YMCA Gandhidham
BRIEF History of PROJECTS
YMCA Gandhidham was established in the year 1991. It is registered under the Public Trust Act, with Charity commissioner, and is affiliated to the National Council of YMCAs of India. Gandhidham YMCA is a recognized agency of the Govt. of Gujarat. The Board of Directors of YMCA Gandhidham consists of a dedicated group of people from Govt. Semi Govt. offices, Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Social workers.
In partnership with Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) YMCA Gandhidham was running six AIDS related projects in Gandhidham, Kandla, Adipur and surrounding areas. We had taken up several developmental/ social outreach programmes for the youth, the marginalized and the underprivileged. In response to the cyclone, droughts, and earthquake in Kutch, YMCA took up effective relief and rehabilitation work. Even in the aftermath of the Tsunami in South India, our relief operations was well appreciated.
PROJECTS Activities
HIV-AIDS
Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) Project
The project objective was to reduce HIV/AIDS infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) among High Risk Behavior (HRB) people. The targeted area covers Gandhidham, Kandla, Adipur and surrounding places. Counseling sex workers on safe sex practices, through use of condoms, STI treatment and bringing about behavioral change are the results of the project. Appreciating our work, State Government authorities permitted a drop in center at Rambag Govt. hospital.
Truckers and Cleaners Project (T&C)
Because of KandlaPort, Special Economic Zone and related industrial activities, large number of trucks and other heavy vehicles visit Kandla and Gandhidham. Evidently, truck drivers and the associated community of cleaners, mechanics, etc, constitute the most vulnerable section of the society to HIV/AIDS infections. They are forced stay away from their families is the reason for their vulnerability to HIV infections. Having identified this place as a high-risk area in HIV infections for truck drivers and cleaners, YMCA started need assessment of a project especially for the truckers and cleaners.
School Aids Education Program (SAEP)
As part of the awareness programme, this project work among school children was started with specially trained staff under the supervision of the state Govt. Agency. 62 Schools in Gandhidham, Anjar and Bhuj were involved with us in this programme. School visits were encouraged to conduct sensitization program on HIV-AIDS at regular intervals. Regular follow-up action with schools included essay competitions, Drawing/Poster competition Quiz, debate, Street play and role-play, letter writing, question box, all related to the SAEP initiative of sensitizing the students about the threat and destructive character of HIV infections, especially on teenagers.
Enabling Environment Projects
Our HIV-AIDS initiative in general and the earthquake rehabilitation effects, in particular necessitated an initiative to motivate people to self help programs. This led to setting up of the Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
PROJECTS Activities
VOCATONAL TRAINING CENTRE (VTC)
- Educate the community, particularly people at the lower strata of the community for their capacity building and develop skills to get gainful employment
- To train housewives so that they could support the family and have additional income
- To rehabilitate the school dropouts in developing skill to find their livelihood
- Rehabilitate commercial sex workers and their family members as part of our Behavioral change programme and to impart technical skill to people living with HIV-AIDS so that they could earn their living respectfully.