LEARNINGS FROM THE SITUATION ANALYSIS

Situational analysis has tremendously helped us in giving proper direction to this programme which is of experimental and innovative nature.

The novelty of the programme has attracted villagers and the partner organizations to start something new that will support their on going programmes.

We have learned the following things from the Situation Analysis:

• Unless the villagers are convinced, they will not take up or support anything that is offered to them.
• The final decision is theirs and our role is only to throw options at them
• Practical activity alongside reading will prove more effective, as the villagers have demanded that. They would like to see, feel things and try them out.
• The identification of the girl-readers is very critical and the success of the programme depends on it. The selection procedure will include the involvement of responsible village readers, as well as the Project Partners organisation staff.
• The village girl readers have to be throughly trained in order for the reading groups to be succesful. For this, they must be helped by the others, who are involved in development of the village, the staff and the leaders. For example, Anganwadi Workers, Health department staff, sarpanch, village officers, school teachers etc.
  
  

FEEDBACK FROM THE VILLAGERS REGARDING VILLAGE READING GROUPS

What did the villagers think about the idea of the project? What they like about it and what they don’t? In all the villages, we received a very positive response to the concept of reading clubs. Village women thought that learning for a short time (2 hours once a weak) was a great idea, because they will learn something new and useful to their life and at the same time their daily routine will not be disturbed. 

What is special about the project? Women had their own doubts and queries about the health issues. They slowly opened up and asked whether their own individual problems also can be considered and solved by the books. 

Would they attend the session? What is the best time of the day? Most of the women were interested in coming there every week! The women who worked in the village itself were ready to come on Saturdays between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm, the time when their housework gets over and their men go to work. 

What would make reading sessions attractive? The reading session has to be livelier by making them participate in the discussion, by asking them questions and / or their opinion. Or holding a demonstration or some participatory exercise based on the topics that could help.

What sorts of people would be suitable? Women between 30 & 40 years are more mature than adolescent/young girls. They have already faced life for more years and are capable of using the information or techniques in proper context in their lives.

But young married and unmarried girls have experience of schooling to some extent and have capacity to learn things faster. They could learn themselves and pass on the information to others.