About NGO:

Meljol firmly believes that every child is important irrespective of class, age, ability, gender or culture. Meljol works with school children (between 6-15 years) and endeavours to create an understanding of their rights and responsibilities. The aim is to create an empowered new generation which is prepared to face life's challenges and become instrumental in nation's development.

Since 2001, Meljol implements a savings programme for school children called the 'aflatoun child savings programme'; through which children are learning to be effective change agents in improving their own lives. Meljol trains school teachers who in turn make children aware of their rights and responsibilities. A book series titled the 'aflatoun series' has also been developed for this purpose. Meljol is at the juncture of advocating with the education department to incorporate this series in the curriculum for all children. The geographical outreach is in mumbai and 14 districts of maharashtra.

Fund Usage:

1. Aflatoun programme: aim of this programme is to inculcate the habit of savings in children and to make them aware of their rights and responsibilities. In this programme children are encouraged to form groups called the Aflatoun clubs in schools. The club members collectively save money, maintain records and mutually decide on its wise expenditure. The Aflatoun programme enhances self-esteem in children so that they become better decision makers and develop the spirit of teamwork.
   For implementation of the programme in four districts of Maharashtra the total budget is rs. 24,00,000 (rs. 6,00,000 in each district).
2. The Kushal Adhyayan Adhyapan Programme is implemented in 14 d.ed. Colleges in thane district of Maharashtra where the students are taught participatory teaching-learning practices. Teachers are the ones who impact children the most. In spite of the growing impact of media especially television, for young children, it is their teachers to whom they look for authentic information and as a role model. Hence it is extremely important to work with teachers to ensure holistic education for children. Meljol's initiative in the teachers education colleges provided space to Meljol to have dialogue with 'would be' teachers on the need for the rights based, child centered humanistic education. The dialogue was extended to providing hands-on experiences and exposure to teachers about principles, goals and methodologies in imparting this humanistic education to children. The content of the programme is based on the approach and objectives laid down in national curriculum framework (ncf) 2005. Budget for this project is rs. 7,00,000.

Impact:

School teacher Bhumesh Buranwar was completely convinced about Aflatoun. To motivate children to learn the fundamentals of running an enterprise, Mr. Buranwar contributed Rs. 1,000 to open a book shop to be managed by school children. Children had saved the total amount of Rs 1,400 in the Aflatoun bank. With the initial investment of Rs 2400, children bought stationery items a nearby township.

The club members elected three children of class vii to manage the shop. Their tasks included everything from purchase and sales to maintaining accounts and keeping the shop looking good. Children work with enthusiasm and record daily sales in the accounts register. With the efforts of a creative teacher and energetic children; this is one of the best ways to learn entrepreneurial skills and imbibe the spirit of Aflatoun.

Page Url :
http://www.unitedwaymumbai.org/ngo126_meljol.htm

Founded Year: 1991

Cause category: Education