YERUVA ANTHONY REDDY's Posts - Community life competence2024-03-28T15:56:59ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDYhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2523250068?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=1unt1zhydvlgo&xn_auth=noCommunity Life Competence Process to strengthen CBOs of Female Sex Workers tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-02-13:2028109:BlogPost:1128202013-02-13T07:03:25.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>CARE India, through SAKSHAM Grant Supplement project works with 42 Community Based Organizations (CBOs)/ NGOs implementing HIV Prevention programme with FSWs and MSMs in 7 districts of Andhra Pradesh with goal of enhancing community response to HIV. SAKSHAM has been successful in promoting development of CBOs through a blended approach of Community-to-Community learning based on SALT as a way of working and thinking.</p>
<p>Sixty Community Resource Pool from the…</p>
<p>CARE India, through SAKSHAM Grant Supplement project works with 42 Community Based Organizations (CBOs)/ NGOs implementing HIV Prevention programme with FSWs and MSMs in 7 districts of Andhra Pradesh with goal of enhancing community response to HIV. SAKSHAM has been successful in promoting development of CBOs through a blended approach of Community-to-Community learning based on SALT as a way of working and thinking.</p>
<p>Sixty Community Resource Pool from the local CBOs/NGOs are equipped with basic foundation skills of SALT, CLCP and Organisational Development. They are divided into 15 teams, each team consisting three members. Each of the team is assigned with 3-4 CBOs to facilitate collectivisation of female sex workers, organising them into a CBO, Strengthening systems around governance, leadership, resource mobilization and enhancing the capacities of CBOs to respond to HIV prevention.</p>
<p>Teams visit the assigned NGOs/CBOs two days a month and facilitate tools such as Dream Building to prioretise the concerns and developing plans to accomplish their dreams. Local CBO leadership team work on executing their plans collectively. Community Resource Persons and the CBOs come together once in three months to learn from each other and assess where they are against the plans developed through self assessments. Except the technical support through community resouce pool, CBOs do not get any financial support for strengthening organisational development. CBO leadership team raise local resources and utilise the local strengths to strengthen their CBOs. </p>
<p>Baseline (2010) and Endline (2012) study conducted by Praxis India, using various participatory methodologies indicated significant improvements in most of the community mobilization parameters especially, creating CBO systems for participative, democratic and accountable governance; improving community participation through functional community committees, enhanced documentation skills and systems for Leadership and decision making.</p>
<p>The average performance of CBOs improved from 31% to 50% in the Leadership parametre. The key indicators studied under the parametre are selection process of CBO leaders, legal compliance as per Societies registration act, selection of community committees and CBO functioning process.</p>
<p>The average score of all CBOs in capacities of the community committees increased from 24% to 44%. The parametre looked into managerial, community mobilization and crisis management skills of leadership team.</p>
<p>The average score under the Parameter of the Inclusion of KPs in Committees and Core project team increased from 20% to 41%. The key indicators looked into are; community participation in consultative meeting, strategic decision making; Community ownership in community led event and Leadership's accountability towards members.</p>
<p>Community Resource Pool who made this possible have interesting sories of local response to HIV. India Competence Team initiated a skype meeting to provide platform for the communities practising SALT to learn from each other. The first skype meeting is expected to be scheduled on 18th February 2013. The meeting will be attended by SIAAP and SAKSHAM community members. Thanks to Mr.Prabhakar from SIAAP for volunteering to facilitate the first meeting.</p>
<p>And I am looking forward for it.</p>
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<p> </p>She believed in her strengths….and continues to inspire many in spite of the worst tragedy of her life…..tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2011-09-20:2028109:BlogPost:765252011-09-20T09:55:12.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>Padmavathy is working as a Manager-Capacity Building in CARE-SAKSHAM team for the past six years. SAKSHAM project works with Community Based Organizations of female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh. During these six years she created many leaders through her art of <b>‘Appreciating’</b> the community and helping them believe in their <b>‘strengths’</b> to deal with their problems. Many community leaders owe their gratitude for Padmavathy for inspiring them to become great leaders through her…</p>
<p>Padmavathy is working as a Manager-Capacity Building in CARE-SAKSHAM team for the past six years. SAKSHAM project works with Community Based Organizations of female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh. During these six years she created many leaders through her art of <b>‘Appreciating’</b> the community and helping them believe in their <b>‘strengths’</b> to deal with their problems. Many community leaders owe their gratitude for Padmavathy for inspiring them to become great leaders through her art of facilitating and working with the most marginalized groups.</p>
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<p>‘Baby former President of Nari Saksham, Female Sex worker CBO based at Rajamundry narrates her experience of how support, appreciation and listening helped her in one of the SALT trainings.</p>
<p> ‘<b>I used to sit in a corner and listen to Padmavathy madam during the training programs. Seeing madam listening, appreciating and encouraging the community members to speak out, I gathered my strength to share my reflections to a question she raised. Big applaud for my response encouraged me to continue to speak at every opportunity and move ahead to become the President of Nari Saksham a female sex workers CBO based at Rajamundry’. This is just an anecdote of one of the community leaders she has created.</b></p>
<p> In the month of ‘June 2011’, Padmavathy experienced the shock of her life when her husband aged about 50 years died in a fatal accident while he was driving back home in his car after attending a function. God would have been so cruel, but he was not, because her daughter who was traveling in the same car escaped the accident with minor injuries.</p>
<p>Our team members shocked and speechless did not know how to support and console Padmavathy. She was hospitalized and had to face unknown business issues of her husband. While all the team members were worried how she will come out of the most tragic incident of her life, she joined back in SAKSHAM team after a break of a month. For about a week she struggled to come out of the shock. Padmavathy has too young daughters aged twenty three and twenty two.</p>
<p> But ultimately she accepted the fate and believed in her strengths. She remembered that she is an inspiration to many community members and has to practice what she preaches. Though she is still fighting a few property issues, she is continuing to do what she is so good at i.e., making ordinary people into great leaders.</p>
<p> Dear Padmavathy you are an inspiration to all our team members because we witnessed what you have gone through and how you have come out of it.</p>
Thanks for permitting me to share your story, hope it will inspire many more to believe in their strengths and move on with the challenges that come in their way.Asha Rekha Mahila Mandali-CBO of Sex workers dreams to be a ‘Learning Site’tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2011-05-27:2028109:BlogPost:508492011-05-27T12:15:29.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>Asha Rekha Mahila Mandali (ARMM) is a CBO of sex workers based at Chirala, Ongole District, Andhra Pradesh. Vibrant CBO leaders of ARMM attended onsite capacity building programme facilitated by CARE-SAKSHAM at Prema Sangham Mahila Mandali (PSMM)-Chittore. Five executive board members and three NGO staff attended four day immersion programme at PSMM-a Learning Site.</p>
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<p>Female sex worker’s community of PSMM shared on how they collectivized themselves to find solutions to the…</p>
<p>Asha Rekha Mahila Mandali (ARMM) is a CBO of sex workers based at Chirala, Ongole District, Andhra Pradesh. Vibrant CBO leaders of ARMM attended onsite capacity building programme facilitated by CARE-SAKSHAM at Prema Sangham Mahila Mandali (PSMM)-Chittore. Five executive board members and three NGO staff attended four day immersion programme at PSMM-a Learning Site.</p>
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<p>Female sex worker’s community of PSMM shared on how they collectivized themselves to find solutions to the problems they face in sex work profession. Community Faculty of PSMM impressed visitors by sharing innovative community mobilization events initiated to promote regular medical check up and enabling environment for the sex workers to access health services and support services for Sex workers living with HIV.</p>
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<p>Highly motivated by witnessing the demonstration abilities of fellow sex workers, CMM board members chalked out actions needed to accomplish their dream i.e., to be a ‘Learning Site’. Committed board members of ARMM volunteered to spare their time and resources to chase their ‘Dream’. Within six months of their visit to PSMM, board members of ARMM went on to replicate most of the initiatives they have witnessed. </p>
<p><b>What impressed me when I visited this CBO</b>: One of the action points developed during their visit to PSMM is to improve presentation skills of board members. ARMM mobilized old OHP projector from their Mother NGO and started practicing presentation skills using OHP sheets. Almost all the board members visit the local field office with their lunch boxes voluntarily and support Peer Educators falling behind in covering their peers for regular medical check up and other HIV prevention services. With the consistent support of the Board members, ARMM could mobilize 88% of the sex workers for Regular medical check up and HIV testing in the last one quarter.</p>
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<p>Mr.Hari, Project Manager is a great support to the ARMM-CBO. Though not familiar with CLCP, when I saw in action I found him to be very SALTY. I am sure the board members would reach their dream to be ‘A Learning Site in few months time and continue to share their success story with many more CBOs in Andhra Pradesh.</p>Bold sex worker from a small village overcomes Intimate Partner Violence with the help of JLMM-CBOtag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2011-02-17:2028109:BlogPost:377132011-02-17T14:40:29.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>Bujji, a member of Jhansi Lakshmi Mahila Mandali (JLMM) promoted by CERA-NGO based at Ananthapure shares her journey of overcoming intimate partner violence with the help of CBO and police personnel.</p>
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<p>Bujji hails from a small village in Ananthapure district from a big lower middle class family of four elder brothers and three elder sisters. At the age of 14 she falls in love trap of a handsome boy ‘Raju’ from a small town. Bujji by then was lured into sex work and her lover…</p>
<p>Bujji, a member of Jhansi Lakshmi Mahila Mandali (JLMM) promoted by CERA-NGO based at Ananthapure shares her journey of overcoming intimate partner violence with the help of CBO and police personnel.</p>
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<p>Bujji hails from a small village in Ananthapure district from a big lower middle class family of four elder brothers and three elder sisters. At the age of 14 she falls in love trap of a handsome boy ‘Raju’ from a small town. Bujji by then was lured into sex work and her lover is more than happy to accept knowing her identity. Bujji overwhelmed with the acceptance shown gave away whatever she earned to Raju. It is a daily routine for Bujji to give away whatever she has earned to Raju. She tolerated physical, emotional and economic abuse just because she loved him whole heartedly and he has been an emotional security for her in the public.</p>
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<p>Though she tolerated all kinds of abuse, she could not digest when she learnt about Raju falling in love with another girl. Having realized evil thought of Raju, she has approached JLMM to help her get married with Raju. JLMM called Raju and convinced him to marry Bujji. Bujji was very happy to have found evidence for her marriage. Even after marriage he continued to live luxuriously on the earnings of Bujji. Meanwhile Raju continued to trap a college girl from a middle class family. Knowing this Bujji became furious and took the support of JLMM to help her take action against Raju. Bujji with the help of JLMM first approached the girl and explained what she has gone through with Raju. The girl sensed the threat and after confessing her story with parents saved her self from Raju’s trap.</p>
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<p>Bujji did not stop with this. She went ahead and booked a cheating case against Raju. She stated having given about 9 lakhs to Raju during the last 7 years. Bujji is now married to a constable and is living a peaceful life with her kid and husband. She has been thankful to JLMM for its support all through her journey.</p>
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<p>However Raju did not stop baiting; he has trapped another girl in sex work profession. Bujji continues to share her story with many girls like her with a hope that they will learn a lesson from her story and save themselves from such baits. Bujji poses a question to fellow sex workers. <b>Why should we go through emotional, physical and economic abuse by our partners just for the sake of small emotional security? Cannot we stand on our own without that and save whatever we earn for ourselves and live happily?</b></p>
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<p>Thanks Bujji for sharing your heart touching story. May many sex workers learn a lesson from your story and stand on their own. Thanks to JLMM for standing by her all through her journey.</p>Whatever you give out in life is what you receive back in life. Give positivity, you receive back positivity;Sangha Mitra Welfare society demonstrates this saying with their work.tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2011-01-29:2028109:BlogPost:355462011-01-29T12:47:07.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>Sangha Mitra Welfare Society (SWS) is a CBO of Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgenders (TGs) based at Kakinada, in East Godavari District at Andhra Pradesh, India. Environment Centre, local NGO promoted SWS as part of its HIV prevention programme with MSM and TGs. SWS is now declared as a Learning Site for HIV prevention with MSM and TGs in Andhra Pradesh State. SWS shared the testimony on how they have gained the confidence of TGs by being positive and supportive to people who…</p>
<p>Sangha Mitra Welfare Society (SWS) is a CBO of Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgenders (TGs) based at Kakinada, in East Godavari District at Andhra Pradesh, India. Environment Centre, local NGO promoted SWS as part of its HIV prevention programme with MSM and TGs. SWS is now declared as a Learning Site for HIV prevention with MSM and TGs in Andhra Pradesh State. SWS shared the testimony on how they have gained the confidence of TGs by being positive and supportive to people who threatened them in onsite capacity building facilitated by CARE.</p>
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<p>Experience of working with MSM and TGs in the state of Andhra Pradesh reveal that both these groups don’t get along well due to several reasons. TGs are reported to be feeling that they are on upperhand over MSMs as they go through all the processes of attaining ‘Nirvana’ (Castration followed by other rituals). At one point of time TGs threatened the MSM community with dire consequences if they come in their way of business (sex work). MSM CBO leaders never got disheartened by the attitude of TGs. Further they continued to approach them for reconciliation with a positive frame of mind.</p>
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<p><b>What brought them together?</b></p>
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<p>Two incidents brought both the communities together. In the first incident ‘Pooja a TG’ was severely beaten up and thrown in the bushes naked. When Pooja was conscious she got back to her residence with the help of her friends. Due to cruel treatment by the clients, she has developed a tumor in the stomach and was advised a surgery. Doctors asked ‘Pooja’ to get the consent of parents. Pooja disowned by her family member’s long time back and could not dare to get their family members. In the absence of parents doctors denied surgery. SWS knowing this incident immediately responded to the situation and took her to the clinic doctors and stood by her. CBO represented as the guardian of ‘Pooja’ and got the surgery done with the help of their clinic doctors bearing all the cost of the surgery. Since then the attitude of TGs changed.</p>
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<p>Another incident of great support and solidarity shown was when ‘Simran’ a senior TG from well to do family passed away when she was in sarry (traditional dress woman wear). Simran has a family with a wife and a son and daughter. Family members don’t know the identity of Simran as Simran never disclosed the same with his family. Simran in disguise satisfied his desires in a secluded place without the knowledge of his family members. In an unfortunate situation, Simran died of a heart attack while he was in a feminine get up. Family members were shocked to see Simran and could not dare to take the custody of the body due to social stigma. MSM community leaders of SWS again came to the rescue and performed all the funeral rites with great respect.</p>
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<p>Mr.Sunil, the president of SWS stated that these two incidents demonstrate that if you give positivity, you receive back positivity; give negativity, you receive negativity.</p>
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<p><b>Kudos to the attitude of the SWS community, you have demonstrated one of the verses in the Bible: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you and pray for those who prosecute you. Mathew 5:44</b></p>Death of a ‘Peer’ brings conviction among sex workers of ‘Chaitanya Mahila Mandali’tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2011-01-22:2028109:BlogPost:352452011-01-22T06:53:42.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>Chaitanya Mahila Mandali (CMM) is a CBO of Female Sex Workers (FSW) based at Hyderabad implementing Targeted Intervention with sex workers. In one of the visits, Ms.Sunitha, Peer Educator (PE) shares how death of a peer brought conviction among the CBO members to grow as a strong force with visitors who have come to learn from them.</p>
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<p>Rani, FSW based at Hyderabad caters to high end clients in the city and makes reasonably good money. Sunitha, PE working in CMM provides her…</p>
<p>Chaitanya Mahila Mandali (CMM) is a CBO of Female Sex Workers (FSW) based at Hyderabad implementing Targeted Intervention with sex workers. In one of the visits, Ms.Sunitha, Peer Educator (PE) shares how death of a peer brought conviction among the CBO members to grow as a strong force with visitors who have come to learn from them.</p>
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<p>Rani, FSW based at Hyderabad caters to high end clients in the city and makes reasonably good money. Sunitha, PE working in CMM provides her basic services necessary to help Rani protect her self from STI, HIV infection. One day Sunitha happens to see Rani with a client at a hotel in her routine outreach visit. Rani said hello to Sunitha and moved away with a client in a hurry. Sunitha surprised by peculiar behaviour of Rani gets suspicious and makes a call in the evening. Rani said she is at a temple town 80 kms away from Hyderabad with the client and kept the phone. </p>
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<p>Still concerned about the peculiar nature of Rani, Sunitha calls her on the next day morning. This time call was picked up by a male person. When enquired how he got this mobile he stated that he got this mobile in the bus. Sunitha with a worry about Rani enquired a police she new in the temple town. Police helped Sunitha with the contact number of the Sub Inspector (SI) of the temple town. SI after verifying details informed her that a dead body of the lady was found in the lodge at the temple town. Sunitha was dumbstruck and started shivering knowing this. After some time she called the President of CMM and informed her about the incident. Sunitha along with President and few members rushed to the temple town and identified the dead body of Rani. Even before they recovered from the shock, SI started interrogating Sunitha why she called her in the previous night and how she knew Rani. She went through a horrible time with the interrogation.</p>
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<p>After all the formalities of post martum, Sunitha along with a few friends from CMM took the dead body of Rani to her native place which is about 400 kms away from the temple town. She was further shocked to see the kind of ill-treatment Rani’s sons and relatives shown with them. They reprimanded Sunitha saying that she should have thrown her body some where. Finally they completed the funeral rites in a hurry before the dawn with least respect to her mother who fed them, educated them by selling her flesh. They were filled with hatred and have forgotten to show gratitude to her mother who sold her flesh for the future of their children. Sunitha felt sorry to have taken Rani’s dead body to her native place.</p>
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<p>Members of CMM learnt many lessons from this incident. Sunita and her friends started reflecting and relating this incident with their own lives. The ill treatment and pathetic response from the family members brought strong conviction among the members of CMM to fight for the dignity and self respect of sex workers. Under the leadership of the able President, Sunitha lodged complaint and supported police in identifying the culprit and putting him behind the bars. The battle to book the culprit is still on and CMM is united to fight for the justice to help Rani’s soul rest in peace. Since then CMM has shouldered the responsibility to do the funeral rites of sex workers shunned away the family members.</p>
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<p>(CMM is now a learning site in Andhra Pradesh for demonstrating the best practices of CBO strengthening processes)</p>Just a simple stimulation and appreciation helped me to become the 'President of Nari Saksham'- Babytag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-12-10:2028109:BlogPost:313712010-12-10T12:26:36.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>During theSALT visits in Rajamundry in the month of November 2010, Baby, President of Nari Saksham shares her story to stimulate sex workers to talk. I am glad to share this simple but very inspiring story.</p>
<p>Baby is a very simple and shy woman hailing from a small village in Rajamundry. She has been in sex work profession for the past 20 years and is just a literate. She happened to attend one of the meetings facilitated by K.Padmavathy, Manager-Capacity building. Baby introvert by…</p>
<p>During theSALT visits in Rajamundry in the month of November 2010, Baby, President of Nari Saksham shares her story to stimulate sex workers to talk. I am glad to share this simple but very inspiring story.</p>
<p>Baby is a very simple and shy woman hailing from a small village in Rajamundry. She has been in sex work profession for the past 20 years and is just a literate. She happened to attend one of the meetings facilitated by K.Padmavathy, Manager-Capacity building. Baby introvert by nature and is hesitant to talk. She used to sit in a corner listening very attentively. When Padmavathy posed a question, and stimulated the group to answer, Baby gave a very meaninful and thoughtful answer. Padmavathy instantly appreciated her with a big clap for the good answer and enouraged her to speak more often. This encouragement given by Padmavathy helped her to share her views boldly. Slowly and steadily she started expressing her views and in the process gained the confidence of the community.</p>
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<p>When Nari Saksham was due for electing their leaders, the community nominated her to stand as the President. Baby got elected as the 'President' with a thumping majority. As a president she is a source of inspiration for many local CBOs. She said that I am in this position because of the encouragement given by Padmavathy. She says 'Like me, each one of you have the potential to become great leaders, hence be bold to share your views'.</p>
<p>Just a two weeks later, during the community action day with FSWs and MSM CBOs on 6th December 2010, Padmavathy shares the story of Baby with CBO leaders and the programme managers. She suggests the Programme Managers to give space and encourage the community to talk to nurture great leaders.</p>
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<p>Thanks to Baby for sharing this story and thanks to Padmavathy for making a great leader.</p>Meghamala Sandham a CBO in Mandapeta in Andhra Pradesh 'reunites the mother and son ' facing many hurdles.tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-11-19:2028109:BlogPost:293472010-11-19T14:30:00.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>As part of SALT visit, I had accompanied a group of sex workers to a village near 'Godavari River' at Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh. We visited 'Meghamala Sangham' CBOof sex workers and a member of 'NARI SAKSHAM-a Federation of sex workers of CBOs. One of the sex workers facilitating SALT visit asked to share what they are proud of as Meghamala CBO. CBO members started telling an inspiring story. And the story is......</p>
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<p>Lakshmi, a sex worker based at Yeluru town is…</p>
<p>As part of SALT visit, I had accompanied a group of sex workers to a village near 'Godavari River' at Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh. We visited 'Meghamala Sangham' CBOof sex workers and a member of 'NARI SAKSHAM-a Federation of sex workers of CBOs. One of the sex workers facilitating SALT visit asked to share what they are proud of as Meghamala CBO. CBO members started telling an inspiring story. And the story is......</p>
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<p>Lakshmi, a sex worker based at Yeluru town is practising sex work with a Madam in the town. Madam made her to work day and night and keep most of the earnings of Lakshmi with her, just like any brothel madam does. In the course of the time she became pregnant and gave birth to a male child. After an year brothel madam kept her son with her and sold Lakshmi to a brothel house in Mumbai. As an helpless woman she practiced sex work in the brothel house at Mumbai for about two years. Later a friend in the brothel house helped her to escape from there. She came back to 'Mandapeta' searching for her son with the help of one her relatives in the village.</p>
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<p>She came to know about 'Meghamala Sangham' a CBO of sex workers in the village and told her story and sought help from CBO to get her son back from the clutches of a brothel madam in Yeluru Town. Members of 'Meghamala Sangham' immediately responded to the situation and travelled to Yeluru town to get Lakshmi's son. Brothel madam with the help of her rowdy sheeters threatened the sex workers to cut their throats. They have even beaten some of the sex workers and chased them away. CBO members came back and tried to lodge complaint in the police station. Police resisited to register the complaint and told them the case does not fall in their jurisdiction. They visited all the police stations in the town but experienced the response. At one point they approached the media for help but could not succeed. Members persevered the humiliation they faced and made another attempt to register the case.</p>
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<p>This time they were lucky to get a good Sub Inspector who listened to their story and accompanied them to the house of brothel madam. Brothel madam asked them to compensate for upbringing the child. Lakshmi with CBO behind her boldly said you give all the money that I earned for you, when I was with you. CBO members negotiated and sorted out the issue in the presence of Sub Inspector and reunited the mother and the child.</p>
<p>Lakshmi lived with her son for about two years and passed away. Now the boy is taken care by Lakshmi's brother and is in the safe custody.</p>
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<p>Truly it is one of the proudest moment of 'Meghamala Sangham'. Because they faced the challenge with grit, perseverence and took the beatings and threats of rowdy sheeters but did not get disheartened. They faced the challenge boldly and through this success story they won the confidence of Lakshmi and several other sex workers. Congratulations to 'Meghamala Sangham'. Keep doing the work.</p>
<p></p>Selfless love and care for her guru by a true discipletag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-10-27:2028109:BlogPost:270542010-10-27T15:00:00.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">Let me share a moving and heart touching story of a true disciple from SALT visits facilitated by The Constellation, India Community Life Competence Group and SAMRAKSHA on 25<sup>th</sup> October 2010 at Koppal in North Karnataka, India.…</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Let me share a moving and heart touching story of a true disciple from SALT visits facilitated by The Constellation, India Community Life Competence Group and SAMRAKSHA on 25<sup>th</sup> October 2010 at Koppal in North Karnataka, India.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Radha (name changed) aged about 28 years is an established traditional musician. She learnt music from her teacher for ten years and has great respect and appreciation for him because he has supported her to establish herself as a good musician. She says ‘Whatever I am today is all because of my guru (music teacher). She says that parents gave her birth but her teacher gave her life. She is now a big musician and gives performances in the national concerts. In the journey of life all days are not rosy and it is not for Radha as well. Suddenly out of no reason her music teacher disappeared and she lost in touch with him.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">She searched a lot for her guru and one day she was shattered to know that her music teacher is admitted in the ‘Asha Jyothi Care and Support centre’ run by SAMRAKSHA. When she went to see him, her guru asked her to go away with concern towards her. He could show his face to her with guilt. None of his family members came to see and care for him.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">But Radha stood by him with lot of courage and demonstrated her true love and care for him by eating in the same plate, helping him bathe, wash his clothes and doing all the palliative care services. Family members ridiculed her saying that she is after him for the sake of property. She responded strongly saying that until and unless you come and start taking care of him I will not leave from this place. She said that ‘she did all that she can but could not help his guru survive’ with full of tears in her eyes and it had ripple effect on 30 odd people in the room including the facilitators.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">All the Care givers, staff working in the care and support centre were inspired by her self less love towards her guru Staff said that they have witnessed love and care for PLHAs between wife and husband, father and son/daughter, between friends, for grand children by grand parents but never with such intensity by a disciple towards her guru. Inspired care givers of the centre now work with much more dedication, care and love for each other. By telling her story she has inspired me and all those present in the visit.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Even ‘Peter denied recognizing Jesus when in trouble but not Radha’.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">Message in her words</font></font></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">‘Courage makes anything possible, it has given me strength to share this story with all of you hence be bold to accept any challenge’.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">‘It is foolish not to accept services when available, be courageous to accept services’.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Thanks Radha for moving story and ‘Let your guru live with your music’</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Thanks to Ms.Sangamitra, Ms.Lawan, Ms. Roselina, Ms.Olga and Mr.Arun the SALT team who facilitated the discussion. Thanks to the Constellation, India Community Life competence Group and SAMRAKSHA for organizing these visits.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></p>An inspiring story of a village community in Karnataka fighting against the government to save ‘stream’ in their villagetag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-10-25:2028109:BlogPost:269372010-10-25T16:35:50.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">I am glad to share an inspiring story learnt during SALT visits facilitated by The Constellation, India Community Life Competence Group and SAMRAKSHA on 24<sup>th</sup> October 2010 at Koppal in North Karnataka, India.…</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">I am glad to share an inspiring story learnt during SALT visits facilitated by The Constellation, India Community Life Competence Group and SAMRAKSHA on 24<sup>th</sup> October 2010 at Koppal in North Karnataka, India.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Ojanahalli is a small village located 7 kms away from Koppal District head quarters in North Karnataka in India. About 4000 people live in this village and major source of income for the village is through Agriculture. During the off season young people engage in construction work to earn their bread. One common thing the men, women and children enjoy the most and are proud of is a beautiful stream located in their village. All three generations of people gathered spontaneously said that they enjoy this beautiful gift of God.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Since the village is close to the District Head quarters some of the vested interests wanted to capitalize on the sand mine in the stream. The price of sand is very high due to industrialization and growing construction business. Even the government has become party to generating income by inviting tenders from businessmen to lift the sand from the stream.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Village leaders sensing the danger of damage to their stream collectivized themselves to protest against the government inviting tenders to lift the sand. Since men, women and the children love their stream it was not difficult to convince every one to come together to fight for this cause. As the Village leaders have huge support from its members they courageously gave a representation to the government to do away with inviting tenders to lift the sand. Though the government tried to convince people saying that if the sand is not removed the area would be affected by the floods, the village communities were ready to face the floods than allowing the government to lift the sand from the stream. As the entire village communities united for the cause, government has withdrawn the invitation of tenders to lift the sand.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Village communities proved that together we can succeed against any force. The people in the village claim this incident as their proudest moment.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">Thanks to the village communities for sharing this inspiring story. Thanks to Ms.Sangamitra, Ms.Lawan, Ms. Roselina, Ms.Olga and Mr.Arun the SALT team who facilitated the discussion. Thanks to the Constellation, India Community Life competence Group and SAMRAKSHA for organizing these visits.</font></p>My Journey from a Sex worker to Training facultytag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-10-13:2028109:BlogPost:264872010-10-13T09:51:39.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">‘As a child I am a mother of two children and as a sex worker I am sister of thousands of sex workers’. My journey from a sex worker to Traing faculty Afsari Begum…</font></font></font></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">‘As a child I am a mother of two children and as a sex worker I am sister of thousands of sex workers’. My journey from a sex worker to Traing faculty Afsari Begum</font></font></font></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">I am Afsari Begum aged 32 years sensitive but courageous and I live in Peddapuram town known for traditional sex work in East Godavari town. I live on the earnings of sex work. I come from a traditional Muslim family with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Being the youngest one I was pampered by my parents and sisters.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">I studied up to 8<sup>th</sup> class and had an ambition to become a police but early marriage at the age of 13 made me to suppress all my efforts to fulfill my dream. I became a mother at the age of 14. Had two children by my 15<sup>th</sup> year. Both my children were adopted by elder sister as she did not have children after marriage. My husband is a drunkard and sold all the gold my parents gave me and mortgaged property to buy a taxi (car) on loan.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">He could not make big money out of it, whatever he made out of running a taxi was just sufficient to meet his fancies and drinks. He was least bothered to look after the family and repay the taxi loan. Bankers came to threaten to sell the house that was mortgaged against the loan to purchase the car. Ashamed by frequent visits of bankers and money lenders, I fought with him and left to my parent’s house.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" size="3">In the male dominant society, husband had every right to behave the way he wants hence I was humiliated by mother for raising a voice against my husband. I was furious about the humiliation by my own mother went back to my house sold TV and went straight to advocate for taking help to get divorce. Trying to break the marriage resulted in further anguish on my parents and brothers and they have beaten me and abused me very badly.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">After 8 years of troubled marriage, as I began to find alternative living, I found an elderly woman who induced me to get into sex work. I left my home town and was in sex work trade for about six months in a brothel house at Chirala, Guntur district. Broker ran away with the money I earned, clients forced me to have unprotected sex but it didn’t stop me to continue in sex work trade. </font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">I came back to my home town and lived with a man I loved. When my lover came to know that I am a sex worker, he abused me and left me too. I continued to do sex work to earn my food. One fine day I noticed few women dressed in a common attire of green sarees with a bag, passing through the street. And the sight of it made me curious about what they do. I learnt that they belong to a group of sex workers and working as a Peer Educator in an organization called CHANGES for prevention of HIV/AIDS. I came to know about HIV/AIDS through these Peer Educators.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">I was eager to know my HIV status and got tested for HIV with lot of fear and I was shocked to find that I am positive. After several days I went to the office premises of CHANGES and met the Project Manager and disclosed my identity and willingness to work in the organization. A few days later impressed my gift of the gab; Project Manager called me and appointed me as a ‘PEER EDUCATOR’ to sixty sex workers in a colony in Peddapuram. Since then I never looked back, the company of so many sex workers made me feel so happy and the freedom to go around talk to many of my peers about HIV/AIDS gave me immense satisfaction to me.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">My daily routine job was to identify sex workers, impart knowledge on STI/HIV, and motivate my community to access services. As a Peer Educator, I reached over 200 sex workers in four years time and enabled them to get STI treatment and use condoms. My niche to attract sex workers helped me to reach out to many sex workers in the town. My lonely life further helped me to make many friends.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">As a member of a ‘Godavari Mahila Samakya’ CBO promoted by CARE, I attended one of the CBO get-together initiated by CARE at Rajamundry in the year 2005. I have expressed my strong views on the need to collectivize sex workers into a formidable group to address issues that a sex worker faces in her daily life.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">Impressed by my courage to express boldly, CARE identified me as a community trainer and trained me on several issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, Community led Advocacy, Peer Education System, Community Mobilisation and Crisis Management. My openness to learning, passion to training, appreciation and recognition that I received as a trainer kept me motivated to go around places to meet many of my peers in the sex work profession.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">My life changed drastically after several inputs by CARE team. I became a national level trainer and involved in several trainings facilitated at district, state and national level as well. One of the proud moments of my life was when I trained the police personnel on HIV/AIDS. Though I could not fulfill the dream of becoming a police, I was in a position to train more than 200 policemen in East Godavari district. I raised a strong voice against the inhuman behaviour of police towards sex workers. Police got sensitized and started respecting sex workers after several trainings and protests made by our collective.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">I have two existing moments which are significant in my life… “When I was sex worker, at times I was even beaten by the police and I was compelled to give free sex and money to the police. But as a state level trainer, I have trained 207 police personnel on HIV/AIDS/STI and problems of sex workers, during the workshop, I have presented the problems of sex workers community to the police superintendent. I am proud that though I could not have fulfill the dream of become a police, I could train so many police on HIV/AIDS. Another important moment in my life is when I got first prize in the workshop conducted by UNFPA for making best power point presentation.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">Every representation as a trainer made me feel proud. The applaud that I received after every session kept me motivated to give several trainings to different people. My positive status was never an hindrance to go around train people. Auto drivers who called me as a prostitute now call me as a madam. In the process I had become a role model and many of peers call me sister zubeda with lots of affection. I continue to represent sex workers at national level forums to voice the opinion of my community. I participated in workshops facilitated by UNAIDS and UNFPA at Delhi in 2007. I am now a member of National Network of Sex workers. When I look back at my life and the progress made in a short time, I feel proud that I have made difference to many of many sister’s life.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">Now I am capable of training on several topics such as ‘Leadership and decision making process, Peer led outreach planning tools, Advocacy, Community Led Advocacy tools, HIV/AIDS, STIs and Community Mobilisation.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">I am still associated with CARE in SAKSHAM-2 project as a Community Faculty. I have great respect for SAKSHAM team for the change and the meaning that they gave to my life.</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">I have two ambitions to reach,</font></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">First ambition is to clear graduation (BA) and speak English very fluently. I also started attending Spoken English classes. </font></span></p>
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<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 3pt dotted; mso-element: para-border-div"><p class="MsoNormal" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000">My second ambition is to support several CBOs of sex workers community to manage their lives, issues by themselves. I firmly believe that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">only sex workers can play a major role in HIV prevention strategy.</i></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><font color="#000000"><em>Thanks to Afsari and Changes for sharing this story.</em> </font></span></p>
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</div>NARI SAKSHAM IN RAJAMANDRY dreams to have partnership with Government to manage Targeted Interventiontag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2010-10-11:2028109:BlogPost:264132010-10-11T05:08:48.000ZYERUVA ANTHONY REDDYhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YERUVAANTHONYREDDY
<p>NARI SAKSHAM is a CBO promoted by CARE India in SAKSHAM (Strengthening Awareness, Knowledge and Skill for HIV/AIDS Management) Project. The project served as the implementation and learning site for a Community Led Structural Intervention in Andhra Pradesh in India. This project funded by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation was implemented during 2004 to 2009 in Rajamandry town with over 1800 sex workers. The project was successful in reducing the HIV/AIDS vulnerabilities and enhanced rights…</p>
<p>NARI SAKSHAM is a CBO promoted by CARE India in SAKSHAM (Strengthening Awareness, Knowledge and Skill for HIV/AIDS Management) Project. The project served as the implementation and learning site for a Community Led Structural Intervention in Andhra Pradesh in India. This project funded by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation was implemented during 2004 to 2009 in Rajamandry town with over 1800 sex workers. The project was successful in reducing the HIV/AIDS vulnerabilities and enhanced rights by collectivising and empowering NARI SAKSHAM a vibrant federation of 11 committed CBOs with 1205 sex workers as members. However one major draw back for NARI SAKSHAM is it failed to convince Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) that it has capacities to manage the Targeted Intervention independently.</p>
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<p>NARI SAKSHAM is now gearing up to do a self assessment and to get cacpacitated to manage the Targeted Intervention independently. India Community Life Competencies under the leadership of Ms.Ritu is providing support for about five months to NARI SAKSHAM to intoduce strength based approach. The first orientation was held from 5th-7th October 2010 at Rajamandry. 20 Community facilitators were oriented on three tools i.e, SALT, AAR and Dream Building. This orientation was helpful in changing the mindset of the community facilitators of NARI SAKSHAM. 20 Community facilitators now believe that they have strengths to solve their problems. And when they made SALT visits to their communities they started stimulating, appreciating and learning from the community. They said that all through these years ' we have been telling communities what is HIV/AIDS, Condom usage and STI treatment, now we started listening to their strengths and we visit them to learn from them.</p>
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<p>In the Dream Building exercise that was conducted with some of the Board members and TI staff, NARI SAKSHAM came up with a strong desire to enable themselves to manage TI independently with the partnership of APSACS. The community members made an assessment of where they are right now and where they dream to reach and what needs to be done to achieve their dream. Detailed action plan with what needs to be done to realise their dream has been worked out by NARI SAKSHAM in the dream building exercise facilitated by Ms.Indu from community life competence group. Having failed in the first attempt, NARI SAKSHAM is now determined to get capacitated with all the skills and systems required to manage the Targeted Intervention with the partnership of APSACS.</p>
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<p>Let us hope and wish that NARI SAKSHAM realises their dream.</p>
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