Creativity and Innovation in riot-affected children

1. Creativity and Innovation in riot-affected children by Kumar Rahul Roushan PGP-II IIM Ahmedabad

2. Riots and children • Children and Women are the worst victims of any riot or any war • Witness to the most horrendous crimes against humanity • Psychic wound very deep in children • Gujarat riots (2002) changed the lives of thousands of kids

3. Previous studies and observations • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • irritability, sadness, fear, sleep disturbances, difficulties in concentrating and feelings of guilt • 5% suffering from disorder and 9.4% from depression (February 2006 study) • Lack of social support a reason - Psychiatry Department at the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad • Active social intervention has helped

4. Arzoo Center • Sulekha Ali and friends started in 2002 • Shah-e-Alam camp brought them together • Thought of forming this self-help group • Teaches small kids to prepare them for higher education • Hindu and Muslim kids study together • Skill training apart from education

5. Creativity and Innovation • Sharp and innovative • Eager to prove themselves • Treasure their education • No specific vocations in mind • School Teacher (Roshni) • Build airplanes, big houses, etc. • Sense of independence

6. Knowledge Network • Skillful and beautiful handicraft work • Need a platform to showcase talent • Organizers don’t know how an NGO is run • Rent and salary problems • Dependent upon occasional visits by benevolent guests • Need volunteers and expert help

7. The road ahead • People have to be sensitized for social intervention and acceptance of these kids • Continuous medical help – but no social stigma attached with it • Speedy justice to juveniles/children languishing in jail or battling cases • Use their skill-set and give them an opportunity to smile

8. Thank you!