Bihar is India’s third-most populous state, with 99 million people; its literacy rate (61.8%) is the country’s lowest; and the female literacy rate (51.5%) second-lowest, according to Census 2011.

Caritas India’s Roshni and Suposhan programmes are focusing on the educational and health and nutritional development of Musahar communities in Bihar. This cluster programme is operational in 7 districts, covering approximately 5000 households. It is a universal fact that Musahars (Rishi, Saday, and Manjhi), as they are referred to officially and classified under the Mahadalit castes, are predominantly a landless populace across India.

Caritas India has organised a three days capacity building Training from October 23-25, 2019 on Health and Nutrition for the program participants of Saharsa, Araria, Purnea, Madhepura, Rohtas, Madhubani and Munger at Patna. Program Coordinators and Field Staff of the programme were trained on the Right to Education and Nutrition.

Mr. Dudheshwer Kumar, State Officer for Social Behavioural Change and Communication from UNICEF oriented participants on the Literacy in Bihar, Right to Education Act, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, School Management Committee and Related Government Schemes. Through participatory approach, Right to Education and its various components were shared and discussed with the participants. Formation, Role, and scope of School management committee was also one of the interesting topics discussed in the training. Group work allowed the participants to express their opinions well. The Trainer also gave information on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan which brought clarity in participants.

The participants were given the opportunity to share their area’s Primary and Middle Government School’s condition. They all got to know the status of Government Schools in different districts. 

Ms. Savita Dannyson, the Technical expert on Nutrition from World Vision trained the participants on Health and Nutrition. She dealt on the topics of Health, Nutrition, ICDS, Maternal and Child Care, Immunization, Diseases, and related Government Schemes. Various group activities were conducted to develop a better understanding of the participants. 

Video on Nutrition and Immunization was screened to bring different dimensions. Participants working experience with the community helped them to understand the Nutrition component. The Government schemes related to Health and Nutrition was also discussed along with the entitlements. The participants shared the gaps which they identify while they work in the community, the challenges they face while having an interface with the Government department at panchayat, block and district level.