History
 

Don Bosco project at Magadi was initiated in June, 1999 with the purpose of rehabilitating children and young who are at risk. In October 1999, a survey carried out on child labourers and bonded labourers in Bangalore (Rural) district helped us to understand the child labour situation in Magadi Taluk. In November, 1999 we started child labour rehabilitation centre at Ajjanahalli with the support of UNICEF. We formed a network known as Magadi Makkala Dwani with other like minded NGOs to tackle the issue of child labour in Magadi Taluk. From October 2000 we started our rehabilitation programme for street children and child labourers in Ajjanahalli. The new home was officially inaugurated on 6th May, 2002.
 

Activities
 

1.Rehabilitation of street children
 

The children from the streets of Bangalore especially those addicted to alcohol and drugs and those who cannot be placed back home are placed in Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama, Ajjanahalli for intensive follow up. Some children are placed back to their families from our centre, after sufficient motivation and counseling.

2. Child Labour Rehabilitation Programme

Through a planned and networked strategy child labour has been totally eliminated from the entire Taluk of Magadi. The local government is being entrusted the responsibility of sustainability of the action so far.
 

At present, the project with the other partners in the network has evolved a clear withdrawal strategy. A detailed survey of all the villages has been conducted and each local government unit such as the Gram Panchayat is informed about the details. Specific information of children and youth out of school as well as out of the village for work etc is made known.

3. Vocational Training

At our centre at Ajjanahalli, we provide training in tailoring, welding, electrical and in agriculture. The vocational training programme is to introduce them to a skill with which they could consider a living. Those who show aptitude are send for further training to other centres. We also offered training in driving to young people of the locality. Presently there are 52 beneficiaries (28 boys and 24 girls) of this programme.
 

4.Village involvement

We are involved in 50 villages. We try to enroll school drop outs back to the school, in these villages. We conduct tuition programmes (420 beneficiaries) and organize women by forming Self Help Groups (90 beneficiaries).

5. School Adoption

We have adopted two schools in Magadi Taluk.  We initiated various programmes in these schools, to improve the quality of education as well as to develop the talents of children. A total of 280 beneficiaries are there under this programme.
 

6. Promotion of Education

Our centre at Ajjanahalli is recognized for Karnataka Open School. Children are assisted to prepare for these examinations so they can continue their education or training. We also prepare children for 7th standard private examination, every year. There are 186 beneficiaries under this programme.

7. Network - Magadi Makkala Dwani

In Magadi, to address the issue of child labour we have formed a network known as Magadi Makkala Dwani consisting of 4 NGOs. Through this net work, we carry out various programmes like child labour awareness rally, training programmes for various stake holders, Medical camps, etc.
 

8. Involvement in the  Government Hostel
 

We extend our services to 2 government hostels in Magadi. We have enrolled 26 children from villages to these hostels. We also conduct cultural and recreational activities in this hostel.

9. Orientation camps

Two orientation camps are conducted at our centre, every month. These camps are meant for those children who are longer time in the street and those who are addicted to drugs. The purpose of the camp is to wean these children away from destructive habits and interest them to a better future.
 

Address

Don Bosco Yuvakara Grama
Ajjanahalli, Magadi Taluk
Ramanagaram
562 120
Phone (080) 7705256
email: dbajja@yahoo.co.in