Our Work
With whom we work ?
Vikalp primarily operates within the Dungarpur and Banswara districts of Rajasthan, as well as the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. These regions are predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, constituting over 70 percent of the population. The area suffers from a significant dearth of employment opportunities. On an average, families possess only about half to one bigha of agriculture land suitable for farming, which proves insufficient, and industrial facilities are also scarce. Vikalp is dedicated to working with profoundly impoverished and marginalized families, particularly those from tribal and socially disadvantaged communities. There’s a specific emphasis on assisting families of internal migrant workers who are compelled to migrate in search of livelihoods. Migration profoundly impacts their access to education, healthcare, and other developmental necessities
Vulnerabilities that Vikalp addresses -
As an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, Vikalp seeks to address vulnerabilities that hinder their ability to lead equitable and dignified lives. That Vulnerabilities are as follows –
- Lack of access to education: Many vulnerable communities face barriers to accessing quality education, which perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits opportunities for personal and collective advancement. Vikalp aims to address this vulnerability by providing educational resources, advocating for equal access to schooling, and supporting initiatives that promote lifelong learning.
- Socio-economic inequality: Economic disparities often exacerbate the challenges faced by underserved communities, leading to limited access to basic necessities such as healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Vikalp works to address this vulnerability by advocating and facilitating access to resources and opportunities, and supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives within marginalized communities
- Discrimination and systemic barriers: Marginalized communities often encounter discrimination and face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society and accessing essential services. Vikalp endeavors to address this vulnerability by promoting advocacy efforts, raising awareness about social injustices, and collaborating with stakeholders to dismantle discriminatory policies and practices.
- Lack of social support networks: Many marginalized individuals and communities lack strong social support networks, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hinder their ability to navigate challenges effectively. Vikalp seeks to address this vulnerability by fostering community engagement, facilitating peer support initiatives, and promoting collective action to build resilient and inclusive social networks.
Overall, Vikalp’s efforts are guided by its mission to empower marginalized communities through education, advocacy, and resource allocation, with the ultimate goal of fostering resilience, self-determination, and collective action to overcome systemic barriers and achieve sustainable social justice and equality.
Activities
Community Mobilization -
Vikalp Sanstha has pioneered the establishment of community groups within villages, facilitating regular meetings to collectively address local challenges. These groups engage in constructive dialogue on village issues and collaborate to find solutions. They play a pivotal role in monitoring migration patterns, maintaining communication with migrants to understand their circumstances, tracking individuals accessing government services, and aiding eligible beneficiaries in accessing these services.
Remarkably, members of these community groups actively participate in local governance structures, serving roles such as sarpanch and panchayat members, thus contributing significantly to grassroots governance and community development.
Vikalp Learning centres –
In villages marked by high migration, children often lack opportunities for literacy, communication, and holistic learning, including constitutional values. To address this challenge, Vikalp has initiated four learning centers in Simalwada block, Dungarpur district, catering to children of laborers and migrant families. These centers not only focus on academics but also cultivate skills such as games, poetry, origami, quizzes, dialogues, and hand-toy making. Additionally, we’ve established two libraries in senior secondary schools in Dungarpur to foster a culture of reading among students.
The learning centers, operating as bridge facilities, aim to bolster education, health, and creative and scientific thinking among children and adolescent girls from migrant and non-migrant poor laborer backgrounds. Local youth, chosen by the community, lead activities at these centers. Furthermore, teenage groups are formed in each village to foster community engagement and participation in developmental activities.
Linkages with entitlements –
100 days of employment is provided every year to 600 laborers and poor people coming under Karwada Gram Panchayat in Jhothari block of Dungarpur district. Due to increasing awareness, villagers have come to know that they can get 100 days work and are ensuring that they apply for it with the support of Vikalp Sanstha. The organization has also helped in making cards of 400 labourers. Most of the people in these areas are not educated and knowledgeable. Due to this, there was difficulty in making their Aadhar card, family identity card, pension and scholarship for children. Volunteers associated with the organization have supported several groups in the 2 districts in generating various supporting documents and ensuring access to benefits under government schemes like old age, widow pension and scholarships.
Education program
Learning and Leadership Centres
In villages marked by high migration, children often lack opportunities for literacy,communication, and holistic learning, including constitutional values. To address this challenge, Vikalp has initiated Six learning centers in Simalwada block, Dungarpur district,
catering to children of laborers and migrant families. Which includes 318 children including 151 girls. These centers not only focus on academics but also cultivate skills such as games,poetry, origami, quizzes, dialogues, and hand-toy making. Additionally, we’ve established two libraries in senior secondaryschools in Dungarpur to foster a culture of reading among students.
The learning centers, operating as bridge facilities, aim to bolster education, health, and creative and scientific thinking among children and adolescent girls from migrant and nonmigrant poor laborer backgrounds. Local youth, chosen by the community, lead activities at these centers. Furthermore, teenage groups are formed in each village to fostercommunity
engagement and participation in developmental activities.
Engagement with Government Schools
Human Justice Program
Migrant Labor Resilience and Collaboration (MRC) Program
As part of this initiative, we have organized 18 pre-departure training sessions aimed at preparing workers for their journey, primarily to Gujarat. These sessions equip laborers with essential knowledge and resources to ensure a smoother and more secure transition. The training covers several critical topics, including:
• Hajari Diary Utilization: Participants are trained on the proper use of Hajari diaries to accurately record their work hours and activities. This practice ensures transparency and fair compensation for the laborers’ efforts.
• Mazdur Helpline Number: Migrant workers are informed about the Mazdur helpline, a toll-free number designed to assist them in addressing challenges they may face during employment. This helpline provides crucial guidance and solutions to labor-related issues.
• KYC Documentation: The importance of valid identification and address proof documents (KYC) is emphasized during the sessions. These documents are critical for accessing services, securing employment, and protecting their rights as workers.
Democratic system and constitutional values (Badlaawkari Leaders)
Identification, Understanding and propagation of constitutional values through Kabir Vani, Youth Group, Magic tricks, and Puppet:
Kabir Vani Mandal
Vikalp organizes Kabir Vani Mandals twice a year to champion equality, brotherhood, justice, and individual dignity. These Mandals comprise 10 groups from various villages, each consisting of 21 women and 57 men. Alongside other hymns, Kabir’s couplets are deliberated upon within these circles. There’s a strong emphasis on internalizing these values and translating them into action. Moreover, these principles are intertwined with those enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution Kit includes pictures, posters, and leaflets to facilitate community comprehension of the discussions. “Jaane, maane, aur jiye” this is the punchline we employ to enlighten marginalized communities about constitutional values
Youth Group Sanvidhan Mitra
Youth group Samvidhan Mitra has been formed in Dungarpur and Jhabua districts. In which 100 members from nine villages are involved. They hold meetings every month in the village at their level. Along with their own work, they contribute to the development of the village by doing sports, puppetry and other creative activities. Along with this, they also play their
role in promoting constitutional values.
Magic tricks against superstition
Magic games are organized with the aim of removing old traditions that hinder development and promoting scientific thinking. On which dialogues are established. Due to which social awareness like brotherhood, love and dignity increases.
Stick Puppet
Stick puppets make an important contribution in spreading public awareness not only among children but also in the community.Puppet shows are very attractive and interestingin child-centric activities, removing stereotypes and enhancing human values.