PARA organized another major flood preparedness awareness program for the local youth in Sathamalanka village, Kothapeta Mandal. The program aimed to educate and empower young people to take proactive steps during flood situations. The session was attended by 11 young women and 32 young men, who actively participated and contributed to the discussions.
The session covered the following key topics:

1. Understanding Floods
2. Evacuation Procedures
3. Safety Measures
4. Government Support
   The session was led by experienced resource persons Dr. Pragnan, Dr. Sheetal, and Prakasa Rao, who made the topics informative and easy to understand. Their interactive approach ensured that the youth gained practical knowledge and skills to respond effectively during flood emergencies.
   The event was a success, with the local youth gaining confidence and awareness on handling floods, protecting their families, and promoting preparedness within their communities. PARA NGO remains committed to building resilient communities in Sathamalanka village, Kothapeta Mandal through education and awareness initiatives.

PARA NGO organized a one-day awareness program on flood preparedness at Netaji School in Alamuru Mandal to educate students on important safety measures and preparedness strategies. The program was attended by 27 girls and 20 boys, who actively participated and gained valuable insights on staying safe during floods. 

The session covered the following key topics: 

1. Understanding Floods: Students learned about the causes and risks of floods, the vulnerabilities of certain areas, and the most affected locations, including districts and villages prone to flooding. 

2. Evacuation Procedures: The importance of early warning systems, safe evacuation routes, and protocols was discussed. Students were informed about shelter locations and how local, state, and federal agencies coordinate during emergencies. 

3. Safety Measures: The program emphasized the importance of protecting essential documents such as certificates, IDs, insurance papers, and bank records during floods. Students were also advised on safeguarding personal valuables and belongings. 

The session featured group discussions that allowed students to share their thoughts and ideas on flood preparedness. These discussions encouraged active participation, helped students clarify doubts, and promoted teamwork to understand the solutions better. 

The program was led by Dr. Sheetal and Prakasa Rao Sir, who served as resource persons. Their expertise and interactive approach made the topics engaging and easy to understand for the students. 

The event was a great success, as students learned practical steps to prepare for floods, protect their families and belongings, and work together during emergencies. PARA NGO remains committed to creating awareness and empowering communities in Alamuru Mandal to face natural disasters effectively.

On December 3 and 4, 2024, the DB Forum hosted a two-day program at JMJ School in Kantabanji village, Odisha, focused on the challenges faced by migrant workers from Odisha who move to other states for work. Representatives from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh participated in the event. Fr. Gandala Simharayulu and Mr. Ameer Muhammad who is tasked to coordinate the DB4M chapter of Hyderabad province were part of the delegation to Kantabanji.

You know very well that migration is a complex and significant global phenomenon that affects millions of people each year. According to the United Nations, over 280 million people, or 3.6% of the global population, were international migrants in 2020. Migration is often driven by factors such as economic opportunities, conflict, environmental disasters, and social factors like education and family reunification.

In India, migration is particularly pronounced, with millions of people moving from rural to urban areas or across states in search of better livelihoods. The 2011 Census of India recorded over 450 million internal migrants, and this number has likely increased in recent years. A significant portion of these migrants comes from economically underdeveloped regions, seeking employment opportunities in more industrialized states. Many of these individuals work in sectors such as construction, agriculture, domestic labor, and manufacturing.

Migrant workers from Odisha, a state in eastern India, form a substantial part of this workforce. Each year, a large number of people from rural areas of Odisha migrate to other states in search of employment, often facing challenges such as exploitation, lack of legal protection, and limited access to welfare programs. The impact of migration on these individuals and their families has become an urgent issue, requiring focused efforts from both government and non-governmental organizations to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.

The visit to Kantabnji was an effort to have a first hand information regarding this situation. The Program began at 10:00 AM with Father Francis Bosco offering an overview of the geographical context of migrant workers from Odisha. He explained that Odisha is a resource-rich region from which people migrate to other states—”destination points”—in search of livelihood opportunities.

DB4M sought the collaboration of Aid et Action to understand better the issues faced by migrant workers, explore the reasons behind their migration, and identify potential solutions. Representatives from Aid et Action shared valuable insights:

• Umi Denial, Director of Aid et Action, participated remotely via video call.
• Saroj Kumar Barik, Program Manager, and Dayasagar presented a comprehensive PowerPoint highlighting their efforts and strategies.

Their presentation included government data revealing that around 21,000 individuals migrated from Odisha to other states in 2023 as migrant workers. They emphasized the importance of identifying hotspot villages where migration is most prevalent and raising awareness about government welfare schemes and resources, including toll-free helplines.

The program also focused on providing migrant workers with guidance on necessary precautions before migrating. Strategies for connecting migrants with key stakeholders—such as panchayats, police stations, Anganwadi centers, and other government departments—were discussed to ensure support and address issues faced by workers.

Representatives from the DB Forum who attended from other states shared their experiences and asked questions that were addressed during the session. Their input further enriched the discussions and provided diverse perspectives.

The event aimed to raise awareness and offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by Odisha’s migrant workers, fostering improved coordination among various entities and stakeholders involved

The exposure helped the participants to explore the challenges faced by migrant workers from Odisha, specifically those who move to other states for work and helped to raise awareness, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to improve the lives of migrant workers and enhance coordination between various stakeholders.

On December 12, the PARA NGO team had the privilege of meeting MLA Bandaru Satyanand Rao to seek his support in launching posters aimed at flood preparedness and recovery for families in flood-prone areas. 

The posters emphasize essential measures that families need to take before, during, and after floods. By offering practical guidance, the materials aim to help communities mitigate risks, safeguard lives, and recover effectively in the aftermath of disasters. 

The initiative reflects PARA NGO’s strong commitment to community empowerment and disaster resilience. During the meeting, MLA Bandaru Satyanand Rao extended his support and commended the NGO’s efforts to raise awareness and equip families with vital information to face such challenges. 

The posters were officially released during the event and will be widely distributed across 4 vulnerable villages. This step ensures that the information reaches families most at risk, enabling them to prepare, stay safe, and recover effectively.

PARA is a registered NGO at Ravulapalem, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It evolved from the response of Don Bosco Mission, Ravulapalem to the 6th August 1986 Godavari Floods. The poor, especially those of scheduled caste origin who constitute more than 30% of Konaseema, were the most affected. Even as it continued with relief and rehabilitation activities whenever there was a flood or any other natural calamity, PARA had not made much effort in the line of disaster preparedness. Starting this September PARA is working in 4 blocks of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh on disaster preparedness. We are presenting you a short report on creating awareness to 397 children in 5 high schools and 100 students in 2 college in the flood prone area. These interactive sessions, led by our resource persons, covered critical topics such as:
Types of Disasters: Highlighting real-life examples, including recent calamities in Andhra Pradesh.
Precautionary Measures: Preparing for pre- and post-flood scenarios with emphasis on safeguarding children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Roles of Students: Empowering students to take proactive roles during floods, including community support and safety advocacy.
Community Impact: Discussions on the damages floods cause to families and communities, alongside group activities fostering problem-solving.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Floods: Encouraging critical thinking about the ecological and social implications.
The sessions featured group discussions, interactive Q&A, and collaborative learning activities, creating a platform for these young minds to engage deeply with the topics. The enthusiastic participation of the students reflects their growing awareness and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities during crises.
This initiative is a significant step in PARA’s commitment to building disaster-resilient communities in Konaseema. Together, we stand stronger against the challenges posed by natural calamities.

Caregiving often involves parents or guardians who provide support to individuals unable to care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life of their care recipients. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Beyond physical care, they also offer emotional support and companionship. In many cases, caregivers manage medical care by administering medications and attend medical appointments.

PARA’s Intervention

PARA focused on supporting children and individuals with disabilities. One of its inclusive projects targeted the care of children who were bedridden due to severe disabilities. This initiative emphasized equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to handle such children appropriately. In many rural areas, caregivers often lacked awareness of the dos and don’ts of caregiving, leading to inadequate care. PARA addressed this issue by identifying children with disabilities in four blocks and advocating for government-supported caregiver training.

Fifteen caregivers from each block were selected and trained at Bavitha Centres, government-run facilities that provided education and care for children with disabilities. The training sessions were organized in Alamuru, Atreypuaram, Ravulapalem, and Kothapeta, with schedules tailored to the availability of participants.

Caregiver Training Program

The training program covered various aspects of caregiving. Participants were educated on monitoring health conditions, managing medications, and administering specific treatments tailored to the needs of the children. Communication skills were another key focus, with caregivers learning to develop both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. This included speaking clearly, listening actively, and interpreting body language to better understand the children’s needs.

Personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, were also emphasized to ensure the children’s hygiene and dignity. Additionally, caregivers were taught how to cope with the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. Stress management techniques were introduced, helping them recognize signs of burnout, such as fatigue, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Self-care practices, including taking regular breaks, seeking social support, and engaging in stress-relief activities like mindfulness or physical exercise, were highlighted as essential tools for maintaining their own well-being. The importance of establishing a support network, whether through family, friends, or professional counseling, was also underscored.

Practical Training and Tools

Hands-on practice was a critical component of the training sessions. Resource persons provided various tools and demonstrated therapeutic techniques to help caregivers enhance the children’s sense of security and comfort. The training sessions aimed to empower caregivers with the confidence and competence needed to provide better care for children with disabilities.

Constitutional Day is celebrated across India every year on November 26^th. This day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar serving as the chairman of the Drafting Committee. PARA, an organization committed to advocating for people’s rights based on constitutional principles, observed Constitutional Day on November 26, 2024, with participation from its staff and village representatives.

Mr. Ajay, a resource person from Visakhapatnam, addressed the gathering. He began his talk by discussing the various forms of discrimination prevalent in society. To illustrate his point, he used the metaphor of a tree, stating, “A tree that produces leaves never produces identical ones.” Similarly, he explained that people, with their diverse backgrounds, cannot possess identical qualities and behaviors.

Mr. Ajay went on to provide a brief history of the Indian Constitution. Officially adopted on January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution serves as the cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy. Its creation was a meticulous process undertaken by the Constituent Assembly, formed in December 1946. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often hailed as the “Father of the Indian Constitution,” led the Drafting Committee.

The Indian Constitution is a remarkable document, drawing from various global sources such as the British parliamentary system, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and Ireland’s Directive Principles. It offers a robust framework for governance, balancing federal and unitary features, while enshrining fundamental rights and duties. These provisions aim to protect individual freedoms and promote justice, equality, and fraternity. With 448 articles, the Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions in the world, reflecting the nation’s rich social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

However, Mr. Ajay expressed concern about recent threats to constitutional values, suggesting that attempts are being made to replace its principles with those of the Manusmriti. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the Constitution, urging everyone to unite in its defense.

During a baseline survey, village visits, and committee meetings, several issues affecting local communities were identified. One of the major concerns raised was the lack of proper recognition and accurate assessment of disabilities in official certificates. This has resulted in significant challenges for persons with disabilities (PwDs), including:

1. Incorrect Disability Percentages: Individuals with severe disabilities (90% or more) often receive lower disability percentages on their certificates.
2. Loss of Entitlements: Due to inaccurate disability assessments, many PwDs are unable to access government benefits and entitlements, including pensions.
3. Access Challenges: Many PwDs are unaware of the process for appealing incorrect certificates, and the physical barriers involved in meeting officials exacerbate the issue.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh recently increased pensions to ₹15,000 for individuals with 90% disability or higher. However, many eligible individuals are unable to benefit due to errors in their certificates. Moreover, the process to correct these certificates is burdensome. For example, applicants are required to travel to Kakinada and physically visit offices located on the third floor, an arduous and often impossible task for those with severe disabilities.

PARA’s Advocacy Efforts

In response, PARA initiated an advocacy campaign to address these challenges. A team of five representatives, including PwDs with more than 90% disability, visited the district collector’s office in Amalapuram and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns. They specifically requested the following:

• Correction and re-verification of disability certificates to accurately reflect the percentage of disability.
• Issuance of updated certificates to enable eligible individuals to receive the ₹15,000 pension.
• Measures to make the process more accessible for PwDs.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The district collector acknowledged the issues and promised to organize medical camps at the block level to facilitate the issuance and correction of disability certificates. This initiative aims to:

1. Ensure that new certificates are issued with accurate disability percentages.
2. Update existing certificates to reflect correct assessments.
3. Provide accessible, localized services for PwDs.

By addressing these systemic barriers, PARA hopes to improve the recognition and rights of PwDs, ensuring they receive the full benefits and support they are entitled to.

The previous week’s incessant rain had ceased. The dawn was bright yesterday, the 25th of October 2024. We considered it a good omen for the Job Fair that PARA had planned with Disha, the Career Guidance and Job Placement service of the St. Joseph’s Province of Hyderabad. The staff of PARA – Mr. Isaiah, Mr. Prabhakar, Mr. Mahima Rao, Mr. Ramesh, Ms.Durga, Mr. Kumar and Mr. Andrew – had done a great job of mobilizing the youth of 4 blocks – Alamuru, Atreyapuram, Ravulapalem, and Kothapetta. Mobilization was done both through social media and through door-to-door distribution of QR Codes for registering for the Job Fair. Their mobilization efforts showed results. From 9.00 am itself, youth from the surroundings came prepared for Job interviews. The stream of job seekers continued till 2.00 pm. Fr. Gandala Simharayulu had made all the logistical arrangements for the fair.
Fr. Jeevan and Fr. Justin from Disha introduced the HRs from Apollo, Health Care, Modine, Fusion Finance, and Future IT Solutions. These corporate entities conducted in-person interviews to select candidates for their companies. Amazon, Flipkart, and Vijetah joined the Job Fair online. Mr. Sagar, and Mr. Kranti, team members of Disha were able to handle the event very effectively. In the final count, 107 young people attended the Job fair. 70 of them were selected for the jobs they were interviewed for.
As the sun set, everyone felt that it was indeed a very rewarding day. Our hope that if a Job Fair was conducted on PARA premises it would benefit the youth in this region was not belied. This was a first for PARA. The first milestone in the Job Fair Initiative. It will not be the last.