Jabala Action Research Organisation

The history of the organisation dates back to voluntary efforts of a group of young social workers who dreamt of restoring some rights to the children of s*x worker, which they were denied of. The work later extended to other red light areas & slums in Kolkata. Jabala made efforts to evolve innovative methods to instill values and self esteem amongst children. The primary effort was to build confidence and gradually make them feel that they were not the children of lesser god given a chance, they were as capable as their privileged counterparts. Jabala is also working on the issue of Human Trafficking; Child Marriage; Child Labor & HIV/AIDS in different blocks of Murshidabad 24Parganas- North & South, & Nadia. Jabala has also developed a training module to sensitize Panchayat members supported by UNICEF and accepted in principle by Government of West Bengal. We are also the State Convener of CACT (Campaign against Child Trafficking) a network of NGOs working on the issues of child trafficking in line with International Network. We are also founder member of Maitree a platform of women activists. Jabala has 15 full formed Child Resource team, consisting of 12-15 members in different slums and red light areas in Kolkata. These groups reach out to other children in distress, do case follow-ups in court and take part in different child rights campaign. We have requisite experience in dealing with abused children in Kolkata and districts. Our counselors regularly counsel these children. We also have FGD (Focus Group Discussion) and one to one sessions with the children on the issues of abuse and HIV/AIDS. Jabala organizes HIV/AIDS awareness camps, STD clinic, Hepatitis vaccination camp, and Sexual Health awareness camps in different red light areas periodically. In our mainstreaming effort along with educational and health support we give behavioral change communications therapy to our children, which helps In confidence building, shedding inhibitions and children are able to face the challenges of life. We have a Children Band that performs on stage and is one of its kinds in India. We also have a theatre and mime group. In addition to our qualified and dedicated work force we have strong volunteer base ranging from Academicians, Health Professionals, Counselors, Research Workers, Lawyers, Management experts to Field level workers.