Empowering Change from Within: BKS Hosts Half-Yearly Review and Capacity Building Meet

A two-day Half-Yearly Review and Capacity Building Meeting was conducted by Bal Kalyan Sangh (BKS) for its core team members, with the active participation of child champions throughout the planning process. The gathering became a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and collective goal-setting, blending strategic review with experiential training to strengthen purpose and performance.

A Spirit of Unity and Purpose

The meeting opened with the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy of national integration. The occasion set an inspiring tone, reminding participants that unity — within teams and across communities is the foundation for sustainable social transformation.

Strengthening Communication and Collaboration

The session “Draw What I Say” offered a creative start to the capacity-building exercises. Through this engaging activity, participants explored how effective teamwork relies on three vital pillars — clear instruction, active listening, and focused attention. The reflections helped underline the importance of clarity and empathy in communication, both within the organisation and in field engagements.

Understanding Social Norms and Gender at Work

One of the most insightful sessions of the meeting focused on Social Norms and the Gender at Work Framework. Participants examined how unwritten social expectations shape everyday interactions, roles, and access to opportunities.

Interactive exercises like role plays, daily role listing, and the “Norms Line” discussion encouraged participants to analyse how gender roles influence field realities and community behaviour. The session culminated in a debate on the Gender at Work Framework, which connects personal reflection with organisational and societal transformation. Participants explored how gender inequality operates across four levels individual, relational, structural, and cultural and how conscious change can shift each layer.

Reviewing Progress and Planning Ahead

The second half of the meeting was devoted to project review and strategic planning. Each project team assessed its performance over the past six months, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future priorities. The process fostered shared accountability and clarity in action plans for the upcoming cycle.

Root Cause Analysis: Understanding Dhuku Pratha

A key highlight of the second day was a deep-dive discussion on Dhuku Pratha, a harmful traditional practice affecting women and children in parts of Jharkhand. Through a participatory “tree mapping” exercise, participants identified the root causes of the issue and its social consequences, enhancing understanding of how cultural norms sustain inequality and how community-led change can break these patterns.

Vision and Leadership

An interactive session with Founder and Secretary, Mr Sanjay Kumar Mishra, brought renewed motivation and strategic direction. He appreciated the dedication of all teams, reviewed project presentations — including Sapno Ki Udaan and Saksham and outlined a clear vision for the next six months. His guidance emphasised the importance of data-driven planning, community engagement, and teamwork.

Child Champions at the Heart of Change

The participation of child champions added a meaningful dimension to the meeting. Their ideas and experiences infused the discussions with authenticity and reminded everyone that children are not just beneficiaries but active voices in shaping change.

Closing on a Positive Note

The two-day meet concluded with a lively team-building activity, strengthening the bonds of collaboration and shared purpose. Laughter, creativity, and unity marked the perfect ending to two days of reflection, dialogue, and renewal.

Moving Forward

The Half-Yearly Review and Capacity Building Meeting 2025 reinforced BKS’s commitment to continuous learning, inclusion, and strategic action. With empowered teams and child champions leading the way, BKS continues to move forward — driven by the vision of a just, equitable, and child-friendly society.