As the experience shows, the entire process of the Meena Manch contributes to empowerment. The children are not passive viewers or listeners but the processes make them think, reflect, plan, implement and manage the activities. Child participation is core to all activities of the Meena Manch.

The well-tested activities of the Meena Manch are based on behaviour change communication techniques and element of fun is ensured.

The Manch have evolved over a period of time. Most significant shift is greater involvement of girls. Tools for self planning, monitoring and assessing impact have been developed with the help of teachers and others through a participative process. These have been put in the Meena Guidebook for the Meena Manch

What is a Manch and what does it do?

The Meena Manch operates in classes 6th, 7th, and 8th of upper primary schools, and includes a membership of 20 girls, five of whom are out of school. Schools are encouraged to include boys as members. Emphasis is given on their participation.

Meena Facilitator (a designated teacher) ensures that the Manch is functioning. She does not dictate. The Meena Motivators (one of the girls from classes 6, 7 and 8 each, elected by Meena Manch Members) plan and manage activities in consultation with other members.

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The Manch members meet once or twice a month during school hours.

The Manch activities include group discussions using Meena storybooks (core activity), house visits to ensure school attendance, holding of neighbourhood and whole community meetings to broach children’s needs and aspirations, and organizing nani-dadi diwas (grandmothers’ day) to engage their support. Discussion topics broached by Meena Manchs include the value of education, the right age of marriage, the importance of health, hygiene, and nutrition; access to clean water and sanitation, and other issues far beyond what the Meena stories cover.

The Manch also contributes to ensure age appropriate enrollment, regular attendance, and completion of elementary education up to Class VIII by all girls and boys in the local area