ADULT LITERACY:
No doubt, India has made an enormous progress in the arena of science and technology since the end of the British rule in India in 1947. On the contrary, according to UNESCO, India still has the largest number of illiterate adults in the world. It is a fact that, Government spends a lot of money on education. Yet, the problem of illiteracy is still prevalent in our nation.
To strategically combat this problem, SBPT has initiated a yearlong program called Adult Literacy (AL). AL works in partnership with indigenous groups to provide an educational opportunity to the all the adults, who missed the chance of learning during their childhood for some reason or the other and have crossed the age of formal education, but have the desire to learn.
For every 30 adult learners a trained Assistant is appointed. Classes are conducted for two hours a day for five days a week. Apart from imparting literacy skills to illiterate adults, it aims at enhancing the quality of life, and to improve their awareness level regarding health related issues, personal hygiene, communicable diseases; effects of malnutrition, environmental issues, sanitation, social evils, and fundamental rights.
HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM (HEP)
A qualified doctor from the surrounding hospitals is called to address the people and to give a talk about human health and its importance. Beneficiaries were given theoretical knowledge about malnutrition and are encouraged to focus on ‘Prevention rather than cure” by adopting healthy lifestyle.
AL organizes a Health Education Program called HEP for the beneficiaries. It mainly addresses the health concerns and generates awareness about the communicable and non-communicable diseases like TB, Malaria, Anemia, Dengue, and Diarrhea, Oral Hygiene, Immunization, Hand Washing, Worm infestation, and skin infections, STDs like HIV/AIDS, H1N1 (Swine Flu) etc.,
Besides, an informative session to raise community awareness on AIDs HIV+ was conducted to reduce misconceptions and to eliminate stigma among the learners. Beneficiaries were also offered free health check-ups and professional advice.
Towards the end, the beneficiaries were given free medicines and food-supplements to boost their stamina and immunity.
SELF-HELP TRAINING PROGRAM (SHTP):
Most of the beneficiaries, who reside in remote and rural areas, have limited jobs opportunities. To promote sustainable livelihood options for them, Self- Help Training Program is introduced. It is conducted for three days.
Learners are given training to prepare about 30 different kinds of products like detergent powder, sabeena, phenyl, handwash, herbal shampoo, liquid soap, pickles, candles, chocolates, vaseline, liquid blue, Pain Balm etc. Beneficiaries can make these products alongside their household and other activities and thereby enhance their family revenue
OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
• A customized awareness on ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ is promoted among the beneficiaries to maintain a clean environment. They are taught about environmental sanitation and the benefits of toilet construction. They were also encouraged to segregate dry and wet garbage before disposing
• Learners are also motivated to resolve their inter-personal conflicts in an amicable and diplomatic way so that there is peace and stability in the community