Training on healthy family relationships
On 21st October, IJM Chennai organised a Freedom Training Programme for 189 former bonded labourers at Bolangir District, Odisha. The labourers had been released back in May of this year from a brick kiln at Thiruvallur, in what was IJM’s second largest rescue operation in the organisation’s history.
Freedom Training Programmes are in fact an integral part of the Aftercare programme. It is the first step of a two-year rehabilitation programme for recently rescued bonded labourers.
Conducted over two to three days, Freedom Trainings are attended by newly rescued clients from across the state.
“It is an opportunity for the former bonded labourers to understand and cope with the demands of a ‘free’ life,” says Pranitha Timothy, Director of Aftercare. “Sometimes, bonded labourers have been in the facility all their lives; they are used to having things decided for them. Just dealing with the responsibilities of daily ‘free’ living can sometimes be an overwhelming experience for them.”
Children participate in activity-based workshops
IJM Aftercare staff use creative methods — pictures, videos, games and role play — to communicate the necessary aspects of healthy living during these sessions. Some topics that are discussed include non-oppressive employment opportunities, healthy families and the importance of being educated and saving money. The former bonded labourers are also taught to access relevant government benefits and they are made aware of the dangers of inter-state migration. The children are made aware of issues like child sexual abuse and they are taught to recognise and stay away from dangerous situations.
“It is like a celebration, with everyone dressed in bright colours, and excitedly greeting friends and staff whom they have not seen since their rescue,” says Alice Suganya, Director of Casework. “However, mixed with the joy of freedom are questions about the future, so they are very attentive during educational sessions on how to move forward with their lives.”
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