Xavier Institute of Social Service, World Vision India sign MoU for community engagement

Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, and World Vision India (WVI), have signed an MoU for a partnership of one year (February 2022-April 2023) for community engagement of students from the rural management programme in 10 community slums in Ranchi.

In these communities, volunteers will extend their support to the students to introduce them to the communities, especially community-based and children groups formed by the organisation.

Under this partnership, students pursuing their postgraduate Rural Management Course will devote their afternoon session in 10 communities of WVI Ranchi Urban for Urban Field Work (UFW) in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester which is an essential requirement of the course. These 10 Slums are Kusai, Madhukam, Hatma, Lowadih, Dibadhi, Bada Ghagra, Mahadev Tola, Lohrakocha, Mahuwatoli and Samlong.

WVI will provide teaching aids/IEC materials to the students when they engage with the community and the children alongside will also maintain a cordial relationship with children, communities and volunteers in their words and deeds during fieldwork.

Logistical arrangements for preschool children (Balwadi) will be facilitated by XISS, and a child protection policy will also be signed by them. Students will be oriented on community profile, families visit and interaction with community-based organisations (slum development committee, child protection unit, children club).

Orientation on child protection, advocacy, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), livelihood intervention, linkage with govt schemes and intervention of maternal and child health nutrition is another important factor of the MoU. Students will ensure significant change stories, mobilise people with disability and children with disability to government hospitals and submit a progress report on a monthly basis and also participate and support in campaigns organised by WVI.

Joseph Marianus Kujur, the XISS director, said, “XISS is elated about this collaboration with WVI with a vision to effectively increase student participation in the UFW under their course curriculum which aligns to the vision and mission of the institute. Interaction with community-based organisations, orientation on child protection, advocacy and other factors are some crucial points where our students will benefit from the WVI. I am sure it will widen their horizon as they are preparing to step into the professional world. I am hopeful that this association will immensely benefit the student’s community in enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.”