Project Activity Report for North Eastern States Project name: SAGP ...

Project Activity Report for North Eastern StatesProject name:SAGP-NEProject reference number:NAReporting period: April to September 010.Project Worker’s name and job title:Nilondra Tanya, Senior Manager ProgrammesProject partners and locations:Project code Name of the partner agency Location (no. of blocks/districts)NE/DI/00004 HelpAge India Guwahati (Khetry), Kamrup, Assam India1000030 Mercy Home Shillong, District East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya1. Direct beneficiaries:Age group Able Elders Assisted Elders Destitute EldersMen Women Men Women Men Women55-79 73 62 7 83 15 1780+ 0 0 0 0 04 06Total 73 62 07 83 19 23Older people have benefitted as they got independence by restored vision through free cataractoperations conducted. Beneficiaries are receiving free medical consultation and medicines. Awarenesslevel increase about rights and entitlements of older persons.2. Indirect beneficiaries of the project (grand children, family members or community members)Directly involved with the Indirectly involved with the beneficiary (i.e.beneficiaryin the community)Older FamilyGrand Older people Family Grandpeople members children in the members children(other thancommunity (other thangrandgrandchildren)children)Number ofINDIRECTbeneficiaries254 451 520 450 470 756The project activities have not yet full operationalised. It is assumed that project will benefit a largenumber elderly in the project area. However, it is too early to assess the impact of the project benefitsat this stage.Project activities carried out in the past 6 monthsThe project was supposed to be started in April, 2010 due to project initiation processes, the activitiesstarted from July 2010 onwards. The first six months had been the time of breaking the ground andpreparing the older persons to participate in the programme. The programme is expected to gainmomentum and become an instrument of creating a positive change in the lives of elders.

Identification / digitization of profile of the selectedbeneficiariesDirect beneficiaries who would be covered under theproject have been identified and categories accordingto their ability under destitute, assisted and activecategories. As the project was setting up its feet in theproject area, multiple session on creating awarenessabout the elders needs, mobilising elders andsensitising community members were undertaken.Health careRegular medical consultations including follow up visitsPhysiotherapy screening campwere taken up during the reporting period in theproject areas. About 225 older people received medical consultation. 380 elders have been screened foreye problems and 60 elders have received ophthalmictreatments and 49 have received cataract surgeriesduring the reporting period in the project areas.ESHG formationDuring the reporting period 17 ESHGs have beenformed under the DI project. As part of formation ofESHGs, community meeting was conducted in eachvillage. As the groups are still in their early stage offormation,AdvocacyNE-State office has organised one meeting with govt.officials in Shillong to create the awareness about theelders’ issues.Meeting with the community peopleChanges or improvements on the lives of thebeneficiaries as a result of the projectThere has been a lot of enthusiasm among thebeneficiaries to participate in the project. They want toset example that at old age they still have potential towork for the good of society. Particularly the concept ofESHGs and federation of SCAs are new idea which theylike to give a try. They feel that the project will bringthem economic independence, dignity and thusimprove their quality of life.Eye screening campShare any positive or negative changes in the lives ofthe beneficiaries as a result of external events (local, national, emergencies, etc)The project area falls under insurgency infested region in which incidents of frequent bandhs, violentactivities as well as encounters with the government forces are common. Such activities are beyondcontrol of the project.The government of Assam and Meghalaya, have been considering their statepolicies for older persons in line with national policy- implementation of which will largely benefit theolder persons which will bring improvement in the quality of lives of the elderly.

Challenges faced in the last 6 months and steps taken to overcome the challengesBig challenge was motivation of the elderly beneficiaries. Some negative thinking expressed by thebeneficiaries were:- Beneficiaries are old and unable to do eSHGS .- Due to weak health it will be difficult to do income generating activities.- Difficulty to manage eSHGs at old age.- Dependent old is to be looked after family members.- Unwillingness to understand the grain bank project.Steps taken to overcome the challenges:Series of meetings were held with the beneficiaries. Community leaders, panchayat members and villageelders were taken along in the meetings. It was explained that elderly people at 55 to 69 remain quiteactive and are in a position to work and that sitting idle will make them liability for family members andlose respect. It was also informed that working at 60s among their category has been tested successfulin many places and why can’t we do here. Series of motivational talks have finally convinced thebeneficiaries that they are also capable to work and they must not just depend entirely on the project.Plans for the next 6 monthsa. Healthcare: Carry on cataract detection and surgeries, Procurement of Physiotherapy instrumentsb. ESHGs: Training & ESHGS, Open bank A/C for all eSHGS, Initiate livelihood activities by ESHGmembers, encourage ESHGs to come under one wing ie Federations of SCAsc. Livelihood support: Develop business plan, Gradation of groups, Transfer of Seed Capital to ESHGsd. Establishment of Grain Bankse. Advocacy events