Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh

GMR Varalakshmi Foundation started its community development activities in the footprint areas of GMR Energy’s Talong Hydro Power Project in East Kameng District in 2009. Foundation works in three Panchayats - Londa, Pachi and Talong. The area is mostly inhabited by the Nyishis, one of the largest tribal groups in the State.

Education
Foundation is running two Bala Badis and is working in association with the Government Schools of Londa, Pachi and Talong benefitting about 300 children. Foundation has renovated a school building and its hostel and has constructed Bala Badi buildings with active participation from community members. Foundation supports the schools by providing Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs), sports equipment and play items etc. Boarding support is provided at Londa School for 60 students from hill top villages for whom daily commuting to school is very difficult. Other activities of Foundation at this location include providing nutrition supplements to all the Bala Badi children, providing solar lamps to schools and celebration of National and International Days with students etc. Creativity development activities, recreational activities, sports activities etc. are conducted from time to time. Foundation’s works in the schools have received wholehearted support from the Panchayats, villagers and teachers. The Mothers’ Group in the Bala Badis and the Parents’ Teachers Associations of the schools have been strengthened in order to ensure the children receive quality education.

Health, Hygiene and Sanitation
The Foundation’s health and hygiene activities are based on preventive as well as curative approaches. The activities include awareness generation on health, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation issues as well as providing health care services through regular medical camps.

Different activities with children are helping to develop health and hygiene consciousness among them and their parents. The school children are given bathing soaps and clothes washing soaps to maintain personal hygiene. Toilets for boys and girls have been constructed by GMRVF in the schools.

Empowerment and Livelihoods
Foundation has introduced the concept of SHGs for the first time in this remote part of Northeast. Currently there are three SHGs in three villages. Continuous guidance and inputs are provided to the groups for efficient functioning. Foundation has also initiated two Craft Production Centers where members from two SHGs are currently producing products from bamboo and other materials. Foundation is linking them with the business operation activities inside the Delhi Airport. Foundation is also providing support to the local youth for pursuing short term vocational courses.

Community Development
The communities of this area are known for their love of sports and hence supporting them in sports related activities is a good way to develop positive synergy with them. Hence, village-level Youth Associations of Londa, Pachi and Talong are supported with sports materials and uniforms by Foundation to carry out their sport activities. 120 youth are benefitted by this. They are also provided with logistic and other support to participate in the district and higher level tournaments. Sports and cultural programs with youth groups are organized on different occasions like National Youth Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Arunachal State Formation Day, Christmas, Lokam (a local festival), etc.

Cultural programs are organized for older people to bring some joy in their life and also to showcase their skills and experience. Martial arts competitions, archery competitions, and other traditional sports competitions etc. are organized in the villages.