Kishanganj district is located in the north-eastern part of Bihar. It shares its borders with West–Bengal on one side and Nepal on the other. It is often described as the corridor between northeast and the rest of the country.
Azad India Foundation
Beginning with a small group of committed people, Azad India Foundation was formed in the year 1998 attempting to transform its beliefs into reality. It is an organization based in Kishanganj district of Bihar. It got formally registered in 2001. We are working for female literacy, formal education for children, nonformal education, rural employment, income generating skills, SHG formation, community health and awareness programmes on various social issues. The activities reach out to poor and marginalized women, adolescents and disadvantaged and marginalized children from rural and urban areas of Kishanganj district. AIF’s journey owes much to the unstinting support of a large number of friends, supporters and well-wishers.
Our Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the empowerment of the grass root communities for their betterment with active participation of the rural women.
Our Aim and Objectives
The aims and objectives of Azad India Foundation are varied, yet pointed towards the common goal of making a positive difference to the quality of life.
To work for the eradication of illiteracy and provide quality education to all.
To help in improving health care services in the district.
To involve the community in sharing the responsibility of improving its health status.
To create awareness about the importance of environment and its preservation for good health.
To empower women through income generating skills.
To promote SHGs for economic independence of the women.
To encourage and create awareness among local people preserving their cultural and traditional heritage.
Our Programme Themes: Our Integrated community development initiatives address the following areas.
Literacy and Education
Vocational training for income generation
Community Health and Nutrition
Awareness Programmes on various issues
Promotion and formation of Self –Help groups
Promotion of local culture and tradition
Preservation of local environment
Our Activities
Azad India Foundation has been continuously implementing its various programmes for socio-economic development in its area of operation.
Literacy Programme
Spreading literacy through non-formal centers: Kishanganj district has a dubious record of having lowest literacy level in whole of Bihar. The worst sufferers are the women who due to illiteracy and ignorance face exploitation at all levels. Azad India Foundation ran nonformal centres in many villages for women and girls under different projects. People provided free space for running the centres. The method of teaching was non-formal involving local dialect Surjapuri and in some centers in Bengali to help the women learn effectively.
In these centres women were taught to read and write at their own pace. Some centres functioned in the afternoon after women finish their household work and some in the evening when they return from their fields. An attendance register was maintained duly signed by the teacher and project coordinator who regularly monitored the centres. Side by side they were given information on health and hygiene and other relevant issues.
Education Initiatives
Azad Public School : The Azad India Foundation believes that education is true means of socio-economic and intellectual advancement of the society. Every child at least deserves primary education irrespective of caste, religion or socio-economic background. APS aims at developing full mental and physical potential of each child. The school has introduced contemporary education and training methods. For this purpose an innovative approach involving a mix of classroom teaching with audio-visual aids along with physical and extra-curricular activities have been introduced.
The school provides an exclusive ambience for the all round development of the child’s personality including aesthetic and moral values, emotional integration and communication skills.APS has set up a state of the art computer lab with five computers and latest software. This has helped in giving computer education to the children. Today APS can boast of a well-stocked library with wide range of books for the voracious readers. Azad India Foundation also provides free ships and sponsorships to poor and needy students studying in the school. We have introduced fee concessions to deserving students by way of subsidized tuition fee for different income groups. There is a special concession for girls in all categories to promote education among them.
Sponsorship Programme at Azad Public School
Azad India Foundation was fortunate to find generous sponsors for poor and needy children who are being given free education at Azad Public School. At present 16 students are being sponsored out of which 10 are young girls.
An Integrated Approach to Women Empowerment (supported by Royal Dutch Embassy)
Women have always been marginalized and relegated to the status of subjugated class in the Indian society. Due to lack of specific implementation of plans, local communities especially women have remained outside the scope and benefits of government schemes and programmes. The key lies in women empowerment through economic self-sufficiency and higher awareness levels on social, political and legal issues through mobilization.
With this objective the project was implemented in Kishanganj block covering 10 villages. We followed an integrated approach in the intervention area where our aim was to encourage young children, adolescent girls to enrol for nonformal education and motivate women to go for functional literacy. The methodology followed was setting up the Nonformal Education/Literacy centers in 10 villages.
As part of the strategy the NFE centre teachers were given regular trainings and orientations so that they can interact with the children and adult learners alike. The women were encouraged to attend meetings where health workers discussed their health problems. A team of SHG trainers visited the villages facilitating the formation of SHGs. Azad India Foundation also organized health camps in the intervention area. The doctors were invited from Kishanganj and Chattargach referral hospitals. They saw many patients including girls and women and gave medicines. They also gave information about sanitation and hygiene to the community members.
These nonformal centers also gave basic education to young children who accompanied their mothers and were not enrolled for National Open School Examination. 839 women and girls were made functionally literate and 230 young children given basic education. AIF enrolled 335 children who were given free education up to class three. About 200 girls and 135 boys were enrolled in different villages. We conducted their examination in March and result was submitted to NIOS for certificates.
Total students appeared for the exam : 207
Total number of students who cleared the exam : 158
Total number of students who failed to clear : 31
Total number of students who partly cleared(two subjects): 18
Total number of girls passed : 92
Total number of boys passed : 66
Our sustained efforts have seen 153 students joining government primary and middle schools.
Number of girls joined formal schools : 86
Number of boys joined formal schools :67
Under the Project 13 SHGs are formed in the various villages. These SHGs are regularly saving money and giving them on interest also to members within the group and the community. Azad India Foundation organized skill training in different trades like incense stick making and detergent making for the SHG groups. These trainings were conducted by resource persons from Khadi Gram Commission Patna. The duration of the training was one week each with market visit.
A total of 50 women were trained in different trades.
AIF organized 10 days residential training for 26 members of three SHG groups in artificial and bead jewellery making at village Insanpur.The two member team of resource persons from NFI gave training in different styles and making of bangles, earring, necklaces and other accessories.
A total of 26 women of 3 SHGs were given training.
Community Health Programmes
Project Sanjiivni under (Bridge Grant) programme of National Foundation for India, New Delhi: NFI supported Azad India Foundation for six months to prepare new intervention area. This bridge grant period was the continuation of the strategies adopted in the previous years to prepare the community and the organization for the second phase of the program. In continuation of Project Sanjivini the initiatives continued in 7 villages that were part of old intervention area. Meetings were organized in different villages about community health issues where community identified its health needs that included absence of basic health care services, sanitation, absence of toilets and hygiene for women and girls, infrequent immunization rounds etc.To sustain the environment created in the first phase AIF carried out meetings with the PRI members and religious leaders.
The main activities conducted were resource mapping of the Intervening block. To build rapport with the students and teachers three competitions were organized in middle schools and madarasa. These competitions were organized at Chattargach middle school, Chichwabari Madarasa and Chattargach madarasa.Total 410 students both boys and girls participated. The topics were ‘sanitation and your village’. The best entries were given prizes by the PRI members. On the occasion Azad India Foundation initiated discussions with the teachers about teaching and holding sessions on RSH issues in the school. The response has been very positive, as majority of the teachers have agreed to attend the orientation programs on RSH and community health issues.
Azad India Foundation organized orientation programme for CHWs selected from the new intervention area as well as for the health animators of the 7 old villages. Two cluster camps were organized at Chichwabari Madarasa Kasba Kaliyaganj Panchayat and Community center Chattargach panchayat where PRI members including mukhiyas and ward members, religious leaders, schoolteachers and other important people attended the meeting. Also members from the community including men and women were present in large numbers. Doctors from Referral Hospital also attended the camps that gave extensive information about the facilities available at the hospital including visits of ANMs and immunization rounds at different villages.
Project NIRMAAN (Supported by National Foundation for India and CCF –India)
Project NIRMAAN to promote Maternal and Child health in Pothia block started in November. The main objectives of the project are to improve maternal health by at least 25% in the first year. To improve the survival rate of children between 0-2 years by 90%.To equip the adolescent girls and boys with reproductive health information. To enhance the RSH status of the marginalized community and increase the use of contraception for spacing by young couples of the marginalized community. The project is started in 38 villages covering 5 panchayats of Bhotathana, Koltha, Chattargach, Burnai and KasbaKaliyaganj.The total population to be covered was 29,619. The main strategies are cluster approach, school intervention, group formation, communication methods involving nukkad nataks and developing linkages with the line depts.
The main activities completed till March
Training of project team on Baseline and MIS
6 Nukad Nataks
2 community meetings
TOT on BCC and RCH for ASHA ,AWWS and Project team
1 RTI/STIHealth camp
The achievement till March
Total Number of registered pregnant women: 128
Total Number of pregnant women received 2TT:119
Total Number of pregnant women received IFA tablets:170
Total Number of women received advice on ANC:50
Total Number of children received BCG: 391
Total Number of children received DPT:104
Total Number of children received measles vaccine:53
Number of health camp organized:1
Number of people accepting contraception:15
Project Disha (Supported by Geneva Global)
The Project Disha started in January 2008 with the support of Geneva Global. The main aim of the program is to improve maternal and child health in 4 panchayts of Pothia block. Under the project 37 villages will be covered in Damalbari, Parlabari, and Raipur and Jahangir pur panchayats. Two RCH centres are also being set in Arrabari and Damalbari.
The main activities completed till March:
Two RCH centres at Arrabari Madarasa and Damalbari Haat
Three –days training on RCH for the project team and dais by Agragami India
Social and resource mapping
Identification of the target groups
4 meetings with school staff
4 community meetings at panchayat level for SHG formation
Sensitization of Islamic Religious leaders on HIV/AIDS (supported by INP+ under Innovation Fund, Chennai): This innovative and yet challenging project was initiated in the month of September for one year duration involving sensitization of Islamic Religious leaders of two blocks Pothia and Kishanganj of Kishanganj district on the issues of HIV/AIDS. This project was supported by Innovation Fund (INP+), NACO and UNAIDS.
Our main objective was to enhance the knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Islamic religious leaders and to increase their involvement in community in removing stigma and discrimination towards HIV/AIDS. The other objective was to make people especially migrant groups aware and informed about the HIV/AIDS, its spread and consequences.
Azad India Foundation imparted training to religious leaders in HIV/AIDS through selected religious leaders (Maulavis) who were given trainings and orientations. The trainings were conducted by Dr Diwakar Tejaswi who is the Medical Director of RATNEI (Regional AIDS Training Centre and Network in India, Patna).
Azad India Foundation translated and prepared pamphlets and brochures in Urdu which were used by the religious leaders (Maulanas) to spread awareness in the community.
AIF also selected 5 people living with HIV/AIDS who did counselling sessions and community meetings with migrant population. They also visited railway station and bus stand meeting people. The main activities were to conduct workshops and interactive sessions with the Islamic religious leaders (Maulanas and Maulavis). Nukkad Natak was the key communication strategy to reach larger audience at panchayat level. Our trained natak mandli performed in local Surjapuri language at strategic locations including haats and village level functions spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS.
Our achievements
1478 religious leaders sensitized on HIV/AIDS
213 Madarasas and Mosque at Kishanganj and Pothia block
2500 people given information on HIV/AIDS
500 migrant labour groups informed about HIV/AIDS
275 cases send for test Early diagnosis for HIV
500 people witnessed nukkad nataks
25 STD cases referred to Government hospital
Events and Programmes
Two -day training for Project team of Women Empowerment program in May: Azad India Foundation organized two-days residential training for the project team at the premises of Azad Public School.Mr Shamim Ahmad was invited as the trainer who gave valuable input to the project team regarding nonformal education.
Visit of Chairperson to the NFE centres in Kishanganj block Mrs Sayeeda Banu, chairperson of Azad India Foundation visited NFE centres under project supported by Royal Dutch Embassy. She interacted with the children and project team.
One day workshop with Islamic religious leaders Azad India Foundation organized one day workshop with Maulanas and Maulavis on HIV/AIDS awareness at a local madarsa.
Khadi Gram Commission certificate distribution at Chattargach community Hall on 25th September:Azad India Foundation organized certificate distribution program at Chattargach community hall where SHG members from 5 groups from near by villages were given certificates from KVIC on successful completion of their training program on Agarbatti making. The branch manager of Kosi Grameen Bank was the chief guest who gave away the certificates to the women and gave valuable information on setting up small businesses and getting loan from the bank. The PRI members from Chattergach Panchayat were also present on the occasion.
Visit of Mr M.V Kumar from INP+ Pune on 26- 27th September
Project Officer Mr M.V Kumar from INP+ Pune visited Azad India Foundation for two days in the month of September. He visited several Madarasas and interacted with Islamic religious leaders on HIV/AIDS. He also gave away National Open School certificates to the successful children from NFE centres of Paswantola, Farimgola, and Patharbasti from Kishanganj block.
Jewellery making training program from 9th to 18th December
Azad India Foundation organized 10 days training program on jewellery making for the 25 SHG members of 10 villages under Kishanganj block. The trainers were invited from Nectar Foundation of India, New Delhi who trained women in artificial jewellery making, and pricing, designing and other aspects of the trade.
SHG training by Khadi Gram Commission at Kulamani Nonformal centre 19th -25th January
Azad India Foundation organized skill training in agarbatti making and detergent powder making for 5 SHG groups under the project: An Integrated Approach to Women Empowerment. The trainers were invited from Khadi Gram Commission who conducted the residential training at village Kulamani.
RTI/STI Health camp at village Iluwabari on 24th January
Azad India Foundation organized health camp at village Iluwabari under Project Nirman (supported by NFI-CCF).The main focus of the camp was to detect RTI/STI in women and girls.Dr VijayShree Jain (Gynae) from Kishanganj examined 33 patients and prescribed treatment.
Baby Show at village Dangibasti on 27th January
Azad India Foundation organized Baby Show under the project Nirmaan (RCH) supported by NFI-CCF at village Dangibasti.The main purpose of the programm was to promote immunization in Pothia block. The children were selected on the basis of their immunization schedule, proper keeping of immunization card and general appearance of the baby. Many young mothers with their children attended the programme. Three prizes were given by the PRI members andschool teachers of the village.
Annual Fete at Azad Public School on 31st January
Azad India Foundation organized colourful Annual Fete at the premises of Azad Public School. There were many attractive stalls put up by the school children and women of the SHGs.The children from the NFE centre of Faringola presented a short cultural program. The winners of Annual Sports Day were given medals and trophies.
Stitching Certificate distribution on 31st January
The chairperson of Azad India Foundation Mrs Sayeeda Banu gave away certificates to 22 women and girls who had completed course in basic stitching and tailoring. The function was organized at the premises of Azad India Foundation.
Workshops and Trainings
26th February 2008 : Rameez Raza CLC attended workshop on Prevention of Child Labour and Child Rights organized by Bal Sakha at Ambedkar Bhawan,Kishanganj.
18th February 2008 : Ansarul Haque CHW attended workshop on Beti Bacho Andolan at Patna organized by Bhoomika Vihar,Katihar
8-10th February 2008 : Kaisar Alam CLC attended workshop on Beti Bacho Andolan at Patna organized by Bhoomika Vihar,Katihar.
26th January2008 : Md Nazir, CHW attended workshop on Beti Bacho Andolan at Patna organized by Bhoomika Vihar,Katihar.
25-30 December : AIF participated in local Anand Mela at Kishanganj
10th September 2007 : Pervez Raza, PC attended Bihar State Committee meeting organized by Creditability Alliance at BVHA, Patna
21st June 2007 : The Executive Director and PC attended workshop on Regional Youth Consultation in Bihar organized by PFI and Bal Mahila Kalyan at Katihar.
Membership
Azad India Foundation is member of AIDS Care Watch Campaign.
Azad India Foundation joined Mamta Network representing Kishanganj district.
Azad India Foundation is member of Creditability Alliance
Name of the Sponsors
Mr Subha Chakarvorty – UK
Mr and Mrs Sanjay Popli-US
Mr Alak Raju – New Delhi
Mr and Mrs Iskandar Lal Jee- New Delhi
Dr Mrs Zeba Alam- ShriLanka
Mrs Usha Saran- Kishanganj
Mr and Mrs Bharat Kalsi-New Delhi
Mrs Vandana Advani-Mumbai
Mr.Sanjay Beri-UK
Mrs Sayeeda Banu- Kishanganj
Mr and Mrs Arun Mehra
Our Partners
National Foundation For India New Delhi
Royal Dutch Embassy, New Delhi
Geneva Global
Christian Children Fund, Bangalore
INP+,Chennai
Identity
AIF is registered as not for profit under Society’s Act 21, 1860 (Reg No 145 dtd June, 21 2001) MOA is available on request
AIF is registered u/s 12 A of the Income Tax Act 1961 and with the IT exemption 80G valid till March 2008 ( Reg no 1324/2005-06)
AIF is registered under section 6(1) (a) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 (FCRA Reg no: 030910003) AIF pan no is AAATA7787J
Name and Address of Main bankers
United bank of India, Dey Market, Kishanganj
UCO Bank, Dey Market, Kishanganj
Name and Address of Auditors : Jha & Associates, Chartered Accountants, Flat no 406-407, Grand Plaza, 4th Floor, Frazer Road, Patna 800001
Registered Address : Azad Manzil,line mohalla,Kishanganj,Bihar,06456-222483
Website : azadindia.org
Email : aif_org@yahoo.co.in
Governance : Details of the Board Members (as on March 31, 2008)
| Name | Age | Sex | Position onboard | Occupation | Meetings attended |
| Mrs. Sayeeda Banu | 60 | F | Chairperson | Social Work & Agriculture | 4/4 |
| Mrs. Yuman Hussain | 34 | F | Executive Director | NGO professional | 4/4 |
| Mr. Farahatullah | 70 | M | Treasurer | Social Work | 2/4 |
| Dr. Govardhan Singh Rathore | 44 | M | Director | Doctor | 1/4 |
| Mr. Iskander Laljee | 45 | M | Director | Industrialist SudChemie India Pvt.Ltd | 1/4 |
| Mr. Ramesh Choudhary | 45 | M | Director | Businessman Chandra Shipping Pvt.Ltd | 1/4 |
| Mr. Aamir Haque | 28 | M | Director | Producer, AajTak | 2/4 |
The AIF Board met 4 times in the FY 2007-08 on 10th April, 2nd September, 2nd December 2007 and 15th February 2008.Minutes of Board meetings are documented and circulated.
A Board Rotation Policy exists and is practised.
The Board approves programmes, budgets, annual activity reports and audited financial statements.
The Board ensures the organization’s compliance with laws and regulations.
Accountability and Transparency
Salary is being paid to Executive Director and Honorarium to Treasurer. No other remuneration, sitting fees or any other form of compensation has been paid to any board member.
No reimbursements have been made to Board Members.
Remuneration of three highest paid staff members:
Rs 15000/- p.m, Rs 7000/- p.m ,Rs 5000/- p.m
Remuneration of the lowest paid staff member : Rs 1000 /- pm
Total cost of International travel by all staff during the year is nil.
Total cost of national travel and conveyance by all staff during the year is Rs.18713.70
Staff Details ( as at March 31,2008)
| Gender Paid | Full time | Paid Part-time |
| Male | 18 | 2 |
| Female | 18 | 00 |
Distribution of staff according to salary levels ( as at March 31,2007)
| Slab of gross salary (in Rs) plus benefits paid to the staff | Male | Female | Total |
| < 5000 | 17 | 17 | 34 |
| 5000-10,000 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 10,000-25,000 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 50,000-1,00,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 100,000> | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 38 |
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