week gynaecologic clinic in Tollygunge.
o 2 days a week general clinic in Dhobiatala.

One day a week clinic in Diamond Harbour.

Curative Support

Treatments in government hospitals are either free or cost minimal charges. However, there is a
lack of staff and funding. Even if some Government hospitals are among the best hospitals in
India, most of them are overcrowded and patients can wait for hours to see a doctor for only few
minutes. Most essential drugs are free of charge in these hospitals but because of irregular
supplying of medicines, patients often have to buy themselves some of their medicines outside.
Our doctors are very competent and spend the time necessary with each patient. For each patient
a file is created to record important information to follow up the patient.

Immunization Programme

All children immediately after their birth and upto the age of 5 are be given complete courses of
vaccination against preventable diseases of Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine), Hepatitis B,
Poliomyelitis (OPV), Measles, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus. Vaccination against Hep-B has
now been incorporated in the Immunization Programme. TWIN is a link between families and
goverment vaccination clinics.

The government runs a pulse polio programme for all children upto the age of 5. The idea of this
programme is to eradicate poliomyetilis from the environment, for its total eradication. TWIN
makes sure that all its children, upto the age of 5, attend these clinics for its success.

ATTENTED WORKSHOP ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF GKB OPTICALS

:

Date : 28/06/19

Venue_ Tollygunge project

Resource person : Ms . Arpita Chakraborty , Mr . Abashjyoti ., Mr Sameer Banerjee

Persons Present : Mr. Tushar Tikakar , Ms . Bidyabati purkait, Ms jasmineAra Begum

Technical support for the camp was provided by : GKB Opticals _ Distributed spectacles to 58
participants.
Number of participant's : Trainee counted that 58 members for whom eye testing was done as
part of ' Better Vision Program at Pirichpur, Tollygunge unit.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE PROGRAMME :

At 1: 30 pm , three expert personal from GKB Opticlas "Better Vision Program" , namely, Ms.
Arpita Chakraborty and Mr Abahjyoti and Mr Bandhu arrived at Diamond Harbour location and
distributed free spectacles to 55 members who required the same following the eye testing done.

Trainee observed that 56 people received spectacles on this day. The distribution happened in a
very systematic manner by calling out the names of the persons diagnosed with eye-power and
spectacles were handed over to them along with specific instructions for eye care and use of
spectacle. For instance, patients with reading glasses were advised to wear their glasses while
looking at something closely, reading books, watching TV etc;

All of them were advised not to wipe the lenses of glasses with any rough material, or without

making the glass moist. Everyone immediately tried the glasses and the expert personnel guide
them accordingly.

It was a value program for all. The Resource persons highly appreciated the co-ordinates of
Tollygunge project and expressed their hope to conduct more such programm in future with the
WIN.

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE DURING

THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTENING HELD AT TOLLYGUNGE WIN HOUSE
Date :11/06/19

Venue : Tollygunge Project WIN HOUSE

Topic : learning to protect you and your loved ones during a thunderstorm.

Resource Person : Sutapa Chatterjee ,Mrinal kanti , Pranab Biswas

Person Presents :42 children of tollygunge WIN

Participants : WIN students and teachers

Proceedings of the Programme : - The programme was held on occasion of regular and
increasing threat and the danger of the worse effect of Thunderstorm and Lightning for
engulfing many lives and damaging properties in recent days. These have become more
widespread and occurring on a more regular basis now- a- days. Normal Lighning strikes are
harmless and have little effect on human lives and environment . But recently , we have seen that
Lightning is one of nature’ s deadliest Phenomenon which claims lot of lives every year. Hence ,
we conducted one programmeon 24.06.2018 to educate our children to stay safe and take
precautions to protect themselves , their loved ones and save damaging their properties . The
session continued from 4to 5 pm , with a number of 42 students .

The session was conducted by SutapaChattarjee , Mrinal Sarkar , who explained to children the
cause of creation of thunderstorm and lightning in Nature and also provided them the safety tips
to follow and stay protected from lightning which are :

Safety precautions outdoors

 Remember: When thunder roars , go indoors. Find a safe , enclosed shelter.
 The main lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule . After you see lightning , start
counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30 , go indoors . Suspend activities
for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
 If no shelter is available , crouch low , with as little of your body touching the ground as
possible.
Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet
away .
 Stay away from concrete floors or walls . Lightning can travel through any metal wires or
bars in concrete walls or flooring . Although you should move into a non – concrete
structure if possible , being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning in
fact , about one- third of lightning – strike injuries occur indoors.
Safety Precautions Indoors :
 Avoid water during a thunderstorm Lightning can travel through plumbing .
 Avoid electronic enquipment of all types . Lightning can travel through electrical systems
and radio and television reception systems.
  Avoid corded phones . However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a
storm .
 Avoid concrete floors and walls .

Disasters Management group of our country has taken many preventive measures to frame up
disaster prevention stratergy , earlier warning system , disaster mitigation , preparedness and
response and also human resource development.

We had showed the children supporting video shows: it has carried the significance of the
phenomenon in to their mind . Even they have enjoyed practicing postures to follow during
staying outdoors while it is lightning . This was an interactive session indeed .
The event was concluded with throwing of relevant questions to them about the subject and
feel their understanding as well.
The session ended with distribution of light refreshment to all participants.

REPORT ON SANITATIONS AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Venue : Tollygunge project : WIN HOUSE

Date : 13/06/19
Topics : Sanitation – importance and measures , menstrual cycle , changes and effects
Resource person : Priyanka Sanghadi and Devanshi Kothari
Persons present : Dipali Chakrobarty , Mahuya Dutta , Moumita Bhattacharjee
Participants: 34 mothers and young children
Proceedings of the Programme :-
The programme was held on 11th of November , 2016 . It started with the mothers and children
coming to WIN HOUSE from 3: 00 P.M . onwards .

The session was opened by Moumita Bhattacharjee giving the mothers and the children a basic
idea about the topic of discussion , “sanitation” . She talked to them about what measures should
be taken during menstrual cycle and also on the importance of using sanitary napkins . She
mentioned that using cloth during periods can cause harm in the genitals of women. Further, safe
disposal of pads should be maintained . she openly discussed about several taboos attached to
menstrual cycle and advised mothers and the girl children to be open about the bodily changes
and anatomy .

The session was then proceeded by two members of DOR namely , Priyanka and Devanshi .
Priyanka commenced by asking several questions to the audience to get an understanding of
their daily health practices . With each questions , She made the participants understand the
importance of day –to – day health activities . She queried about how many of them brushed
their teeth every day . She advised that brushing the teeth is needed for oral hygiene to
prevent teeth cavity and fall prematurely .

She then moved on to talk about bathing every day , to which all the participants were
positive . Similarly , she explained how washing hands before and after eating is vital for
health . She said that many diseases such as typhoid , diarrhoea etc ., can spread through
contact between hand and mouth and so hands should be washed with soap and water
regularly . Also , face and other sensitive organs of the body should not be touched with
dirty hands , she said .

In order to keep the attention of the participants , Priyanka and Devanshi played a small
game . They called for two girl volunteers and another. They spread glitters over their
hands and asked them to rub the two palms . They requested the participants to assume
that the glitter was the dirt their hands come in contact with , and them asked them if they
would eat or touch other parts of their body with these hands . After the participants
responded a big “ NO” , they asked the volunteers to go and wash the hands and proved
that it only takes few minutes to wash hands and keep them clean . Priyanka talked
about keeping the private parts of women clean and dry as much as possible.

After urination, toilet it should be thoroughly cleaned .She talked about the importance of
flushing the toilet before and after using them and the adverse consequences or not
doing so.

Moving on to the awareness on menstrual cycle . Priyanka asked the woman present to use
sanitary napkins instead of cloth to avoid any sort of infection. She also advised them
about safe disposal of pads . and never to flush them in toilet as this would cause clogging .
She warned the women to change pads after 6 to 8 hours even If it is not soaked as this
would ensure further hygiene .
She encouraged the participants to buy pads which are now available at very minimal
price instead of the costly ones and save money . Moving further , she taught the
women how to wear a pad in proper manner so that there is maximum comfort .
 She suggested the mothers that when their girls have periods for the first time , they
should be encouraged to use pads instead of cloths and they should be taken to a
doctor to a doctor to get medical aid . Also , if there is any abnormality in the cycle or
process then doctors should be consulted . She asked the woman to love their body and
not be ashamed to freely ask doctors about any menstrual trouble they go through . The
participants asked question regarding irregular periods , lower abdominal pain , body
changes and so on to which Moumita gave answers and home remedies . Along with this
, she insisted them to visit doctors if pain is persistent and unbearable..

The session ended with each woman being given a packet of sanitary napkins by the
two representatives of DOR . They asked the participants to use the pads and continue
the usages of pads in future too. The women were happy to receive the sanitary pads and
continue the usages of pads and thanked Priyanka and Devanshi . The games and
friendly approach of the two members kept the participants with them and it was an
enlightening session with active participation of the people who attend the programme .

Observations :

The primary reason as to why women associated with us avoid using sanitary napkins as
they are expensive . For them spending Rs 50 on napkins per month is a luxury as their
priorities lie in managing the basic needs of daily life . Another major reason not to use
napkins is the fear and shame they attach to the purchase of such women – oriented goods
. In both the cases, one effective solution would be to provide them with sanitary napkins at a
affordable price then available in the market to ensure the regular usage.

DOR, being one such organization working towards the promotion of sanitation, could take an
initiative to arrange for low-cost sanitary napkins for the unprivileged women _this will help
maintain better health and hygiene in this respect.

AWARENESS PROGRAMME HELD ON JUNK FOOD AND ITS EFFECTS .

Venue : Tollygunge Project: WIN HOUSE
Date :25/06/19
Topics: Junk Food , definition , effects.
Resources Person : Moumita Bhattacharjee.
Persons present : Dipali Chakrobarty , Mahuya Dutta , Atish Mukherjee.
Participants : 34 students of WIN and their respective mothers.

Proceedings of the programme: -

The programme was held on of September . It started with the mothers and their children
coming to WIN HOUSE from onwards.

The session was conducted by Moumita Bhattacharjee , who started by discussing the
meaning of the very term “Junk”. She explained that junk foods are the cheap food that
contains high levels of calories from sugar or fat with very little or no nutrition value . She
said that although such food taken in small quantity may not have any disastrous effect on
health but regular consumption of junk food is sure to have many detrimental ensures.

Moumita focused on 10 major health related problems that can cause serious trouble in
the near future of the kids as well as the parents . She used pictorial power point
presentation to give a better understanding of the context. She also used cartoons and
amimated pictures to keep the young children engrossed within the topic:

1. Obesity : She began with most common effect of having junk food i.e. obesity. She
explained that obesity means having too much body fat . Fast food is high calories and
sugar that contribute to increased - weight gain. People who consume fast foods are
 less likely to eat fruits , vegetables, milk etc . This change in eating habits can easily lead
to obesity.
2. Heart disease: Moumita said that people who eat fast-food four or more times a week ,
up their risk of dying from heart disease by 80 percent because of the high level of
saturated or trans fats found in much of the food . Those fats can clog the arteries and
, over time , contribute to high cholesterol levels.
3. Diabetes: She them moved on to a very common disease that is frequent in the current
living arena, diabetes . There is a side effect to consuming frequent amounts of fast
food ‘obesity’ which can lead to the development of diabetes.
4. Peptic Ulcer : Moumita eluded that a peptic ulcer , is the most common ulcer of an
area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic and thus extremely painful. For
almost 100 years , she said, doctors believed that stress, spicy foods, and caused most
ulcers.
5. Loss appetite: Moumita explained that the common complaint that mothers have about
the lack of appetite of their children has a deep connection with the intake of excess
fast food. Normal food contains appetizer which are not properly present in fast food .
Continues use of fast food may cause loss appetite , abnormal digestion and sometime
food poisoning. Fast food does not satisfy all needs of stomach
6. Nutritional imbalance : Nutrition , Moumita expressed , is the most important factor in
the development and growth of the body . It also makes the body strong enough to
fight from various germs. A well- balanced food contains all essential elements which
are necessary for human development . whereas fast food does not fulfil all needs of
body and sometime causes disorder . Nutrition imbalance occurs.
7. Stress: Moumita discussed that stress is one of the most accelerated problems that youth
and adults face today. A food rich in fat increases the level of stress . It has been
observed that a rich fat meal can increase your stress level and make you at a greater
level of stress . Certain foods and drinks act as Powerful stimulants to the body and
hence are a direct cause of stress.
8. Addiction : She also stressed on the understanding of the meaning of the term
addiction and continued that we tend to get cravings for junk foods . There is a
system in our brain called the reward system. The brain knows that when we eat , we’re
doing something “ right” and releases a bunch of feel – good chemicals in the reward
system . This makes it an addiction.
9. Memory Loss: She enlightened the audience that it is found that a diet packed with
high-fat cakes, pastries , chips and fast foods has a massive impact on the mind . Foods
laden with sugar and fat appear to reduce levels of a natural brain chemical crucial
10. Insomnia: The cravings for fast food often leads to sleep deprevation and long hours
of sleepless nights . This inturn again causes obesity and unstable brain development
. Moumita further stressed that lack of sleep in the growing age hampers the entire
metabolism of the body there by making the children weak.
With the help of iilstrations Moumita then specifically talked about the problem with Indian
junk food and how it is typical to alarming rates of health mal functioning . She showed
the audience may pictures of the popular fast food items that is consumed with much relish
. She then had a discussion with the floor on their junk food intake habits . The following
points were brought out :

 Food is kept in the open for long hours which may contaminate it.
 The oil is used to cook these junk food are reused again and again which may
cause CANCER !
 Often flies and other insects are seen lingering around it.
 The sellers do not use any gloves or sanitizers while they prepare and serve
the food .

The session was very interactive and the audience was responsive to the questions asked to
them . The mother’s who formed half a section of the participants were asked about the
eating habits of their children and also advised to restrain them from having too much fast
food. It was also suggested to stop such over consumption themselves in order to improve
their health as well as stand out to be an example for their children . Moumita conducted the
session using simple , everyday life examples which captured their attention throughout the
programme . A number of images and runs were shown throughout the session so that the
people could relate to the topic and each image was explained in
Details keeping in mind the younger section o the audience . It was a pleasure indeed to see the
excitement and active participation of the students and their mothers.

A VISIT TO DIAMOND HARBOUR

In 1998, TWIN started a trial project in Kalibazar, a red- light area of Diamond Harbour in South
24- Paraganas , with a group of 50 sex-workers and 70 of their children, between the age of 5-10
years. On the request of the Community , the project was extended in 1999 to cover all the sex –
workers and their children. At present , there are 158 children and their mothers in this TWIN
project . are :

The services rendered in the project at Diamond Harbour consists of the following:

 To provide education and health facilities for the children of sex workers who are
vulnerable to abuse because of the profession of their mothers .

 To promote awareness in the society on a sensitive and difficult issue i.e., prostitution
and the plight of the children of mothers involved in that profession.

 To rehabilitate women who work as commercial workers, leave this present profession
by giving them counseling and help finding them other means of earning for their
livelihood.

The project is coordinated by Mr. Tushar Kanti Tikadar. He is assisted by Mrs . Jasmine
Ara and Mrs Bidyabati Purkait.

Trainee also visited Diamond Harbour project of Tollygumge Women In Need , where she
met with the various staff members of the organisation . Mr Tushar , told us about the working
principles of the NGO and also told us about their past experiences with the Diamond Harbour
project . But gradually the health worker , social worker as well as the other staff members did
their work in an organised manner and uplifted the condition of the underprivileged children of
the commercial sex workers ; the NGO provides them all the necessities regarding their
education and health services . There is a medical section in the Organisation. Meanwhile ,
trainee also visited the field setting in Kalibazar and met with different women engaged in sex
work so as to earn for their livelihood. They mentioned how the bad situations of their daily life
forced them in this work as this was their last option for earning money.

CASE STUDY

ARUNIMA :

She was form Uttarpradesh where her husband and their family members did domestic violence
on her. She came Kolkata along with her friend and started this profession before 12 years. She
aborted her baby in the womb and at that time she lived with her son , but she doesn't have her
own home, so , she lived the life of wore and sustained her life.

VARSHA :

She was another sex worker who live along with her husband who allows her to do the
profession of sex - worker because he was drunker and she was the only lady in her home who
earn money through this profession. She do this work along with 13 years and she also used
protection.

Moslima Biwi:

She do this work 13 years ago because when she married her husband tortured them and after
that left them. At that time she was alone with his son and she has no source to earn money that's
why she has chosen the sex work as a profession. With the initial stage when she go in this
profession she have no idea to use protection but when the TWIN members generated awareness
at that time she used condom as a protection. She earn money through the process of sex work
and customers paid money as per the time according.

For 1 hour customers paid = Rs 600

For 10 min = Rs 200

Parwati Bose:

She donor do this profession but she give her home for rent purpose where the sex - workers do
their work. She take Rs 2000 per month and her son was also sponsored with 17 years.

Baby Duhin:
She was another sex worker her husband allow them to do the profession of sex - worker because
he was drunker and she was only lady in her home who earn money through this profession. She
do this work along with 13 years and she also used protection.

Rina Saw:

This lady has permanent customers and most of the time they do sexually intercourse with their
permanent customers. She also used protection and her husband left them she lived with his son
and when her permanent customer come she make- up her faced. She has fixed price with their
permanent customer Rs 500.

Jhorna Dinda:

She has 35 years old, her husband also left her and live with her son. As per the status of Jhorna
she does sex-work with the choice of the customer. The rate of her work was constant and
changed as per customers.

In the red light area the influence of Mrs Vidywati Purkait who is field worker and health worker
in the Diamond Harbour project. She provided time to time counselling and motivated the sex-
workers for maintaining their health and used protection at the time of sexual intercourse.

SOME CASE STUDIES OF SEX-WORKERS CHILDREN:

TASLIMA KHATUN:
She joined TWIN from 2000onwards. Her mother Aswa Begum used to take tailoring training
at TWIN . I got 1st division marks ( more than 60%) in the Madhymik exam after taking
tuition from the study centre of TWIN . And then , I also got Higher 2 nd division (more than
50%) marks in Higher Secondary Exam . in 2006 , I passed my graduation from Heramba
Chandra College ( South City) with 2nd class marks . Then I got a job at ICICI prudential as
an Unit Manager . I worked there from 2006-2007. From 2007-2009, I worked TATA AIG
as Agency Manager . Recently I got married . I got all help from TWIN . All my studies
and jobs have been made possible due to the support from this organisation . I will be
grateful in my whole life for this . The existence of TWIN- like organisation can only show
the right way and guide for education to many children like me. “

Kalyan Bar joined the sponsoring Programme in Diamond Harbour in 1999 . Now , he holds
a bachelor of Science . “ I am a spomsored child of TWIN . I have completed my
student life as passed B.S.C examination and then did a Bio – medical Equipment
Engeneering Course at the George Telegraph Training Institute for 30 months . I passed
and got first class with honours( 75% above marks) at the end. At present , I am working in
Roche Diagnostics India Pvt. Ltd . as Service Engineer . Now I am a earning member of my
family and my annual income is about near one lack twenty thousand rupees . I am
thankful to TWIN because my career is built not only by my hard work and confidence
but also for their helpful hands which gave me big support to fulfil my dream.

Amarnath Jha joined the programme in Tollygunge in 1997, at the age of 11. Now , he
holds a Bachelor Degree in Accountancy and Finance ( Calcutta University , 2009) He
completed his graduation with honours and he is pursuing in Chartered Accountancy.

“ WIN has given a concrete shape to my dreams by providing adequate Financial and moral
support . After the sudden death of my father , we did not have enough means to fulfil my
long cherished desire of becoming a chartered accountant . But now , the far distance wish
seems to be a close reality as I have successfully completed the first stage of the course
and I am working very hard towards the success in the next stages as well.”

Alok thapa joined the Sponsoring programme in 1997 . Now, he holds a Bachelor of
Commerce and is currently working in a bank .

“I was admitted by TWIN on 1997 , I am thankful for the opportunity which was provided
by TWIN and also glad to write few words for TWIN . The financial educational support
which was given by TWIN is unforgettable during my best time of my life. It helps me a lot
in building up my career . There will be always a soft corner in my heart for TWIN and if I
get any opportunity to render my services to TWIN then it will be my immense pleasure .
Not only for me , there was numerous of child like me who got this type of support from
TWIN and we are all thankful for that . Today I am working in HDFC Bank for last 3
years , holding a good position and all this happen due to my back support from my family
and also from TWIN The person who sponsored me for my entire duration during my
study life . I want to thank personally and also glad to meet him .”
Special achievement in Diamond Harbour :

In India , children of sex workers are denied by the schools . They have no access to
Education . However , with a lot of work , TWIN managed to convince schools to accept
these children and to change people mind about them . They are now well accepted by
the other children and the community.

Kalyan Bar joined the sponsoring programme in Diamond Harbour in 1999. Now he holds a
degree of Bachelor in Science . He is a sponsored child of TWIN. He had completed his student
life, passed B.S.C examination and then did a BIO- medical Equipment Engineering Course at
the George Telegraph Training Institute for 30 months . He passed and got a first class with
honours (75% above marks ) at the end . At present , he is working in Roche Diagnostic India
Pvt Ltd . as Service Engineer . Now he is an earning member of his family . His annual income is
nearly about one lakh twenty thousand rupees.

Sex worker :
TOPOTI SENA

Her children joined win in 1998 and completed the degree of B.A and BPED and all the support
was provided by TWIN . At that time , he is a teacher of high school .

Sex worker :

ARUTI CHOWARSIA

Her son completed MSC B.E.D and pursued a reprted post.

SOMOLI CHOWARSIA

Her children completed M.A B.E.D posted in high school .

TWIN managed to convince schools to accept these children and to change people’s mindset
about them . They are now well accepted by the other children of the community.

DHOBIATALA
Dhobiatala is situated in New Tangra in KMC Ward No 58 . Trainee visited the slum areas of
Dhobiatala which falls under the Women In Need Project , Dhobiatala and found that the area is
a recycling ground of hazardous wastes . Children and women are engaged in battery breaking ,
sorting metal , rubber and plastic wastes as well as reclaiming lubricant & oil from wastes.
Apart from the child labour aspect, the environment of the locality is very polluted and possess
great health hazard .

In 1999, TWIN in association with a reputed NGO already active in the area , started a child
centre for the children engaged in hazardous recycling work in the locality . A group of 63
children in the age group of 5-11 years were taken in the programme. To compensate for the loss
of earnings of the children , the mothers were paid Rs 100 per month as compensation - cum
incentive for them to agree to remove their children from child- labour . However , mothers have
now realised the benefits of their children regaining their childhood and growing in tension free
environment . Now, the incentive payment of Rs 100 is no more needed . There are 60 children
in the project now presently. The women of the Basti make some food items like (Papad) so as
to sell them and earn some money for their livelihood.
Mrs Lipika Banerjee told us about her past experiences of working in that field area and also
trying to bring about changes in the lives of these people of Dhobiatala . It was difficult in
engaging the community as well as the children in formal education rather than working as a
child labour .It took many years to create a change in their attitude .This could only be done by
the efforts of Tollygunge Women In Need Project Dhobiatala. Although there is less
infrastructure facilities and staff in that project area , the limited staff has good working spirit
and coordination leading to a greater success.

ART AND CRAFT

In weekends, trainee also indulged in the dance classes as well as painting classes where she took
an initiative in helping the students to learn , how to make a pen stands and other things
associated with it with the help of used Icecream sticks.All the students were very excited to
learn that activity and also made efforts by making that pen stands by themselves at home and
showed us in the weekend class in the Organisation.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, trainee wants to mention that the NGO ,Tollygunge Women In Need, is working
for the upliftment of one of the most vulnerable sections of society by means of the following--
prevention from poor health, proper education and methods of income generation. TWIN focuses
on sustainable development by ensuring quality education,health care , enhanced capacity and
wider scope for income generation and micro-credit for the destitute communities in and around
Kolkata. I want to thank the entire staff of Tollygunge Women In Need.They have helped me
in expanding my knowledge and abilities.