Project for Improved Livelihood at Somonpara
Somonpara
is a small village in Garo Hills, Meghalaya which is quite interior and backward area compared to other places in the North East Region and Meghalaya in particular. FAsCE India has been initiating various possibilities of developing the centre in and through formation of Self Help Groups of women, facilitating the children with quality education particularly reducing the number of drop outs and catering to the Health care Services.With the support of MISEREOR, FAsCE India initiated the formation and strengthening of 50 SHGs, which is focusing on Women Empowerment, Child Care, Education and Health. Since then the activities are running in full swing and people are getting empowered and progressive work are being witnessed. In the last few months few of such events are seen.
Summer Coaching Class:
FAsCE India Somonpara has taken yet another initiative to extend educational support and encouragement to the students of class 9 and 10 of Somonpara. Special intensive coaching classes, exclusively for Mathematics, were held from 4
th
to 31
st
July, 2016 during the summer vacations. Mr. Lathu Gogoi, a renowned mathematics teacher, initiated the special coaching to the children from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Clearing the concept of the mathematical formulae and hands-on working of sums was very beneficial for the 118 students who attended the coaching.
An Awareness on Cleanliness:
A public awareness programme on Cleanliness was held on 27 August 2016 at Somonpara with the objective to create awareness among the people about the importance of cleanliness, the consequences of unhealthy environment, benefits of clean environment, importance of keeping the public places and surroundings clean, neat and tidy with an aim of becoming role model for other communities and villages.
Cleanliness Drive:
A cleanliness drive week was observed in the month of September in Somonpara, Boribara Bazar, Bilori Bazaar, Gambegre and Chigitchakgre under the leadership of the Fr. John Kelamkuzhackal MSFS, Local Director of FAsCE India at Somonpara. The main aim of the cleanliness drive was to spread the awareness among the people about the importance of cleanliness and to motivate the people to care for their surroundings by keeping it clean. Mr. Licin Marak and King Nokma appreciated the efforts of the Zonal Director for the programme. Mr. Bilson Ch. Sangma in his speech during the public awareness programme mentioned that such efforts would certainly lead Garo Hills towards social transformation. The whole drive was quite inspiring and motivating. The SHG members participated very actively with much enthusiasm and inspired other of members of their communities to participate in the race for a clean environment.