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Strategic Breakthroughs, Innovation & Approach: The Multi Activity Centres (MAC) Initiative (West Bengal)

Since October 2023, the West Bengal programme unit of Bal Raksha Bharat has embarked on an ambitious project, launching Multi Activity Centres (MAC) in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. This initiative represents an innovative and comprehensive approach to community development, with a focus on children’s education, adolescent life skills, and youth employability. The overarching goal of the project is to create a sustainable impact on the most vulnerable sections of society by providing them with access to education, vocational training, and social protection schemes.

The MAC project adopts a life cycle approach, targeting children between 6-14 years old, many of whom are out-of-school, never enrolled, or have dropped out due to various socio-economic challenges. These centres serve as safe spaces where children not only receive academic support through bridge courses but are also mainstreamed back into the formal education system. Adolescents and youth aged 15-24 years benefit from a range of life skills training, vocational courses, and employability workshops. The inclusion of linkage programmes with government social protection schemes further enhances the holistic nature of the intervention.

Strategy into Action: Multi-Level Engagement for Community Development

The success of the MAC initiative lies in its integrated, multi-faceted approach. The project began with the establishment of four centres—two in Kolkata and two in South 24 Parganas—designed to cater to at-risk children and marginalised youth. The centres offer a wide range of services, including academic support to help out-of-school children reach age-appropriate learning levels and return to formal education. For adolescents and youth, the focus shifts towards vocational training, financial and digital literacy, and skill-building that aligns with the demands of the contemporary job market.

One of the project’s key objectives is to ensure that children and their families are made aware of, and have access to, various government schemes and entitlements. Through the MACs, many children and parents were able to obtain essential legal documentation, allowing them to benefit from social protection schemes. In addition, the centres serve as a hub for raising awareness on topics such as child rights, education, and personal well-being, fostering a supportive environment within the communities they serve.

What Success Looks Like: Transforming Lives through the MACs

The success of the MAC initiative can be seen in its tangible impact on the communities it serves. By March 2024, the project had enrolled 94 at-risk children in school and provided vocational training to 65 young adults. Additionally, 183 adolescents and youth benefited from life skills training, equipping them with the tools to navigate both personal and professional challenges. The MACs also extended psychosocial support to over 1,400 children, youth, and parents, helping them cope with mental health issues and social pressures.

The centres have also played a vital role in linking 287 children, youth, and parents to social protection schemes, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to. Moreover, Child Protection Committees (CPCs) were formed, and 27 Child Champions were trained to advocate against child labour and promote education. This multi-layered impact has not only improved the lives of individual beneficiaries but has also strengthened the family and community ecosystem, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence: Empowering Communities

The MAC project’s impact is supported by both qualitative and quantitative data. Local stakeholders, including parents and guardians, have expressed their satisfaction with the improvements in their children’s education and well-being. The centres have provided a safe, comfortable environment for children, while also offering respite for families dealing with socio-economic hardships.

In terms of measurable outcomes, the project boasts significant achievements within just a few months of operation:

– 94 children enrolled in formal schooling
– 65 young adults enrolled in vocational training courses
– 183 adolescents and youth received life skills training
– 1,415 individuals, including children, youth, and parents, received psychosocial support
– 287 individuals were linked with social protection schemes

This data underscores the effectiveness of the MACs in transforming lives and fostering sustainable development within marginalised communities.

Sustainability and Financial Achievements

The MAC project is also a testament to Bal Raksha Bharat’s ability to mobilise resources and diversify funding sources. Fundraising campaigns, partnerships, and local collaborations have played a crucial role in sustaining the project’s operations. Additionally, strategic budget management and cost-saving initiatives ensured that the centres remained financially viable, even in the face of operational challenges.

As part of its financial strategy, BRB has actively sought to increase the sustainability of the MAC initiative by fostering partnerships with local governance bodies such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI). These collaborations have allowed for the leveraging of local resources, including untied funds, to support the centres’ infrastructure and service delivery.

Governance and Compliance

Bal Raksha Bharat has made significant strides in governance improvements, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. The MAC initiative has adhered to stringent governance practices, including regular audits, transparent financial management, and adherence to child protection policies. These efforts have bolstered the organisation’s credibility and trust within the communities it serves.

Conclusion: A Model for Holistic Community Development

The Multi Activity Centres in West Bengal serve as a model for holistic community development. By addressing the educational, social, and economic needs of vulnerable children and youth, the MACs have demonstrated the power of an integrated approach to social intervention. Through the strategic engagement of local stakeholders, targeted programmes, and a focus on sustainability, Bal Raksha Bharat has successfully created an impactful initiative that not only transforms lives but also fosters long-term community resilience and empowerment.