Kutumb

Break the myths and taboos of HIV.

-No Stigma, No discrimination

GOAL Of KUTUMB

Unfortunately HIV is a disease that people still shirk away from. So much so that it is treated as an untouchable disease. Infected children are treated as outcasts with no one willing to take their responsibility. The plight of such children moved us to set up ‘KUTUMB’ an initiative by SAIUJYAM. SAIUJYAM’s KUTUMB is a family, home away from home, for many HIV-infected children facing tremendous emotional and psychological problems. At KUTUMB, we provide a healthy and secure environment for these children to rise above the prejudice and face the world as strong, independent and responsible citizens.

HOW DOES KUTUMB WORK?

SAIUJYAM reaches out to the children with the help of doctors, counselors, social workers etc., where each child’s case is considered. After consulting with parent/guardian and the children, the children most in need of support are taken into the care of KUTUMB. As communities have begun to recognize our work, people from nearby villages have started to approach SAIUJYAM seeking help for HIV-infected kids. Here, the children are cared for in comfortable and hygienic accommodation equipped with all basic amenities.

The Doctor's Guide

HIV makes the immune system weak, exposing the individual to opportunistic infections and life-threatening diseases. We provide a balanced and nutritious diet recommended by the dietician, specific to the needs of each child. For rapid growth and improvement, immunity-boosting ingredients also constitute their daily diet as advised by Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Ayurveda doctors.

The children are prone to skin infections and weekly oil baths have immensely helped to keep their skin healthy. In addition, during monsoons and winter, every child is given regular steam inhalation to prevent colds other respiratory-related illness common amongst HIV-infected persons. The warm steam inhalation also helps the child sleep better.

BOOMING OUTCOMES

With such dedication towards the children’s care and wellbeing at KUTUMB positive results are seen within six months of their arrival. With improved appetite, weight gain, smooth bowel movements and healthy skin, they heal both emotionally and physically.

Education at Kutumb

Every child at KUTUMB is provided education for them to learn and grow. Children are assisted with homework and school assignments, and encouraged to be computer literate.
Two children presently studying in ITI 2nd year have secured 80% & 78.5 % in their 1st year exams.
One child studying in 7th Std stood 2nd and also won cash award for his excellent academic performance during 2021-22.

Apart from academics they are being equipped with MS Oﬃce skills like MS Powerpoint, MS Excel and other useful technological tools / skillsets, which would be of great use for future job requirements. We are proud of all our children who have fought against all obstacles and have passed with excellent grades. Many in fact struggle with learning challenges and lower IQ, but have conquered those challenges.. The adolescents are also provided with career counselling to choose from various vocational programs and career paths.

LOVE AND AFFECTION

Since children in our care are from dysfunctional or broken homes and are deprived of parental guidance, we see to it that they do not miss love, affection and family values. They are made aware of their duties and responsibilities towards society, kindness to fellow beings and respect for elders. We expose them to diverse Indian culture and traditions. We celebrate all major festivals at SAIUJYAM, making the kids feel lively, happy, and inclusive.

Each child is taught to accept and treat the fellow children in KUTUMB as their brothers and sisters, enabling them to experience the sentiments of love and companionship. The birthday of every child is celebrated with great joy and excitement. On the special day, the child is made to feel more special with lots of decorations, balloons, cake, songs, dance and delicious food. To our children, KUTUMB is home! However, to ensure that their family ties are not lost, they travel home on holidays, spending time with their loved ones. Correspondingly, the family is educated about the children’s routine in KUTUMB and the special necessities of the child, thus ensuring the children enjoy their holiday without disturbing their medical routine.

RECHARGING AT KUTUMB

Sports teach students healthy competition, discipline and team work. All round sporting ambitions are encouraged, which helps children in resilence building and in getting them to face the challenges in life. Staying physically and mentally ﬁt through sports and athletics is part of our children’s lifestyle. Children start their day with yoga and exercise which helps in keeping them ﬁt and healthy.

They play outdoor games such as cricket, kabaddi, badminton and enjoy cycling. They also love indoor games like carrom, chess, and cubes.
In the immediate past, the children have participated in
A) The cross country running competition held at Galagi-Hulakoppa on 20th November 2021.
B) The Dharwad District Athletics Meet held for U-14 and U-16 at R. N. Shetty Stadium, Dharwad on 28th November 2021.
C) The Junior Athletic Championship 2022 conducted at K. H. Patil Stadium, Gadag during 11th & 12th February 2022.
D) Hubballi Half Marathon 2022 held on 20th November, 2022 which was flagged off from KLE IT, Gokul Road, Hubballi.
E) Cross Country Running Championship organised by Dharwad District Athletics Association on 10th December, 2022 held near Gangubai Hangal Memorial Music School, Hubballi.

The children are given a break from studies for rejuvenation and recreation. They are taken on educational tours to Hyderabad, Goa, Khanapur and Bangalore. In view of the COVID-19 situation, the visits were paused. However after the lockdown and after consultations with the doctors the children were taken to local tourist destinations such as ISKON Temple, Dharwad Adventure Base, Unkal Lake and Dandeli.

LIFE AT KUTUMB DURING COVID-19

Everyone was scared of Covid-19 but we had to be extremely cautious for the children at KUTUMB. Due to their pre-existing condition and weakened immunity, we took extra measures to ensure our children were kept safe. KUTUMB adapted itself to the lockdown and suspended all out-of-home activities. The children were kept safe within the premises with only one coordinator permitted to leave to get essentials

COVID TIME ACTIVITIES AT KUTUMB
Discussions with our helpful and responsible doctors and medical staff from KIMS, Hubballi helped us in devising precautionary measures to be taken keeping in mind our children being immunocompromised.
Self quarantine for all the children and the caretakers at Kutumb was the most challenging. We had no choice other than keeping 26 children and four caretakers within the four walls of Kutumb.
Visits to hospitals whenever our children were ill or for their art medicines and the restrictions on the movement were very serious challenges which we overcame.
Ensuring availability of sufficient vegetables and groceries for around 30 persons was a task onto itself. Vegetables were sold in the wholesale markets between 2.00 am to 5.00 am only.
The decision whether to or not to send the children during vacation to meet their relatives was most challenging. We were not sure whether they would get the appropriate medical, nutritional and emotional support. However, before we could decide the lockdown restrictions were imposed
One of our children who aspires to be a fashion designer rose to the occasion and stiched masks. The shortage of the masks in the open market was not felt by us due to this pro-active and responsible action.
A schedule was drawn out with a blend of academics, games, recreation (TV and internet), indoor games, drawing & craft and updates of the pandemic.

Snapshot of the day-to-day activities during the pandemic
▪ Day begins at 6.00 am with exercise for around 45 minutes
▪ Masks to be compulsorily used by all. Washing of hand at regular intervals
▪ Warm water administered every two hours
▪ Gargling of warm water mixed with turmeric and salt
▪ Disinfecting frequently touched objects within the home. Muncipal authorities disinfecting the surroundings of the home
▪ Prayers and assembly before the morning session online classes (academics-school authorities) and spoken english classes
▪ Afternoon nap and later on intake of energy drink (poushtik) made from multiple grains which are sprouted
▪ Indoor games in the evening
▪ Online classes (academics-school authorities) during the evening ▪ Entertainment time-television and internet
▪ Administering regular medicines at 8.45 am and 8.45 pm