getting out there

It isn’t uncommon to see many ‘armchair NGOs’ functioning today. One of the biggest issues facing such NGOs is the simple lack of knowledge as to what is needed in the communities that they set out to serve. It isn’t merely a case of missing the problem; it is a fundamental question in development communication – if we misinterpret the problem in the community, how will the community see any credence in the solutions we provide for those (non)problems?

In such a case, community outreach becomes essential. Shield undertakes an ongoing conversation with the elements of the society we serve. Not only does it help in identifying the needs of the people in the community, it also helps in establishing the organisation’s credibility in the eyes of the people. It is a field job, and despite its labouriousness, it has benefits:

1. We can know the core areas of concern for the community
   
2. We can build trust and confidence in the organisation within the community
3. Having established such trust, we can publicise our programmes and initiatives to the people
4. We can build a secondary line of workers for conducting these projects and encourage self-sustaining activities in the community

You see, the whole process becomes efficient and one thing leads to the next! Shield engages in community outreach twice a week, every Monday and Tuesday at the centre in Dharavi. The average attendance has been 15. We discuss educational and social problems of the people.

In cases where the people cannot confide in the presence of a large group, we have been providing case wise counselling for matters such as pre-marital counselling, improving academic performance and cases of domestic violence. One such case of domestic abuse has already been referred to the Government Legal Aid Cell for legal counselling. The follow up on that front is underway.

So far so good! Watch this space for further updates.