Smile Together India Foundation General Information
| Organization name: | Smile Together India Foundation |
|---|---|
| Short name or acronym: | STIF |
| Postal Address (HO): | Vill-Mahuain, P.O-Malpa, P.S- Guraru, Gaya, Bihar-824231, India |
| Mobile No: | +91-8987266382 |
| E-mail: | [email protected] |
| Website: | https://smiletogetherindia.org/ |
| Contact Person & Designation: | Sourabh Kumar (Secretary, STIF) |
Statutory Information
| Registration Authority | Deed Number | Date of Registration/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Act | 36 | 29th Jan 2019 |
| 12 A Registration of Income Tax Act | AAXTS5142E23PT01 | 2024-25 to 2028-29 |
| 80G Exemption Under IT Act | AAXTS5142E23PT02 | 2024-25 to 2028-29 |
| Permanent Account Number (PAN) | AAXTS5142E | 29th Jan 2019 |
| CSR Registration number | CSR00031708 | 11-06-2022 (SRN-F05629704) |
Core Values
- Non-discrimination & non-violence
- Transparency & accountability
- Good governance & democracy
- Women empowerment & gender equality
- Peace, tranquility and humanity
| Geographical areas of operation: | Gaya District |
|---|---|
| Establishment: | Smile Together India Foundation is a non-profit Trust established in 2019 to support families in the Gaya district of Bihar, India who face food insecurity and lack access to basic education and healthcare. As an organization focused on empowerment and service, Smile Together India is committed to protecting the interests of vulnerable populations including Dalits (members of the lowest caste), women and children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. We strive to provide these populations with resources in the form of food and clothing to help alleviate undue suffering. Our five-year plan includes expanding our reach to provide housing and education to children, access to quality healthcare, and sustainable skills training to promote livelihood among villagers. Smile Together India was founded in 2019 by a native Bihari named Sourabh Kumar. After a visit to the Kanichi Dham Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, Sourabh was inspired to start a social service organization to help alleviate the suffering of the Bihari people who according to the 2019 SDG India Index are one of the poorest states in India with 33.7 percent of the population living in poverty. Sourabh enlisted the help of his brother Sandeep Kumar and an American social worker to develop a collaborative effort which included the establishment of an Executive Board made up of villagers and community members who oversee the operations of Smile Together India using a shared decision-making process which improves social empowerment among all members. |
| Vision: | Creating self-governing communities and associated organizations for poverty reduction through achieving basic rights, basic education, health security, gender and social equality, livelihood security for the poor and empowering women within the community. |
| Mission: | Building a society without poverty, illiteracy, sickness, child labor, and social inequality requires inclusive policies in education, healthcare, and the economy. A collective effort is necessary to prioritize the well-being and development of all individuals, regardless of their background. |
| Our Values: | Only poor people and the people who are working with us will know the value of us. We do not believe in talk we believe in work. So, help the poor make the world valuable for all. Make world a good place for them. |
| Aims & Objectives: | Key Objectives of the organization:
|
Staff Strength
Organizational Infrastructure Assets
| Sr. No | Category | Female | Male | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core Staff | 02 | 03 | 5 |
| 2 | Field Staff | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| 3 | Volunteers & Community Workers | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| Total | 17 | 23 | 40 |
Major Highlighted Program undertaken by the Organization (Thematic Areas Wise)
| Program | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Public Health & Awareness | – Organize health education and awareness campaigns in communities, schools, and workplaces. |
| – Distribute informational materials such as brochures, posters, and leaflets on various health topics. | |
| – Conduct workshops and seminars on preventive healthcare measures, including vaccinations, sanitation practices, and disease prevention. | |
| – Collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer free health check-ups and screenings. | |
| – Establish community health centers or clinics to provide accessible healthcare services. | |
| – Train community health workers to educate and assist community members in maintaining good health practices. | |
| Food & Nutrition | – Provide nutritional education and counseling to individuals and families. |
| – Establish community gardens initiatives to promote access to fresh produce. | |
| – Distribute food baskets or vouchers to vulnerable populations. | |
| – Advocate for policies and regulations that promote environmental justice and protection. | |
| – Raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. | |
| Environment Justice & Protection | – Organize community clean-up campaigns to remove litter and debris from public spaces. |
| – Advocate for policies and regulations that promote environmental justice and protection. | |
| – Raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. | |
| Water & Sanitation | – Ensure universal access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. |
| – Implement sustainable water management practices to mitigate water scarcity and pollution. | |
| – Enhance sanitation infrastructure and promote hygiene education to prevent waterborne diseases and improve public health. | |
| Sustainable Rural Livelihood | – Formation and strengthening farmers groups to facilitate collective decision-making and resource sharing. |
| – Provide training and capacity-building programs for farmers on sustainable agricultural practices. | |
| – Promote organic farming methods to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and protect the environment. | |
| – Support livestock improvement and management through breeding programs, veterinary services, and animal husbandry training. | |
| – Facilitate access to markets for rural producers through value-chain development initiatives. |
Target Audience
- Distress & Landless women / men
- Disadvantaged children & adolescents/girls
- People with Disability
- People with HIV/ AIDS Dalit & Mahadalit and other vulnerability community people
Geographical Areas Coverage
Target Districts, Blocks and Villages
| Districts | Blocks | Panchayat | Village |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaya | 4 | 23 | 150 |
Number of Overall Program Beneficiaries (FY-2022-2023)
| Program/Activities | Number of Families (Beneficiaries) |
|---|---|
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Mahuain Under Guraru Block | 65 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Teneri Village under Guraru Block | 70 Families |
| Dry Ration Kit Distribution Jodhpur Village Under Bodh Gaya Block | 70 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Jaitpur Village Under Bodh Gaya Block | 50 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution at Mahuain & Blanket Distribution Under Guraru | 127 Families |
| Health Camp. At Mahuain Village Free Medical Checkup & Free Medicine | 300 Families |
| On Auspicious day celebrating Mahanirvana Divas of Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba | 1500 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution at Charhari village under Bodh Gaya | 100 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Mahuain Under Guraru Block | 65 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Teneri Village under Guraru Block | 70 Families |
| Dry Ration Kit Distribution Jodhpur Village Under Bodh Gaya Block | 70 Families |
| Dry Ration kit Distribution Jaitpur Village Under Guraru Block | 50 Families |
STIF AT A GLANCE
Smile Together India Foundation is a social development organization established to work for the empowerment and positive change in the life of the Dalits, Women, Child and Person with disability of marginalized communities in India. It had been established in 2019 as a non-profit trust. This is an endeavor of the joint effort made by the people from social development background from India and United States. They come together for a common cause to bring better life option for the most deprived and unreached. Bihar state is among the poorest States of India. They focused to work on the Bihar first with the work related to child protection, education, livelihood, ecological sensitization and many other social issues. The People behind the foundation are having more than two decades of social development experience in many parts of Globe. There are many activities related to child rights and women empowerment have been done through their individual approach in Gaya district. Started in 2019, it has focused its operational area on Bihar state which comes in the bottom line of development parameters of India. Although STFI is open to work anywhere in Indian territory as per the law of the country. It has its registered address in Gaya district of Bihar. Gaya is the district where world-famous Bodh Gaya (a religious place of importance of Buddhist) is located. It has huge tourist influx from round the globe. The place of tourist visits defiantly generates revenues for government and income for the local people. But among some of its adverse is that huge migration (including child migration) is happening which in many events leads to violation of individual rights and protection. Gaya being the low rainfall area and undulated landscape has comparatively less scope in agriculture which is the backbone on Indian rural economy. Also due to socio-political clashes and crises have led the district more towards backwardness. With all these and many other socio-economic crises, the district is in much need of support for socio-economic upliftment. So, STFI focuses to start its work from Gaya.
Overall Progress & Achievement
Relief Distribution Context
India is the world’s second largest producer of food, but it has its second-largest undernourished population. Further, more than half of women in India suffer from anaemia, which is one of the reasons for the high rate of low-birth-weight babies. An unbalanced diet and lack of food are directly linked to high rates of stunting, excessive weight, and death in children under five years of age. The Government of India has implemented programs for providing food security and ensuring access to an adequate quantity of quality food. There is a need to look at multiple strategies to combat the issue of food security. As we know that Gaya district is one of the most multi-hazard-prone areas. During this winter season, lots of poor and marginalized communities’ people are suffering from various challenges and even death cases have been reported as per the media news article. Winter may be harsh for the economically disadvantaged sections of the society, especially those living in Tin Sheds, Kaccha houses. These people can’t afford warm clothes, blankets, hot-water bottles, and other essentials required to keep themselves warm during the harsh winters. Some of them even struggle to feed their families. Smile Together India Foundation has reached the poor and needy people and provided them winter relief kits and food parcels during the harsh winters. Winter relief kits include blankets and food kit items.
Interventions required for Emergency Relief
- Immediate Relief for 482 HHs
- Food & Non-Food items with quality standard
- Special care/attention to women, child, old & differently abled person.
- Medical facilities for the affected communities
- Special care for pregnant & lactating women & Children
- Ensuring safe drinking water & sanitation.
Process of implementation/methodology
- Sampling/survey: Smile Together India Foundation prepared a prescribed format of data collection. The team and volunteers conducted a survey within the village of Mahuain,
- Selection of Distribution Point: After the selection of beneficiaries, we have selected the distribution place.
- Packaging of relief materials: According to the beneficiaries’ list, relief materials were packed. There were two types of relief materials such as Warm kit (Blanket) and supplementary food. All relief materials were reached at the distribution place.
- Utilized flash banner: A computer-printed banner was utilized at the distribution point. All relief materials’ names, venue, date, and supported and organized agency names were maintained.
- Invitation letter to Stakeholders: After finalizing the distribution date and place, we have issued official letters to invite the stakeholders – Govt official, PRIs representative, Sarpanch, Ward members
- Demonstration & Distribution of relief materials: All relief materials have been demonstrated at the distribution point, where community people got knowledge about how to use it and which purpose it is provided to them.
- Maintained documents and pictures clipping: After receiving the relief materials, we have prepared a report. All the activities have been clipped by the camera.
| Total Beneficiaries |
482 |
| Target Beneficiaries |
|
Consolidated table of beneficiaries, activities & Achievement
| Beneficiaries | Activities | Achievement to till date |
| Supplementary Food Materials | ||
| 482 HHs – Most of the vulnerable communities (Elderly, Widow women, Person with Disabilities) |
|
|
|
Warm Kit (Blanket) |
||
| 482 HHs – Most of the vulnerable communities (Elderly, Widow women, Person with Disabilities) | The objective of the relief is to provide life-saving emergency solutions during this winter season. During this heavy cloud wave, Blanket will protect them and it will help them safety from cloud waves. | 482 blankets were distributed among 482 HHs, approx. 2850 people above received benefits from these kits. (Family size is 6 to 7). |
Way Forward/Future Requirements
During interviews with individual beneficiaries, the community as well as with PRIs and other stakeholders, it has been reflected and observed that all the thinking to initiate the resilience building of the community through risk-informed development components. Details are given here.
- Strengthening of SHGs with the help of creating some models on Risk Reduction.
- Agriculture and livelihood promotion.
- Awareness on child protection issues in the community.
- Safe drinking water for all the families along the year.
- Technical trainings on different government schemes.
- Linkage with school to drop –out children.
Rational of Community Health Camp
Health is human capital. Once capacity and capability depend upon what is that physical, mental as well as emotional health of the person. Health is human rights for everyone. Longevity depends upon one’s health even being declared as human right millions of people in India do not get proper health care. It is evident by morbidity and mortality rate. Society is divided between two groups who can access proper health facilities and other who have no such facility. The public health system in rural Bihar is extremely inadequate. It is neither dependable nor accessible. In Mahuain, Gaya district, the situation is even more severe. There is little or no health care in this village. There is scarcity of hospitals (well-equipped), beds, investigation facilities, and pharmacies. Many of the existing government sub-centers are non-functioning and inaccessible, due to the isolation of multi-hazard disaster-prone and the lack of road connectivity. As a result, communities are forced to rely on quacks, risking their lives. The majority of Primary Health Centers and APHCs are understaffed. There has limited electricity supply and are poorly managed, resulting in underperformance and underutilization of existing facilities. Absenteeism and unaccountability cripples’ credibility and reliability of curative services offered by the Government. Arsenic, bacteria, and iron contamination in drinking water are another hazard that can turn into a disaster any moment. Climate-induced disasters have added to the vulnerability of the people living in these areas. There is a lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public transport, and electricity. Access to education and health care is also limited because of poor communication facility in the region.
Mahuain Village communities are such communities who do not have proper health care the rate of morbidity and mortality is higher in this community. They are the people who are not only deprived of proper health care (Preventive and curative) but are very less aware of health problems. Social Determinacy like illiteracy in proper sanitation lack of nutritious food easily accessibility to medical care is some structural problems that lead to frequent diseases and illness. There are many instances when people of this community die of minor diseases which could have been saved by timely treatment. 47% of women in Mahuain village are underweight. The situation is reportedly even worse, though no study report is available to confirm this. At least 45% of pregnant women weigh less than 45 kg, as per our health camp records. The majority of women and pregnant women are anaemic. Most of the girls get married before they are 18 years of age. Women suffer more than men from common ailments (communicable). They are more stressed mentally. In this background, Smile Together India Foundation (STIF) is proposing to organize health camps once a month at 4-5 Villages in Gaya District.
Objective:
- To provide curative and preventative healthcare services to the most vulnerable people in Mahuain village through outreach health check-up camps.
- To Bring change in the behaviors which are detrimental.
- To spread health awareness among Mahuain village people.
Process & Strategy: –
- Dissemination of information about health camps in Mahuain village with the help of community mobilizers, PRIs
members, Local leaders - Used Micking/ audio for two days prior to the day of health camps
- Distribution of slip with the name of the head of families
- Hiring of two doctors and one medical assistance
- At the day of camp people made line in cube as per the slips given to people
- They have screened and treated based on first come first serve
- Distribution of medicine of patients
Overview of the Health Checkup Camp
Mr. Shubrah Kumar (Secretary- Smile Together India Foundation) kept this health checkup camp overall objective and why it is important to this community. Giving the background of the camp, he highlighted the problems of women and child health and nutrition and its impact on the local level. He said, “health hazard and different types of diseases are the major cause of breaker the economic status. Without proper health and wealth, we cannot do anything. Health is our wealth. Health camp is very much essential during any kind of disaster and the most in vulnerable place. Mahuain village is one of the most vulnerable villages where people are not access to their basic medical assistant and health care services.
In this camp total number of patients were 1800 and these patients were screened and provided medicines. The community people continued practicing open defecation because sanitation facility was absent, and they poorly managed toilet and drinking water. In this health care camp, most of the patients suffered from waterborne diseases like diarrhea, skin disease, cold, cough, and fever. Vision problem was another disease. There were many patients who have vision problems. In this village, people do not have access to affordable and timely eye care services. The delay in treatment often leads to loss of eyesight. Hence, this health checkup camp has provided the solution to the vision problem through eye screening, referrals, and treatment of eye ailments which helps prevent the loss of eyesight.
Due to poor nutritional status, poor personal hygiene, and poor environmental sanitation, worm infestations, vitamin deficiencies, this health camp was organized for bringing better health status among the vulnerable people in this village.
Village-level intervention with community health care service was initiated with the help of Smile Together India Foundation and an MBBS doctor. In this health care camp, it was found that most of the Female (pregnant and lactating mothers) took health care service of cold, fever, cough, and waterborne diseases. Also, it was found that the common diseases were low and high blood pressure and blood sugar. Most of the female took this free health care facility. Most of the diseases found were bacterial and fungal skin infections, fever, diarrheal, gastric, ear, and wound infections.
Major Observations:
- Elderly female patients’ problem was – cold, fever, skin disease, breathing problem, pain, headache, gastric, and vision problem.
- Most of the patients under 50 years – Fever, cold, cough, diarrhea, skin diseases, itching, chest pain.
- Due to the poor nutritional status/poor personal hygiene and poor environmental sanitation, worm infestations, vitamin deficiencies, this health camp was organized for bringing better health status among the most vulnerable people.
Way Forwards
- More community mobile health check-up camps will be organized in different villages with different community people to bring back their economic and social status.
- Community-level Health and Nutrition awareness (Mass campaign) program will be initiated by Smile Together India Foundation.
- Mobilize the resources for organizing these required camps.
Way Forwards
- Strengthen the capacity of local institutions, including government agencies and community organizations, to implement climate change-induced disaster risk reduction strategies.
- Generate corpus fund for humanitarian response.
- Scale up WASH program at the district level as well as state level & Create Cleaner Model Village through the promotion of ODF.
- Promotion of better health & hygiene practices.
- Massive campaign on Health, Environment, and Empowerment among outreach /unserved areas primarily women & children.
- Documentation and IEC materials based on local traditional knowledge and practices.
- Off-Farm & On-Farm Based Skill Development for migrant labor.
- Promote Social and Agro Forestry.
Signature of the Authorized Person
Name: Sourabh Kumar
Designation: Secretary
Date: 25th March 2023
