India is experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of breast cancer cases across all sections of society. Unfortunately India also has one of the worst survival rates in the world, ranking highest for total number of women dying from breast cancer, and also for the number of healthy life years lost to the disease. Early detection and treatment is critical for improving survival rates. CRS organised two community awareness events on 23rd and 29th August. 42 women from BD Colony and 52 women from Dum Dum gathered to find out about more. Presentations were given by representatives from Hittaishini, a voluntary breast cancer support network whose members are all breast cancer survivors. The key message of the day was that breast cancer is not the end of the road.
Sibling celebration
Raksha Bandhan is an annual festival in India and Nepal that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters. The name means ‘bond of protection’. It is a day when siblings wish each other happiness and goodwill. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brother’s wrist symbolising her love and prayers for his well-being. Then brothers make a promise to their sisters to protect them from all harm. Children from the Shishu Jagat (Children’s World) programme at the CRS education centres in Basanti Devi Colony and Sukantanagar organized a Raksha Bandhan celebration on 18th August.
Call for volunteers
We are looking for someone with an interest in fundraising to help apply for small grants. CRS’s new social enterprise, Nari Dana, employs slum women trained in sewing and embroidery to make products for sale in India and overseas. We need some extra finance to get the business up and running. Could you spend a few hours every week helping to identify possible sources of funding and prepare grant applications? This role would suit a young person who is thinking of working in international development. No previous experience needed. Find out more
Children get creative at camp
With schools having a break for the summer, CRS organized a “Shishu Jagat” (Children’s World) summer camp in late May. 30 children from the CRS education centres at BD Colony and Sukantanagar took part in four days of activities designed to give them an opportunity to explore and express their creativity in any form. Boys and girls tried their hand at different art and craft activities including painting pots, making decorative items with plastic bottles, learning to tie dye, and designing greetings cards. There were opportunities for dance, singing and recitation, as well as a talent contest. Games were also popular, including a treasure hunt and the parlor game of antakshri. The children participated with great enthusiasm and were really grateful for the opportunity to be creative.
Teachers plan for coming school year
With the children on their summer break, 17 teachers from CRS’s Education Centres gathered together on 17th, 18th and 20th May for a three-day programme of review, discussion and planning. Led by the CRS Director and the Coordinator of Education Projects, the group reviewed the teaching syllabus for different age groups, discussed the setting of test questions for each unit, and presented ideas for enhancing the students’ experience. CRS Education Centres prepare children for enrollment in mainstream schools, with a focus on core skills of Bengali, English and maths. There are currently Education Centres in 8 urban projects and 4 rural projects catering for almost 900 children across pre-primary and primary ages from 2 to 12 years.