(IN) WSPA WTI effort to start schools for Kalandar children

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http://www.wti.org.in/current-news/081215_wspa_wti_initiative_makes_school_possi\

ble_for_kalandar_children.html

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*WSPA-WTI initiative makes school possible for Kalandar children*

 

Nawada (Bihar), December 15, 2008: Tamanna, the ten-year-old daughter of

rehabilitated Kalandar (sloth bear performer) Sovrati began attending

preparatory school as her first step to formal education, only two months

ago. She is one of several fortunate ones. Her father gave up the

semi-nomadic existence of performing sloth bear dances to take up

alternative livelihood options provided by the World Society for the

Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

 

The WSPA-WTI initiative of providing alternative livelihood to Kalandars was

a humanitarian approach to tackle one of the key threats to wild sloth bears

in India- confinement in Kalandar homes. In October 1998, the Government of

India had banned confinement and performances of sloth bear with the

amendment in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960).

 

However, without alternatives, Tamanna's family, like many other Kalandar

families had continued bear dancing covertly, before WSPA-WTI team members

struck a relationship with them. Post many months of diaogue, her father

Sovrati agreed to give up the illegal profession and opt for an alternative

livelihood. He purchased a plot of land and two cycle rickshaws with the

fund provided by WSPA-WTI.

 

Tamanna is yet to understand the significance of the change and the

stability in her life, brought about by her father's decision. She still

misses the bear that she grew up with, which her father has surrendered to

the Bihar Forest Department on WSPA-WTI's request.

 

" For these children, their bear was more than just a means of livelihood; it

was a part of their family. We have observed this emotional attachment in

many Kalandar families that we have worked with over the last three years, "

says Manali Baruah, Programme Officer, WTI, adding that it was necessary to

stop this practice.

 

While Tamanna and her younger siblings adjust to their new lifestyle, the

WSPA-WTI team endeavours to ensure her father's success in his new venture.

 

" We are continuously monitoring Sovrati's progress. He is doing quite well,

but is still a long way from being economically comfortable, " says Sushovan

Roy, Field Officer, WSPA-WTI. " We try to bring about attitudinal changes

among the Kalandars we work with, through repetitive motivation. Sovrati

understands the importance of educating his children; now, we are only

helping him fulfill his duties. "