Priyobondhu is a voluntary organization in Guwahati, Assam, India, founded in 20th, November, 2015 by Archana Borthakur in pursuit of community development and social change. Since inception, with her tireless team she has been working perpetually for the underprivileged all across rural and urban areas of Assam. Initially, Arrchana Borthakur conceptualized the idea of creating a clothes, food and
educational equipment bank. The purpose of the bank was to serve Families, Children, Seniors and others at risk of hunger. Collect usable second hand, new clothes and distribute throughout the year to the less fortunate people who are short of adequate clothing. Establish an Educational items bank for Children and distribute it among the needy and less fortunate children throughout the year. The program was named as A H B A A N. Priyobondu launched their next program K N O W C A N C E R on May 1, 2016 to raise awareness and educate people about the disease Cancer and the need of proper and timely diagnosis and treatment. How creating a healthy environment, making healthy lifestyles and make understand that early detection save lives. The successful outcome of the project was appraised by National Health Mission, Government of Assam and decided to extend their support by providing us experienced Doctors, Nurses, Technicians and essential medicines too. In due course from August 7, 2016 National Health Mission is supporting us in conducting screening for Cancer across various districts of Assam, and suspected cases are referred to the nearest District Hospital or Medical College for further investigation and treatment. Dr. B.Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati has always been helping us by technically supporting us. Consequently, after travelling to several remote rural areas of Assam, Arrchana realized that, there is also a need to focus on the necessities of Women and Children. She was moved by an incident of the 18 or 19 years old girl at Chirang. Arrchana depicts the incident- "During a clothes and food distribution program in Chirang, I suddenly noticed a girl in a corner who did not come up to us. She was the only one left to receive the items. The sight of the girl with a drooping head and locking ankles made me more curious. I insisted, but the girl was stock-still. She was sobbing and seems embarrassed. Then, a friend expressed her state. She was menstruating with blood stains on her clothes. She has only one pair of clothes and unaware of sanitary napkins, and to buy one is unimaginable for this girl from such an extreme poverty stricken family." This incident led to the implementation of - L E T U S T A L K, a program on Menstrual Hygiene Management awareness. The purpose of the program is to educate the G I R L S about menstruation prior to menarche and understanding the biological change; educate adolescent Girls and Women on safe menstrual practices and liberalization from social taboos and providing access to knowledge and information, safe menstrual absorbents, water, sanitation, hygiene and safe disposal of used menstrual absorbents. Eventually, on May 13, 2017, the program was finally launched. Concurrently, Arrchana was carrying the thought of need for Children programs. She observed that Children who didn't have a good breakfast in the morning were less attentive in school and less inclined to do well and suffered from fatigue. Arrchana states- "Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. In a research interactive session we came to know that most of the children eat biscuit or tea in their breakfast or no breakfast at all. This is the most important issue because they have to wait with an almost empty stomach until the mid-day meal is provided, which comes around 12 noon -1 PM. It becomes impossible to resist hunger until then. The aim of survival program BREAKFAST FOR A CHILD is to put an end to breakfast skipping and encourage optimal schooling." She then decided to provide breakfast every morning before school to the poor children in the neighborhood. The survival program was entitled B R E A K A S T F O R A C H I L D. The prime objective of the program is to eradicate child hunger and breakfast skipping by providing a healthy breakfast on a daily basis consisting of a variety of foods, especially high-fiber and nutrient-rich whole grains, fruits, and dairy products. From 29th August 2017 Priyobondhu commences the journey from Kailashpur LP School, Kahilipara, Guwahati with 157 numbers of children. Most of them are from very poor economic backgrounds. They use to come school with minimal or no breakfast at all. Their parents and guardians are 54% Wage labors, 17% Drivers, 14% Housewives, 12% Company service holders, 1% Businessman 1% Salesman and 1% Carpenter. The program targeted children of 4 to 10 years age group student from class 1 to class 5 and Anganwadi section . The breakfast meal items included Milk, Eggs, Cornflakes, Banana, Bread, Jam, Butter, Puffed rice, Honey, Almonds, Peanuts, Fruit juice, Cake etc. The program is now functional at Kailashpur LP School, Kahilipara, Guwahati . Priyobondhu is also involved in Revitalization programs, Women skill building programs, employment oriented skill developmental programs, promoting livelihood and self-reliance through niche marketing programs, provide guidance and advocacy to marginalized girls by facilitating access to work and livelihood opportunities. Arrchana says - "But then, at the end of the day, the key for an organization to sustain is ultimately funds. And yes, I am thankful to the innumerable compassionate people from all around the globe who has strengthened us by donating. I never felt alone nor did I ever have to pause. Priyobondhu is committed to keep the faith entrusted upon us and keep on working selflessly. We will keep on delivering your kindness on and on."
