More than 2,500 persons attented 1st MICA FESTIVAL organized in Tisri, Jharkhand (India)

Objectives:

Showcase the good practices and activities carried out by CESAM and BJSAM partners over the past year – 2 consortia of 7 local NGOs implementing RMI’s programs in 80 villages;
Provide a platform to local artists, children and mica communities, to exhibit their talents, skills and traditions to gain better recognition;
Enhance linkages of mica communities with different government schemes and departments to improve their living condition;
Strengthen networking with different government departments, line department officers, Panchayti Raj Institutions (PRI) and different political parties, to reinforce their support in programs’ implementation and enforcement of inclusive mica regulations.

On January 22^nd and 23^rd, 2020, a 2-day MICA Festival was organised by Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI)-led Abhivyakti Foundation, Samajik Parivartan Sansthan and Jago Foundation at Tisri in Giridih (Jharkhand, India). Mr. Babu Lal Marandi, Ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand and sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) inaugurated the MICA Festival. The list of honourable attendees included Mr. Deepak Tiwary (District Judge), Mr. Ashok Upadhyay (District Vice-President of Bhartiya Janta Party i.e. BJP), Mr. Rajkumar (District Panchayat Head), Mr. Sunil Prakash (Block Development Officer) and Mrs. Neelam Devi (Tisri Block Panchayat Head), together with RMI team: Mrs. Fanny Fremont (RMI Executive Director), Mr. Vijay Jain (RMI Country Head), Ajay Sharma (Manager, Community empowerment Program)

The region faces acute discrimination between girls and boys, where child marriage, education and dowry are critical issues. The MICA Festival, which is one of its own kind, gave the girls and marginalised children a platform to showcase their talents. The event witnessed over 1,000 children among whom participated in different sports activities, demonstrated science models and exhibited local tradition and culture. Mr. Babu Lal Marandi applauded the efforts and objectives of RMI-led partner organizations which are committed to bring a positive change in the region. Mrs. Fanny Fremont addressed the gathering about the existence of RMI and how RMI and its partners could provide benefits in terms of revived and sustainable mica activities, coming along with improved livelihood, better health and education facilities,… providing that all stakeholders join forces and work together towards a positive change. The festival ended on a cheerful note with prize distribution to the winners from different events.

Such an event happened for the first time in the region. All the guests, community members and children were extremely grateful to have the opportunity to raise mica-related issues at a larger scale, as well as showcase initiated positive changes. Adding to that, the 2-day Festival was largely covered by local newspapers, further reinforcing coverage and awareness.

Outcomes:

Over 1,000 marginalised children participated in 19 activities/sport competitions conducted during MICA Festival that boosted their confidence;
Over 2,500 mica workers attended the festival over the two days and became aware of several Government schemes and of the activities carried out by CESAM and BJSAM consortia;
Relationships and trust between key stakeholders including government, representatives of different political parties, MLAs, PRIs, line departments and its functionaries, community leaders, CSOs, business community and others have been improved.

More than 2,500 persons attented 1st MICA FESTIVAL organized in Tisri, Jharkhand (India)

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