our biennial report 2014

A Women's Empowerment Project

Funded by

The Global Foundation for Humanity, U.S.A.

BIENNIAL REPORTBIENNIAL REPORT(2012-2014)

HIS HIGHNESS MAHARAJA HANWANT SINGHJI CHARITABLE TRUST

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

JODHPUR 342 006

RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Biennial Report 2012-2014

Message from the Maharaja of Jodhpur

Message from the Maharani of Jodhpur

Message from Jacqueline de Chollet & Anne Vincent

From the Desk of Director cum Coordinator

Introduction 01

Mission of the Veerni 02

Village Activities Discontinued 02

The Veerni Institute 04

Visits by Dignitaries 10

Events & Celebrations 12

Case Stories 16

Photo Gallery 22

Conclusion & Financial 26

Impact of the Veerni Institute 31

Veerni Board and Staff 32

TABLE OF CONTENTS


The Veerni Project, brain child of Ms Jacqueline de Chollet, being implemented by His Highness

Maharaja Hanwant Singhji Charitable Trust with financial support from the Global Foundation for

Humanity, Association de Veerni Project (Switzerland), MoneyGram Foundation, Queen Anne's Gate

Foundation & EADS France is a replicable model for empowerment of women through education.

The project has established Veerni Institute where presently 90 deprived and poor rural girls are

getting education from Class VI to XII at no cost to the parents.

It is heartening to learn that girls have done well academically as also in sports & extra curricular

activities. One can note the change in the overall personality of girls from shy, weak, somewhat

withdrawn; the girls are now more confident and sure of themselves.

The Veerni Institute has immensely benefitted from the personal interest being taken by Her Highness

Maharani Sahiba, Ms. Jacqueline de Chollet, & Mrs. Anee Vincent.

I wish all the girls a bright future.

A Message from the Maharaja of Jodhpur

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

JODHPUR - 342 006

RAJASTHAN

GAJ SINGH - II

Maharaja of Jodhpur


The Veerni Institute has proved to be a cradle for empowering poor & deprived rural girls; developing

overall personality and to make them good citizens of a democratic society.

The Veerni Project has been able to achieve the results due to support of donors and tireless efforts of

Ms. Jacqueline de Chollet, Mrs. Anne Vincent and the Veerni team.

I wish all success to Veerni girls and a very bright future for the Veerni Institute.

A Message from the Maharani of Jodhpur

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

JODHPUR - 342 006

RAJASTHAN

HEMLATA RAJYE

Maharani of Jodhpur


"Each of us has a mission, each us is called to change the world, to work for a culture forged by

love and respect for the dignity of each human person."

- Pope Benedict XVI

The name “Veerni” has embodied the soul of the project meaning “girls and women of strength and

fortitude, confident and determined”.

It is now 21 years since Veerni started on its journey through Rajasthan villages. We continue to reflect

how Veerni can build on its rich experience and where the future lies to maximize its impact. Over the

years, the Project has constantly adapted to the changing needs of women and girls in rural villages

and the focus on education has shown to be the most important contribution to women's

empowerment. The results have been heartwarming.

The education of adolescent girls continues to be a priority in the world. There is no social

transformation without the full participation of women and we have to continue our work to ensure

this vital outcome. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,

(UNESCO), providing girls with an education is “the key to health and nutrition; to overall

improvements in the standard of living; to better agricultural and environmental practices; to a higher

gross national product; and to greater involvement and gender balance in decision making at all level

of society.” In short, educating girls is the greatest poverty-reduction strategy around.

Veerni continues to be at the forefront of educating girls of mixed castes in a boarding facility next to a

secondary school. The main mission of the project continues to be to empower adolescent girls

through a formal secondary education curriculum, helping them to access further studies and to the

job place if they so wish. Their rights to realize their dreams are to all-embracing in the philosophy of

Veerni. India will benefit from these wonderful young women in the future.

The last two years has seen graduates in science for the first time. All of these girls are continuing in

higher education. All of the graduates in arts and commerce are also pursuing further studies.

A Message from Jacqueline De Chollet & Anne Vincent, Board Membersof the Global Foundation for Humanity (USA) & of the Association

Of The Project Veerni (Switzerland)


Let us all work together to ensure a bright future for the wonderful girls of the Veerni Project. For if you

educate a woman, she will know her rights and have the confidence to stand up for herself; she will

choose when to marry and have fewer children; they in turn will be healthier and better educated than

the previous generation. She will have economic security. She will spend 90% of her income on her

family, compared to 35% that an educated man would spend. She will help support her parents. She

will not forget where she came from.

We would like to express our special thanks to the Patrons of Veerni, His Highness Maharaja Gaj

Singhji and Her Highness Maharani Hemlata Rajye. We are very grateful to the Maharani for her

commitment to the Veerni Institute. Our deep appreciation goes to Brig. Shakti Singh, Director and

Co-coordinator, for his on-going involvement in Veerni. We would like to thank the Principal of the

BJS school, M.S Ranawat; Reena Bhansali, visiting counselor to the girls; Importantly, we wish to

convey our gratitude to the Veerni team: Mahendra Sharma, Veerni Project Manager, Vimlesh Sharma,

the Veerni nurse, Parbat Singh, the wardens and tutors and all members of staff involved in the welfare

of the Institute's girls. They are key to the continued success of Veerni.

We wish to express our gratitude to the board of the Global Foundation for Humanity and to the many

contributors who provide financial and moral support to ensure the continuing success of Veerni in

the USA, in Great Britain, India and Switzerland

Jacqueline de Chollet and Anne Vincent


Women's education in desert region of Rajasthan has remained neglected for long, which resulted in

women always remaining dependent on men. this lack of education deprived the women of all

opportunities in a democratic society. To mitigate the prevailing illiteracy amongst women andto

improve their quality of life, His Highness Maharaja Hanwant Singhji Charitable Trust and Global

Foundation for Humanity signed an agreement in shape of Veerni Project. Over a period of time, the

activities of Veerni were streamlined to obtain better results.

Today, the Veerni Institute a hostel run by the Veerni Project, is an established educational institution

for poor & deprived rural girls of all castes & religion wherein girls are educated from Class VI to XII at

no cost to the parents. There is no discirmination of any kind and the girls live in a happy, joyful &

cordial environment under the guardianship of the Project. Our emphasis is on overall development

of a child's personality through organised sports and extra curricular activities. Extra tutorial classes

are conducted to ensure that their academic performance is at par with their urban compatriots.

Students are exposed to more developed world through frequent interaction with foreign volunteers.

As a result, the meek, shy, and silent girls pass out of the portals of Veerni Institute as confident & self

assured women; ready to face challenges of modern democratic world.

The Project is supported by Global foundation for Humanity, Queen Anne's Gate Foundation,

Association du Veerni Project (Switzerland), MoneyGram Foundation, EADS France and other

donors/philanthropists.

His Highness Majaraja Hanwant Singhji Charitable Trust is grateful to all donors for their support and

assures them that the Trust will endeavour to fulfill verson.

From the Desk of Director cum Coordinator

"If we dig deep enough within the great earth of each person's life, we find flowing there the

same underground channels of empathy compassion."

- Daisaku Ikada

BRIGADIER (RETD.) SHAKTI SINGH

Director cum Coordinator

Biennial Report 2012-2014 1

The Veerni Project funded by the Global Foundation for Humanity (USA) and the Association du

Project Veerni (Switzerland) is entering its 20th and 21st years of service for the empowerment of

adolescent girls from the rural villages of the Thar Desert in Western Rajasthan, India.

Initially launched in 1993 in collaboration with a Delhi based organization, the Project operated in 16

villages located at a distance of approximately 50 kilometers from Jodhpur.

On 14 January 1999, an agreement was signed between the Global Foundation for Humanity (U.S.A)

and H.H. Maharaja Hanwant Singhji Charitable Trust, a trust founded by Maharaja Gajsingh of Jodhpur

in memory of his father. The basic parameters of the project implementation were agreed upon by

both parties. Policy guidelines and financial oversight were laid down by an Advisory Council, with

representatives from the Trust, the Global Foundation for Humanity (U.S.A.) and since 2012, the

Association du Project Veerni (Switzerland).

This Report gives a complete overview of the Veerni Project from April 2012 till March 2014.

THE VEERNI PROJECTBIENNIAL REPORT

April 2012 to March 2014

INTRODUCTION


The name “Veerni” embodies the soul of the Project meaning “Lioness” “Women of Strength and

Fortitude, Confident and Determined”.

Veerni's mission is to educate and empower adolescent girls from the desert areas around

Jodhpur enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives free from poverty, coercion and

disease.

To this end Veerni provides a high quality secondary education in a safe and supportive

environment.

Veerni believes there can be no true democracy without the full participation of women in their

communities, and that education is the most effective tool to this end.

Veerni strongly believes that education will lead to the empowerment of adolescent girls. These

young girls will become confident and independent, resulting in their active and responsible

contribution to their communities. In addition, it is Veerni's hope that they will continue to educate the

next generation thus leading to a change in the future of India.

Veerni believes that by providing adolescent girls with access to education, they will be empowered

and as a result will become more independent and confident. This will further enable them to

become active and contributing members of their community.

Until 2008 Veerni was actively involved in 16 villages, providing medical, social, educational,

vocational and sports activities on a daily basis. Today, on visiting any of these villages, the name

Veerni still rings loud and clear and fond memories of its activities are recounted by many villagers.

For example, in one village a water cistern is known as Veerni Water and in another a new village

school is still called The Veerni School. Representatives from all the villages still keep in touch with

and often visit the Veerni office in Jodhpur.

However, as a result of improved access to government facilities in most villages, Veerni decided to

discontinue its activities in all villages except for one, Meghwalon ki Dhani, that was retained for

education and social awareness purposes. Focus has been placed on encouraging the village girls to

join the Veerni Institute in Jodhpur.

•

•

•

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

MISSION OF THE VEERNI PROJECT


To this effect Veerni established a Literacy Center in the middle of the village:

The Literacy Centre was managed during the

years 2013 and 2014. The idea behind

establishing this education centre was to assist

Meghwlaon ki Dhani's girls with their studies in

English, Mathematics, and Science so as to

improve these subjects during their vacation

time.

Veerni appointed two teachers for this purpose

as well as one of the Veerni graduates from a

previous year. All stationery, books, note-books,

pens, blackboards, etc were provided to the school. In total 62 girls have enrolled in and benefited

from this school. A few have already joined the Veerni Institute in Jodhpur.

LITERACY CENTRE AT MEGHWALON KI DHANI


Mission Statement of the Veerni Institute:

Academics

The mission is to provide young women from the rural region of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India,

with quality secondary education in a safe and supportive environment. Veerni believes that by giving

these girls access to education, health, and ultimately the work place, they can be empowered to gain

confidence and economic autonomy, thus enabling them to participate fully in their communities.

The Veerni Institute was established in the year 2005. It is located in the premises of Brigadier Zabar

Singh Senior Secondary School, Jodhpur and is being run by BZS Society in co-operation with the

Veerni Project.

The Veerni Project provides stationery, books, bedding, uniforms, food and medical care to its

students as well as access to a secondary school. In addition to classes, when required in specific

subjects. Veerni provides extra, individualized attention in the form of tutoring. Apart from standard

academics, Veerni's students are educated in arts, crafts and sewing.

In the first year, 39 girls were enrolled from class five to class 10. Following the success of the first

session, many families in non-Veerni villages approached the Veerni team to find out how they could

enroll their daughters. In the year 2006-2007 Veerni's enrollment grew to 60 girls, in 2007-2008 it

increased yet again to 86 girls and from 2009 to 2012 it reached its maximum capacity of 100 girls.

During 2013 and 2014 the Institute registered only 90 girls in an attempt to reduce overcrowding in the

dormitories and adjoining facilities. However, Veerni receives many more demands every year by

parents wishing to enroll their daughters and it has become necessary to consider expanding the

Veerni Institute in order to accommodate more students.

The Veerni Institute program provides secondary education from classes 6 to 12. Girls are enrolled in

a full and challenging curriculum that prepares them for university. The school now offers three

streams for class 11 and 12: Arts, Commerce and Science.

THE VEERNI INSTITUTE


Extracurricular Activities

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Life in the Institute

In addition to the standard academic program Veerni students are encouraged participate in various

extracurricular activities including:

Sports

A sewing program

Art courses

Cultural activities

Computer education

Career Counseling by Psychologist

Health education lectures

Desired outcome of the Veerni Educational Program:

The building of self esteem and confidence

Access to college and to vocational training

A path towards economic and social independence

All Veerni students stay in the Institute throughout the academic year. The building includes

dormitories and other amenities such as a large dining hall, a sports ground and a general recreation

room with computers. The staff includes a full time nurse who looks after all the girls medical issues.

Veerni funds all aspects of their life in the institute: school fees, health care, meals and housing

expenses as well as pastoral care.

The Veerni Institute encourages girls to focus on their education without the distractions of village life.

Matrons live with the girls and help them learn self-care. The Institute environment encourages

confidence and facilitates a sense of community among the Veerni students.


Tuition Classes

Sewing Class for hostel girls

Art Program

Psychologist's Visits

Health Camp at the Veerni Institute

The girls receive additional help with their school work. This has been very successful and has

resulted in the achievement of better grades at school.

Sewing Classes are conducted regularly at the Veerni Institute.

We have introduced the girls to art classes. They enjoy being creative and enjoyed making story

books.

Dr. Reena Bhansali, Psychological and Career Counselor, visited the Veerni Institute

Regular health camps are conducted at the Veerni Institute.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THE VEERNI INSTITUTE


These are a regular feature at the Institute and many girls are actively involved in playing badminton,

handball, basketball and tug-of-war. As a result of their enthusiasm Veerni is proud to announce that

three of our students were selected by the Sports Council of Rajasthan at Jaipur. These girls have been

provided free college education for three years, full board and lodging, study material, school dress

and all other educational facilities at no additional cost. The girls selected were:

32 girls from the Veerni Institute participated in the District Handball Tournaments in Sept. 2012. This

tournament was held at Chopasni School, Jodhpur.

Six girls below the age of 14 were selected to participate in the State Handball Tournament at Alwar.

Participation in District Handball Tournament

Participation in State Handball Tournament at Alwar (Junior Girls)

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

S. No. Name Village

Usha Bhati

Priyanka

Sonu Kanwar

01.

02.

03.

Rajwa

Khudiyala

Rajwa


From 2005 to 2014, a total number of 252 girls were enrolled in the institute, out of them 70 girls had

completed their class 12th. Details are given below: -

Year Wise Passed out

YEAR-WISE GROWTH OF THE VEERNI INSTITUTE

Year No. of Students

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

-

3

3

4

14

10

12

20

04

Total 70

Currently two girls are doing private jobs and earning money. Details are given below: -

Year Name

Sunita Rathore

Shobha

01.

02.

Shathin

Rajwa

Village Remarks

Working at BZS College,

As a coordinator

Doing B.Ed. & Teaching at Jaipur

Year No. of Girls Enrolled Passed

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

39

60

86

100

100

100

100

100

20

47

74

79

92

100

84

87

Academe Results


Result for academic year 2013-14

Class Number of Girls Passed Failed

thClass 6

thClass 7

thClass 8

thClass 9

thClass 10

thClass 11 (Arts)

thClass 11 (Science)

thClass 11 (Commerce)

thClass 12

15

10

17

11

9*

12

7

5

4

14

10

16

9

7

12

7

5

4

1

-

1

2

2

-

-

-

-

Total 90 84 6


Over the past two years we were pleased to welcome a large number of visitors and funders,

some of whom have visited Veerni several times in the past and others who were newly

introduced to our Institute.

Mrs. Nancy Griffin, her husband Mr. Steven Ehrlich, and their friend Mrs. Laurie Simmons visited the

Veerni Institute on November 6, 2012 and saw all the activities of the Institute. Our team welcomed

and briefed them about the Veerni Project. They then visited the sewing and tuition classes. In

addition they also saw the dormitories and the dining hall of the Institute. On interacting with the girls

many questions were raised about their studies, hobbies and dreams. The girls in turn asked some

questions concerning the visitors' families. The visit ended with a performance by the girls of a

Rajasthani cultural dance, which was greatly appreciated by the guests. They were very impressed

with the work of Veerni.

Jacqueline, along with her family members including her daughter, Sophie Veronis, her daughter-in-

law Fiona and her grandchildren Louis, Maddie and Catherine visited the Veerni Project. Arriving on

19th November Jacqueline visited the Veerni Institute daily during her stay in Jodhpur. She held many

formal and informal meetings with the girls, the Principal of the BZS School as well as with the

Secretary of the BZS Educational Society.

On November 22nd a tea party was organized at the Veerni Institute. Jacqueline's family and her

guests Mr. And Mrs. Jaideep Khanna and their four daughters also attended this event. The Veerni girls

had informal chats with the guests and snacks and cakes were served to all. The girls performed local

cultural dances for them, which was appreciated by the guests. The foreign children were very

impressed with the Veerni girls. After a successful visit Jacqueline departed on December 3rd, 2012.

On January 7th 2013 Ms. Edwina Sandys and her husband Mr. Richard Kaplan, accompanied by their

friend Ms. Veronica Boswell, visited the Veerni Project. They interacted with the girls and were very

impressed with all the Veerni Activities.

On February 7th Mr. and Mrs. Gilles Petitpierre and Ms. Bonnie Christen spent some time at the Veerni

Institute visiting the sewing and tuition classes as well as the dormitories and the dining hall of the

Institute where they shared lunch with the girls. A small cultural program was performed by the girls.

Nancy Griffin's Visit

Jacqueline de Chollet and her Family's Visit

Ms. Edwina Sandys

Frères de nos Frères

VISITS BY DIGNITARIES


Rosalyn Wilkinson

Ms. Martha Spanninger from PBS, December 19th - 21st (2013)

Mr. Paul Zukerman and Ms. Sarah Greenall, January 21st-24th (2014)

Mr. David L. Robinson, Director, Prodigy, 23rd February 2014

Ms. Anne Vincent and Ms.Anthea, 26th February 2014

Rosalyn Wilkinson visited Veerni for a week from February 22-March 1st . She met with the girls in the

Institute on several occasions, visited Megwalon ki Dhani and attended lunch with the class 12 girls at

their favorite restaurant, “On the Rocks”. Rosalyn will be helping with fundraising in London.

Martha Spanninger from PBS came to Veerni to film a follow-up documentary originally done by PBS

in 2008. The subject of the first documentary was “Child Brides” and showed how Veerni was

handling this problem. For the follow-up she interviewed and filmed 2 girls and visited one of the

Veerni villages called Binawas where she interviewed Mamta who was a child bride. Back in Jodhpur

she filmed and spoke to Sunita who is an example of a Veerni educated and empowered young lady.

Mr. Zuckerman who has been a friend of the Veerni Project for many years was accompanied during

this visit by Sarah Greenhall. They spent a few days in Jodhpur during which tie they were guests at

the Veerni Institute and mingled comfortably with all the girls. Sarah was so impressed by what she

saw that she decided to support the Veerni girls sports activities by giving a very generous donation

for the purchase of sports equipment. In addition Paul and Sarah visited the literacy center at

Megwalon ki Dhani and discussed teaching methods with the teacher. They also met Usha, one of our

Veerni graduates, who is an assistant to the teacher. They walked around the village enjoying the

experience and chatting to the young children who followed them around everywhere. On the

journey back to Jodhpur we held a “traditional Veerni tea party” under a big desert tree.

The Veerni team visited Megwalon Ki Dhani with our guest Mr. David Robinson who was keen to

witness village life and conditions. He too met Usha, our Veerni graduate, who is now both studying

at college and working as teaching assistant at the Megwalon Ki Dhani literacy center. We also

introduced him to Durga, another Veerni graduate, who is presently training for the Police Force.

David was also extremely impressed on visiting the Institute and asked many questions regarding the

caste system and how Veerni had managed successfully to combine both higher and lower castes

under one roof.

Our team, including Anne Vincent and Marion Richardson, visited Aktali Village where Veerni worked

with the population from 2003 - 2009. We were hosted by our two promoters, Kausalya and Mangu

Singh, who asked if Veerni could return to work with them again.


Annual Event

Installation of Television and Cable Connection at the Veerni Institute

Library at the Veerni Institute

Distribution of Chocolates

Dictionary Distribution Event at the Veerni Institute

Teachers' Day Celebrated

Lunch for the class twelve girls, now a yearly tradition, was held at the restaurant “On the Rocks” on

February 22nd 2013. It was a lively occasion and the girls were very chatty. The lunch was also

attended by Anne Vincent, Jacqueline de Chollet and another visitor to Veerni from the UK, Rosalyn

Wilkinson. Vimlesh, the Veerni nurse also enjoyed the afternoon with the girls.

Her Highness Hemlata Rajye donated a television to the Veerni girls and cable connection was set up

and provided by the Institute itself. This now provides the girls with entertainment during their

recreation hours giving them time to relax after completing their study assignments.

A recommendation to establish a library for the Veerni girls appeared in a report written in 2012 by a

volunteer called Kenia. Following this, Ms Jacqueline purchased some books for the new library

during her November visit. In July, Veerni established a library at the Institute. Our girls are enjoying

reading books in their spare time. The responsibility of looking after the library has been given to one

of the Wardens.

Ms Jaelyne Eberle and David Taylor from Colorado sent a selection of chocolates together with a map

giving information about Colorado for Shobha , the young Veerni girl they are sponsoring, and for her

friends. These were brought to Jodhpur by Ms. Jacqueline and an event was organized at the Veerni

Institute at which the chocolates were distributed. Shobha loved the chocolates and shared them with

all her friends. In Feb 2014, they also sent some chocolates with a note book, photo album of

Colorado and some greeting cards for Shobha. Veerni team went to her village Meghwlon ki Dhani

distributed all the items to Shobha. Shobha Thanked them a lot for the gifts.

Mahendra Sharma (Veerni Project Manager), Mr. M. S. Ranawat (Principal BJS School) & Mr. Parbat

Singh (Veerni staff) distributed English- Hindi dictionaries to the girls of class 12 as going away

presents. A form was given to all the girls requesting information about their future planning and

contact numbers. The girls promised that they would be in touch with the Veerni Project and, if

possible, would help Veerni in the future.

The Veerni Institute girls along with the students of the BJS School participated in the Teachers Day

Celebration with great enthusiasm.

EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS


Writing and Drawing Competition

Art Program

Annual Outing: Exhibition of Science Express Train

Lecture on Safety for Girls for Classes X, XI, XII

Graduation Party

The Farewell Party for Class 12th

On September 22nd, 2012, junior girls of the Veerni Institute participated in the BJS School 's Writing &

Drawing Competition. The theme of the drawing competition was “Water Harvesting”. This event was

organized by the Central Underground Water Board.

Veerni has introduced the girls to art classes. They enjoy these hours of creativity. The girls enjoyed

making story books and can be seen here with their work.

On December 12th, 2012, all the Veerni girls went to see the Exhibition of Science Express Train at

Jodhpur Railway station. It was a great experience for the girls to visit this exhibition. The theme of the

exhibition was Bio-Diversity and Climate Change. This was organized by the Ministry of Science and

Technology and the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.

On January 3rd, Veerni organized a very good event at the Institute with the help of Reena Bhansali,

Veerni psychologist. (We have left the report in the words of the psychologist.)

“Following the Delhi rape case, the following concerns were discussed with the girls of class ten,

eleven and twelve covering safety, security and crimes against women. This included in Indian

manner of expressing, good touch bad touch, Eve teasing, Child battering, Domestic Violence, Early

marriages and Rapes. Dowry deaths were touched upon.”

It was an interactive session during which girls openly discussed their fears, phobias and personal

experiences. They wrote about their ideas on the subject and suggested how to combat these

horrendous situations and be self reliant and empowered. The difference between being empowered

in a society which has rigid standards of behavior and specific cultural expectations and breaking

rules by reckless or unacceptable behavior, was also discussed. It is important for the girls to

understand how to deal with situations within their homes and society in general. Emphasis was

placed on tips and techniques to identify potential female abusers roaming freely in society and how

they might be able to defend themselves. The lecture was a great platform providing the girls with

satisfactory answers to all their queries.

Graduation party of 12th grade Veerni girls was organized at the Veerni Institute on 26th Feb 2014 and

was attended by Anne Vincent and Marion Richardson who enjoyed watching the singing and dance

performances of all the girls and boys in the school.

The Farewell lunch for our 12th grade graduates was organized on 28th February 2014, which is

traditionally hosted every year by Anne Vincent and Jacqueline De Chollet. It again was held at the

lovely Jodphur restaurant called “on the Rocks”. This year guests who joined the girls included

Anthea, Marion Richardson and Vimlesh, the Veerni nurse. The weather was pleasant and the food

delicious


HEALTH ACTIVITIES AT THE VEERNI INSTITUTE

Health Camps

Aims and Objectives:

Materials and Methods: -

Medical Check-up: -

A general health camp was organized at the Veerni Institute on September 20th. Ms. Vimlesh

examined the girls. General problems were noticed like seasonal diseases such as coughs, eye and ear

infections and skin related diseases. Medicines were distributed to them. A session on health and

hygiene was also given by Ms. Vimlesh.

A Health Camp was organized on 20th Oct 2013 at the Veerni Institute. Dr. A.S. Deora (Senior

Consultant, Physician), Mrs. Vimlesh Sharma & Mrs. Syiona (GNMs) kindly provided us with their

services.

Regular health check-ups of school going children are essential as they create an awareness amongst

the youth with regard to the state of their health while also providing early diagnosis of any possible

medical problem that might exist in the children from an early age. In such cases appropriate

treatment or preventative measures can be taken to stop the progression of the ailment. The Veerni

Health Camp was initiated to examine the health status of each one of the Veerni Institute girls with

the purpose of detecting any illness at a very early stage.

The Health Camp was organized around two major activities: -

(a) Delivery of a lecture on “Life Style Diseases and their Prevention”.

(b) Complete medical check-up of all the Veerni girls.

The above lecture was given to the girls by Dr. A.S. Deora who emphasized the fact that life diseases

such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary health diseases are more prevalent in

Indian society and occur here in younger ages as a result of a faulty life style starting from childhood

itself. The girls were advised to do regular physical exercise and participate in sports activities of their

choice for 30-40 minutes every day. They were also reminded to eat natural foods rich in fiber, green

leafy vegetables and fruits as well as milk in an appropriate quantity. Emphasis was placed on

maintaining ideal body weight and avoiding obesity. This was an interactive session and the girls

participated very enthusiastically.

Each girl underwent a thorough medical check-up which comprised a general physical examination

as well as a systemic examination.

Detailed health cards have been registered and filed for each girl for follow-up purposes.


Health Lecture

Vaccination Camps

A lecture was delivered on the topic of Worm infestation in children by Dr. A.S. Deora on 21st Nov

2013. The aim of the talk was to educate the children about the menace of intestinal worm infestation

which leads to chronic ill-health, anemia, growth retardation and even intellectual impairment

amongst children if not treated properly. The role of observing proper personal hygiene and living

under good sanitation environment was emphasized. Special emphasis was also placed on washing

hands with soap and water keeping nails short and clean and not walking barefoot when in the

villages or countryside. At the end of the lecture an interactive session was held in which all the

children actively participated and remembered important Do's and Dont's to prevent worm

infestation.

Ms. Jacqueline, David and Jean (volunteers), Mr. Mahendra Sharma and Ms. Vimlesh were also

present during the talk.

Two Vaccination Camps were held at the Veerni Institute on 04 Jan 2014. All the girls were vaccinated

for Hepatitis-B, Typhoid and Tetanus.


Tinku Tanwar

Tinku Bhati is 18 and graduated (class 12) from the Veerni institute in the

year 2013 in the science stream.

Tinku is from Aktali, a village that was adopted by the Veerni Project in

2006 and where Veerni was closely involved for a period of 7 years. The

project is still closely connected with the village and villagers continue to

seek our help when needed. It was, and still is, a very backward and

conservative place where Veerni worked hard to make inroads.

Aktali was one of the most difficult villages in which to persuade parents

to allow the girls to be educated in the Institute. Two Veerni representatives in the village, a woman

named Kausaliya and a man, Mangu Singh, put in more than 3 years of hard work before convincing

the parents to allow their daughters out of the village.

Nutrition programs were conducted for several years as the children of the village suffered from

malnutrition and both village representatives performed well in the program.

Tinku belongs to the General caste, her father is farmer and her mother is a housewife and both of

them are illiterate. She has one older sister and one younger brother. Her family's monthly income is

about 8000/- Rs. (USD $145), which is very low for a six member family.

Convincing her parents to allow her to attend the Veerni Institute was a challenge but Tinku finally

joined Veerni 5 years ago at the start of Class 9. She remembers her village days, saying that 'her school

was almost 3 miles away from her home, she used to try to travel this long road to school each day

starting at 6.00 a.m. with her few friends, but due to distance and lack of safety it was not always

feasible. She said it was very tough for her to travel everyday but she wanted to study further for her

better future'.

She adds: “When I joined the Veerni Institute in Class 9, it was a totally new experience for me: Veerni

provided me with many things such as quality meals, a school uniform, study materials, extra tuition,

computer class, sports and many other services and it almost seems that I forgot all hardship that I

went through. I had everything there, the only thing I had to do was to study hard to get good results

which I did and achieved good result in class 12 and that too in Science stream”. Tinku praised the

great teachers and help she had received from her tutoring classes; she says the massive improvement

CASE STORIES


in her English skills has been one of her biggest accomplishment since arriving at the Veerni Institute.

She says, “Veerni changed my parents' attitude towards me, and now they understand the importance

of girls' education, I'm very happy to see this change.”

When Tinku graduated from senior secondary school, she was determined to continue her studies.

But, due to her parents' weak financial condition, her family was thinking of stopping her higher

education because they could not afford the college expenses. Tinku came to the Veerni office and

asked for help with her college fees. Seeing her keenness and good academic results, Veerni has

decided to support her. However, we are looking at 3 years of fees for her to achieve her degree.

Tinku is now in her first year Bachelor in Science with Public Health in a college called Lachoo

Memorial College of Science and Technology, Jodhpur. She says “I consider myself lucky to have

Veerni support”.

She concludes, “The Veerni has helped to change my live beyond my wildest dreams, and I would like

to thank them for this opportunity.”


Reetu Tanwar

Reetu Tanwar is 18 years old; she graduated in 12th grade from the

Veerni Institute in 2012-13. Presently she is in her first year of Bachelor in

Science in Public Health in the Lachoo Memorial College of Science and

Technology, Jodhpur.

Reetu was born to a poor family of farmers of the general caste. She is

from the village of Kelawa which is a very backward village where there

are no basic living facilities. Migration rate is on the high side with a low

literacy level among the women.

Reetu's mother is a housewife and she is educated up to grade 5th. Her father is educated to class 8th.

He is a farmer but he does not own his land.

Reetu says “I love my father very much; he does the best he can to make my life better”. She also told

us that “my uncle came to know about the Veerni Project and told my family about the Veerni

Institute.” Reetu's father approached the Veerni project for her enrolment at the institute. After finding

her family's weak economic conditions, the Veerni staff agreed to her admission in the Veerni Institute

in 2011.

Reetu was enrolled in grade 11th and finished her grade 12th in science stream with a first division

marks. She said “the two years which I spent at the Veerni Institute were the turning point of my life, I

have learnt how to become a responsible person; I also learnt the importance of education. I see

education as a safeguard. It is helping me face new challenges. I think that no person can flourish in

life without education”.

She further stated “After achieving good marks in my 12th grade, now I am confident that I will do well

in college also. I want to study and achieve more in my life, and I want my family to be proud of me

and my accomplishment”.

Reetu wants to be a Lecturer. She says “to become a Lecturer is my dream. My goal is set and I am

stepping towards it. I would definitely active my goal one day and I am thankful to the Veerni Project

for providing me this wonderful opportunity.”


Shobha Choudhary

Shobha Choudhary was a boarder at the Veerni Institute when she was in

the 11th and 12th grades; she was enrolled in 2007 and completed 12th

grade in 2008. She is now 22, and she completed her Bachelor of

Education degree from Jaipur University. Apart from her studies, she has

been earning about 12000 rupees a month (US $200) giving tuition

classes and thus financing herself through her studies.

Shobha comes from Rajwa, one of the Veerni Project's adopted villages.

The Village is located on the route to Jaiselmer, about 33 kilometers from

Jodhpur. It is home to many quarry workers, and the standard of living is

very low. Officially classified as 'backward', of poor prospects and a lack of health facilities have lead

to depopulation. Literacy rates among women are very low, and the village has seen a number of child

marriages where many a girl has had her dreams stifled and been sent to her in-laws even before she

has had a chance to experience 'life' outside the four walls of her house. At an early age these girls are

burdened with domestic responsibilities including early motherhood often with dire consequences

for her health.

The Veerni project had adopted Rajwa in 2006, opening a sewing and a literacy centre in the village as

well as conducting several health camps. Shobha was one of the students of t Veerni literacy centre

and after completing 10th grade, she felt very deeply about it and strongly abhors this illegal custom.

When she was in the Veerni Institute, she often discussed her marriage, and her desire to get out of it.

Veerni guided her and sent her to a legal seminar, where she gained a lot of knowledge about the

child-marriage crime, which helped her a great deal.

After completing her 12th grade from the Veerni institute, Shobha gained a Post Graduate Diploma in

Computer Application with the financial support of Veerni and Ms. Cynthia Gorney. She also

completed a one year diploma in house-keeping from Taj Group of Hotels at Umaid Bhawan Palace

Jodhpur. With these qualifications, she was earning money and settled in Jodhpur. Her confidence

had grown, and she did not want to go back to the village or be forced to join her husband; she was

thinking about how to get a divorce. But because of family pressure, she broke down and was fearful

of the risk of her family being “outcasted” (thrown out of the village for not fulfilling the contract made

by her parents). She returned to Rajwa where the village elders forced her family to send her to her in-

laws' house. She spent four days with her husband but finally ran away. She said “my husband and his

family have not treated me well, they do not allow me to work, and they treated me like an animal.”

Once they learned that she did not want to live with her husband, the whole community and her

family were against her but she stuck to her decision and filed a case in court against her in-laws under

the section of child-marriage. Educated, aware of her rights, and supported by the Veerni project, she

was empowered to seek help from the government authorities to have her illegal marriage canceled.

In this struggle she has appeared in articles in newspapers and on local television. Shobha's story has

become very popular case. Finally after long fight, she won and achieved what she wanted: the High


Court of Jodhpur awarded her a divorce. In the meantime, her husband, now former husband, got

married and has a child.

Shobha is now completely free of her marriage and she can make her own choice of marriage in the

future. There are no consequences for the family now as the community has accepted her family's

decision.

She said “If I were to choose a word that describes me the best it would be independent.” I have

always wanted to be independent, fought very hard for it, and finally I have achieved it. Now I'm

completely free from my marriage and I'm settled down in Jaipur, and earning well.” She added “Now

I have become a role model for girls like me and I will continue fighting for them also”. Shobha has

herself addressed 30 lawyers on the subject of child marriage; her dream is to become a social activist

and she would like to help girls like her.

All credit of course, she says, goes to Veerni with whose assistance she could study and develop an

'identity' of her own. She said “I am extremely passionate about learning new things in life, and the

Veerni Institute is the best thing that has ever happened to me”.


Dev Shree

Dev Shree is from a village called Thabaliyan Kalan. She belongs to the

Rajput community Although she is from the high caste in Rajasthan, her

family's economic condition is very fragile . The government of

Rajasthan has issued them a BPL (below poverty line) card, which is only

for the very poor. Dev Shree has three younger sisters and one younger

brother, a total of seven members in her family. Her father is an educated

person and has got a college degree and her mother too has been

educated up to class 10th. Her father is a farmer and mother is a

housewife.

Dev Shree is a fortunate that she got educated parents which is very rare

in her village. For this reason, her parents understand the value of girls' education. Her parents wished

for her to continue her education but because of their poor economic condition, they were planning

to stop her studies. One day, Dev Shree's father came to know about the Veerni Project and

approached to the Veerni staff, Veerni enrolled Dev Shree in class 10th in the year 2007-08. She was a

very brilliant student and in 2009-10, she had graduated from the Veerni Institute with very good

marks. After her graduation, Veerni motivated her father to let her pursue higher education. He

promised Veerni that as long as she was achieving good results in the exams they would do anything

for fund her further education; they even had taken loan from their relatives for this purpose.

After graduating, Dev Shree jointed B-STC (Teachers Training Centre) course, a two and half year

course, which she had completed. Apart from B-STC, she enrolled in the Jodhpur University and is

currently completing a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts). She completed her final year at the Jai Narayan Vyas

University Jodhpur as a private student. She is also preparing her competition examination for a

government job. Her ambition is to work in the government sector

Dev Shree says “My goal is to study hard and to one day become a RAS (Rajasthan Administration

Services) Officer. I want to bring positive change in the society and would want to create a society

that could support and respect women.” she added for that, she has to study hard and achieve a Post

Graduate degree from the University.”

She further said “I am happy that the Veerni has supported me and would want to thank the Veerni

Institute for all the facilities. At the Veerni Institute, I have not only learned about the importance of

education but also gained lot of knowledge on my personal health, now I'm much more confidant

then I was before.”

Her father said “Veerni has changed her life entirely. Before Veerni, my daughter was leaving in

darkness but Veerni has brought light in my daughter's life and has shown a path of success to her”.

He added “now, I can dream of my daughter for higher studies, getting a government job and earning

on her own, she won't have to live like us.”

Dev Shree told us that when she becomes a RAS Officer, she will fund the Veerni Institute for rural

girls' education so that more girls like her become confident and independent hence that they could

live qualify life.


PHOTO GALLERY : VEERNI INSTITUTE

Veerni Institute Girls

Veerni girls attending extra tuition classes

Art and Craft Class at Veerni Institute


Veerni girls in Science Lab Veerni girls attending computer class

Dinning Hall: Veerni girls at meal time

Veerni girls performing culture dance Sports activities: Girls playing handball


Mrs. Nancy Griffin, Mr. Steven Ehrlich and Mrs. Laurie Simmonsinteracting with the girls at the Veerni Institute

Ms. Jacqueline de Chollet and her family alongwith the girls at Veerni Institute

Mr. & Mrs. Jaideep Khanna and Ms Jacqueline deChollet interacting the girls at Veerni Institute

Ms. Edwina Sandys, Mr. Richard Kaplan andMs. Veronica Boswell at the Veerni Institute

Mr. and Mrs. Gilles Petitpierre and Ms.BonnieChristen at the Veerni Institute


Mr. Paul Zukerman and Ms. Sarah Greenall visiting sewing and computer class at Veerni Institute

Mrs. David L. Robinson, Director, Prodigy visited village Meghwalon ki Dhani and interacting with Veerni graduated girl.

Ms. Anne Vincent and Ms. Anthea gave farewelllunch for Veerni class 12th graduates at restaurant. Ms. Anne Vincent at the Veerni Institute


We are very proud of Veerni's achievements this past year. The girls all passed their exams and

academic results are heart warming. Additionally, there are now science graduates and the Veerni girls

in that stream passed with good results.

Veerni has achieved diversity in the school and girls of different castes are living together as one

community and befriending each other. The older girls are mentors to the younger ones.

Veerni will ensure that these young women take their rightful place in India and contribute to the

development of a strong Civil Society.

As Hilary Clinton so eloquently states, "Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the

world. It is past time for women to take their rightful place, side by side with men, in the rooms where

the fates of peoples, where their children and grandchildren's fates, are decided".

CONCLUSION

Veerni keeps a systematic record of funds and proper accounting systems are followed, to ensure that

all the activities undertaken are properly backed up by the funds required.

A summary of the accounts for the financial year from April 1st, 2012 to March 31st, 2013 and from

April 1st, 2013 to March 31st 2014 appear on the following pages.

FINANCIAL


All for one, one for all became a stance of the Veerni girls. Girls who come from different communities

in the Veerni Institute learnt that unity is important. All the girls at the Veerni Institute are united in

their efforts to educate themselves; they are together in their venture for a better life.

Veerni being a residential institute it is important that the girls get along. Girls at the Veerni institute

share everything. If a girl is of frail constitution and falls sick often, others take extra care of her along

with the matrons. If a girl is weak in a subject, the ones who are good at it will help her. If one feels

home sick others make sure she is cheered up. Veerni believes the camaraderie is very important and

they are together working to educate themselves, it is enough to be thrilled about!

IMPACT OF THE VEERNI INSTITUTEAMONGST STUDENTS


PATRONS

ADVISORY BOARD

VEERNI TEAM

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur

Her Highness Maharani Hemlata Rajye

Brig. (Retd.) Shakti Singh, Director Cum Coordinator

Ms. Jacqueline de Chollet, Director (UK,USA)

Ms. Anne Vincent, Director (Switzerland)

Dr. K.C. Joshi, Medical Director

Mr. Mahendra Sharma, Manager

Mr. Parbat Singh, Administrator cum Field Supervisor

Ms. Vimlesh Sharma, Health and Sanitation In-charge

Mr. Multan Singh, Office Worker

VEERNI BOARD AND STAFF


Veerni can only reach out to the rural villagers of Rajasthan because of the support of our sponsors.

We are extremely grateful for their generous support year after year.

Women's health is a human right. Every day we are helping more village women and families to

become healthy and economically productive, and village girls to receive daily education.

Your donation will help us keep these programs viable. Any amount is significant and your donation

is fully tax-deductible, to the extent allowed by law.

If you are interested in sponsoring a hostel student, please contact us and let us know the amount and

the term of your sponsorship. We will select a student and send you updates on her progress.

Contact :

Ms. Jacqueline de Chollet - Email: [email protected]

Ms. Anne Vincent - Email: [email protected]

Brig. Shakti Singh - Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Mahendra Sharma - Email: [email protected]

Website: - www.veerni.org

SUPPORT VEERNI

THE VEERNI PROJECTTHE VEERNI PROJECT10, Hanwant Vihar, Raika Bagh, Jodhpur 342 006 Rajasthan, India

Tel.: +91 291 251 0310, Fax : +91 291 251 0928

E-mail : [email protected] or [email protected]

PROJECT

our biennial report 2014

Documents