Chiguru
The Chiguru (“tender leaf”) initiative of the Collective promotes child rights and youth engagement. It works for happy childhoods, nurturing environments, life skills development, play, creative engagement, and better opportunities for children and youth. The main components under this initiative are:
• Prakruthi Badi (Nature School);
• Mogga (“bud”), a federation of Balala Sanghas (Children’s Clubs);
• Children and Youth Resource Centres (CYRCs); and
• Publication of Chinnari Nestham (Children’s Friend) magazine
Prakruthi Badi (Nature School)
Prakruthi Badi is an accredited, residential primary school in the Timbaktu agro-forest habitat, which specifically caters to children from disadvantaged and challenging backgrounds in the working area of the Collective. It provides a safe, nurturing and creative space for these children. Prakruthi Badi has enabled more than 3,006 children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access primary and secondary school level education in a safe and nurturing environment. Most of the alumni of Nature School (and Timbaktu School) have excelled in their chosen profession including working with the Collective. The academic sessions are carried out as per assessments with worksheets, flashcards, workbooks, outdoor activities, documentaries, etc.
Mogga (“bud”)
The Children’s Sangha and their federation called Mogga, has been instrumental in promoting child rights in the Collective’s working area. It promotes experiential learning, collaboration, and leadership among children and youth. As on 30th September 2023, Mogga has 3,117 children and youth, who are members of Balala Sanghas (Children’s Clubs) from 71 villages spread across four mandals of Sri Sathya Sai District. It continues to work on developing the concepts of ecological rights and gender equity for children and youth. Besides, Mogga has also worked on life skills, language, computer skills and career guidance.
Children and Youth Resource Centres (CYRCs)
Children and Youth Resource Centres (CYRCs) are free community centers with books, games and sports materials with facilities for art and craft workshops, celebration of events, skill development trainings, etc. The Collective runs three such centers in three Mandal headquarters. CYRCs are also venues for skill/language/computer training for youth. Besides, Chiguru also does ‘mobile CYRCs’ where the team visits remote villages so that children can have access to various facilities such as drawing, painting, crafts and book reading.
Chinnari Nestham (Children’s Friend) magazine
Chinnari Nestham is a bi-monthly magazine by and for children, which became very popular during the COVID pandemic. The editorial committee for this magazine is comprised of eight children who form the leadership of the Mogga Federation. Most of the contributions for Chinnari Nestham – stories, articles, poems, rhymes, riddles, drawing, painting, etc. come from members of the Children’s Clubs.
