Dear Friends, Healthcare plays a pivotal role in the development of any society. A strong healthcare system and reliable primary health services are the cornerstones of a healthy society and a resilient nation. Atul Foundation has been diligently working towards improving the health and well-being of rural communities in Gujarat. This edition of Uday will take you through the initiatives undertaken by Atul Foundation that have made healthcare more accessible and sustainable for thousands of individuals by addressing some of their pressing challenges. Atul Foundation has long been providing essential healthcare services to communities through its camps. Since 1980, we have organised 350 eye check-up camps, benefiting more than 1,10,000 individuals. These camps provide eye examinations, distribute spectacles to those in need and arrange free cataract surgeries, restoring vision for many. Additionally, we have conducted around 400 blood donation drives, collecting more than 41,000 units of blood to date. General medical camps have also been a significant part of our efforts, offering free consultations in various specialities and ensuring access to specialised healthcare for those who might otherwise lack them. Atul Foundation Health Center caters to the elementary medical needs of residents of Atul and its surrounding villages. The center offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, dermatology, physiotherapy, ayurveda and other consultations. It ensures that rural communities do not need to travel long distances or face financial strain to access quality primary healthcare. October - December 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 2 UDAY Foreword Index Foreword 1. Project updates 2. Institutions 3. Impact stories 4. Atul village 5. Stories to inspire 6. 1 ...................... 1 ...................... 3 ...................... 5 ...................... 7 ...................... 7 ...................... 8
2 Anaemia, a widespread health challenge in south Gujarat, particularly among women and adolescents, has been one of the focus areas for health initiatives of the Foundation. In Valsad, an anaemia-prevalent district, we have formed 30 women health groups across 14 villages and trained 13 women health workers to lead community-based health interventions. School orientation programs have been conducted in 23 schools, where 332 peer educators have been trained to spread awareness about anaemia and overall health. Through these efforts, 4,322 adolescents were screened and treatment was initiated for 1,093 diagnosed with anaemia. Similarly, 5,123 women of reproductive age were screened, with 1,646 receiving treatments for anaemia. The project also works closely with the health department and supports the implementation of flagship programs like Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Poshan Abhiyan. Under the School Health program conducted by the Health Department of Valsad, 164 teachers from government primary schools were trained to enhance the nutritional status and address anaemia among children in their respective schools. Through early detection, awareness and treatment, the Foundation is paving the way for healthier communities and empowering women and young people with better opportunities. The Foundation also focuses on maternal and child health, recognising the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child. Through one-on-one consultations, we provided proper guidance on nutrition and care to 432 pregnant and lactating mothers. Monthly meetings are also held to train and develop young health ambassadors, fostering a community-led approach to improve maternal and child health outcomes. To provide the best first 1,000 days to mothers, children and their families, we train and empower stakeholders, frontline workers (ASHA and anganwadi workers), nurses, doctors, as well as medical and nursing students. This ensures that mothers and children receive quality services, right advise, optimal nutrition and necessary support. To date, we have trained 889 front-line workers and medical professionals for best breastfeeding and commentary feeding practices. Apart from these projects, the Foundation also provides financial support for the medical treatment of needy patients suffering from critical illness. Through these initiatives, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a healthier and empowered nation.
Moving towards independent beginnings... An exposure visit to a jute bag processing unit was conducted for 17 women associated with self-help groups of Valsad. Based in Ankleshwar, this processing unit is run by a self-help group mentored by Aatapi Foundation. The women who visited the unit are already undergoing training in making jute bags. The visit was conducted to understand the model of the processing unit and implement the same to begin their own independent unit in Valsad. Distributing notebooks in support of education Atul Rural Development Fund provided over 18,000 notebooks and stationery to 4,430 students of 35 schools in 18 villages. Every year ARDF provides education kits to schools to support the education of these children. 35 schools | 4,430 students Visiting Atul vidyamandir, EMRS Pardi Shri Kuber Dindor, Education Minister of Gujarat visited Eklavya Model Residential School, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir managed by Atul Vidyalaya Trust) on July 1, 2023. He interacted with the students and teachers to encourage them to continue working toward a brighter future. Visiting Atul vidyamandir, EMRS Pardi Shri Kuber Dindor, Education Minister of Gujarat visited Eklavya Model Residential School, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir managed by Atul Vidyalaya Trust) on July 1, 2023. He interacted with the students and teachers to encourage them to continue working toward a brighter future. Project updates Atul Adhyapika Moving beyond their own schools, Atul Adhyapikas are now providing education in mathematics and science to nearby schools. Since the beginning of this academic year, 111 adhyapikas have been conducting sessions in 108 schools each month to make learning these subjects fun and engaging. Atul Adhyapikas are trained as primary teachers by Atul Foundation and are then placed in schools within their own villages to improve the quality of primary education. Project outreach: 113 Atul Adhyapikas 3 Atul Uttara A visit was organised for the self-help group from Bhagod village, Valsad to Apna Bakery, a successful self-help group-run bakery in Nadagkhadi village of Dang district, Gujarat. The visit provided valuable insights into the business model of a bakery, equipping the group with the knowledge and inspiration needed to establish their own bakery. The Atul Uttara project of Atul Foundation organises women at the grassroots level into self-help groups. Project outreach: 202 self help groups | 2,325 women First 1000 days 503 pregnant and lactating mothers were identified to promote nutrition and care among mothers and young children during the first 1,000 days of a child. Additionally, 206 health professionals and frontline workers were trained on the importance of care in these preliminary days. Project outreach: 503 mothers
Ojas A special Children’s Day celebration was organised for children living in challenging circumstances. The celebration included fun activities and meaningful conversations, creating moments of laughter, learning and love. Project outreach: 186 children Rehabilitation of Mangroves We have planted one lakh mangroves of three species along the coastline of two villages, covering 100 hectares. Mangroves play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion and extreme weather events, while fostering marine biodiversity by providing essential habitats for aquatic species. Additionally, they improve air quality by sequestering carbon, serving as natural carbon sinks and contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. Project outreach: 1,00,000 mangroves Model Anganwadi An anganwadi in Nava Tariya village, Ankleshwar taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat, which had tattered walls and a damaged ceiling, was renovated. This anganwadi is now a safe and joyful space for 26 children to engage in meaningful learning. Project outreach: 61 anganwadis 4
Nurturing relationships Atul Vidyalaya hosted its Annual Day celebrations coinciding with the 131 birth anniversary of our founder Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai. The theme of this year was ‘Rishton Ka Tana Bana’. The event showcased a series of captivating performances that beautifully highlighted the significance of relationships and their importance across various stages of life. From the innocence of childhood bonds to the depth of lifelong connections, the evening was a moving tribute to the values that hold us together. An Ikigai-themed session was organised for the students of EMRS, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir). Ikigai, meaning 'a reason to be,' encourages individuals to discover their unique sense of purpose. Students were invited to reflect on their personal qualities and values, which they expressed creatively through painting t-shirts. Through art they showcased their individuality, embraced and celebrated what makes them truly unique. Institutions Celebrating achievements EMRS, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir) received the following awards at Udabhav 2024 - the fifth EMRS national, cultural and literary fest held at Bhubaneswar, Odisha: First position in indigenous toy-making, secured by Prince Bharatbhai Patel Third position in regional group folk dance Third position in group vocal tribal music 5 Igniting young minds The Solar Butterfly, the largest solar-powered vehicle in the world is currently on a four-year-journey around the world. As a part of its world tour, the team visited Atul and engaged with the students from Kalyani Shala, Atul Vidyalaya and EMRS Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir). Designed in the shape of a butterfly, the vehicle symbolises the transformation from dependence on fossil fuels to clean renewable energy – much like the caterpillar transforms into a free-flying, independent butterfly. The team inspired young minds by educating them about the possibilities of solar energy and encouraging the adoption of green energy solutions in everyday life. Embracing individuality st
Providing safe sanitation facilities A community toilet block was constructed near a brick kiln site in Valsad to provide safe sanitation facilities for the families residing there. Alongside its construction, awareness sessions were conducted for brick kiln workers to educate them on the proper use and maintenance of the facility. This initiative marks a step forward in promoting hygiene and well-being in the community. Facilitating immersive learning experiences A group of 45 students from ITI Shagbara recently visited Ankleshwar site of Atul for an industrial tour. The visit provided the students with insights into the chemical industry as they gained first-hand knowledge about various operations. Welcoming Dr Hasmukh Adhia Standing against diabetes Dr Hasmukh Adhia, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Former Finance Secretary, Government of India, visited Atul Institute of Vocational Excellence earlier this month. He was introduced to the diverse courses being offered by the institute and the various initiatives of the Foundation on education, empowerment, health, infrastructure, relief and conservation. 6 Every year, November is recognised as Diabetes Awareness Month, with November 14, observed as World Diabetes Day. Atul Foundation Health Center, in collaboration with Atul Rural Development Fund, organised a free Ayurveda and Nutrition Health Camp to raise awareness about diabetes. The camp provided personalised free consultations, tests and medicines. This was done with the purpose of helping the community take the necessary actions to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition through natural medicines, while ensuring proper nutrition.
Empowering women with small businesses Rimpal Patel from Meh village and Vibhuti Patel from Atar village were provided with beauty salon kits to help them start and manage small businesses from their homes. These kits will empower them to achieve financial independence and lead self-reliant lives. Impact stories Providing hand carts for empowerment Dhanuben Patel of Parnera village and Nutanben Nayaka of Atul village were provided with handcarts to support their efforts in sprouts and other small items. These handcarts will help them to manage their small business effectively, helping them with income generation and enhancing their livelihoods. 7 Atul village Atul Foundation Health Center is providing quality primary healthcare services to the residents of 10 villages in and around Atul. Spread over an area of 32,000 sq ft, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the general health check-up facilities and emergency medical needs of the patients. It offers consultations with four in-house doctors and 14 visiting specialist doctors.
In June 2023, during a home-based anaemia screening conducted by the Sampoorna team in Dived, 17-year-old Pooja Halpati was found to have a critically low haemoglobin level of just 4.4 g/dl, indicating severe anaemia. During the counselling session, she also disclosed that she carried the sickle cell trait, a genetic blood disorder. Recognising the urgency of her condition, the Sampoorna team provided compassionate counselling, explaining the seriousness of her health issue and the necessity for immediate medical intervention. They promptly referred her to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Haria for further treatment. The medical officer at PHC Haria, understanding the critical nature of her case, referred her to Valsad Civil Hospital for a blood transfusion. At Valsad Civil Hospital, Pooja underwent a transfusion and received three units of blood, which resulted in a remarkable improvement in her haemoglobin level, increasing to 11.3 g/dl. With ongoing counselling and support from the Sampoorna team, Pooja has successfully overcome severe anaemia. She is now on regular medication, adhering to her treatment plan and no longer experiences symptoms such as paleness, irregular menstruation or constant fatigue. Journey to recovery - overcoming severe anaemia Stories to inspire 8
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