Child marriage is a pressing issue in many rural areas, where cultural, economic, and social

factors often contribute to its persistence. It not only deprives children of their childhood but
also has far-reaching consequences on their health, education, and overall well-being.

Our NGO, "Guardians of Childhood Dreams," has been working for the rights of children and
their well-being for the past fifteen years, with preventing child marriage as one of our major
areas of focus. Recently, we identified a community in the hilly area of Baramulla where child
marriage is prevalent, especially among girls. As an NGO dedicated to children's welfare, we
recognize the urgent need to address this critical concern.
This initiative is not just about forming a group; it's about creating a force for positive
transformation. Our mission is simple yet profound: to protect the rights and future of our
youngest community members, ensuring that they have the opportunity to flourish, pursue
education, and make choices for themselves.

In the pages that follow, we will delve into the stages of group formation. I, as a social
worker, will act as the coordinator, facilitator, and moderator.

Forming stage .

First, we conducted a community assessment to identify individuals genuinely concerned

about child marriage in the area. During our assessment, we found Mr. Amin, who is the
principal of a local school and is deeply passionate about the issue. He has been actively
advocating for girls' education and against child marriage in his spare time. Through Mr.
Amin, we connected with like-minded people in the community, including a group of young
individuals who also wanted to combat this issue, as well as students from Mr. Amin's
school.

Defining Group Objectives:

We clearly articulated the objectives of the Child Marriage Prevention Group. These
objectives include raising awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage, advocating
for policy changes, and providing support to at-risk families.

Engaging the Community:

To introduce our Child Marriage Prevention Group to the community, we organized a town
hall meeting. The meeting attracted concerned parents, teachers, and even some local
leaders who expressed their interest in joining the group.
The forming stage set the foundation for the Child Marriage Prevention Group's activities,
bringing together a passionate and diverse group of individuals committed to the cause. At
this stage, every member was excited about the journey ahead but also felt some confusion
and anxiety regarding their roles, responsibilities, and their relevance within the group.

Storming.
Storming: As our group moved into the storming stage, we encountered various challenges
and opportunities for growth.
Diverse Perspectives Emerged: During our early meetings, diverse perspectives emerged.
The younger members believed that a social media campaign was key to spreading
awareness. Mr. Ameen believed that organizing community workshops would be more
effective, while some members suggested going door to door to raise awareness about the
ill effects of child marriage. These differences in opinion led to healthy debates within the
group. Some members expressed concerns about limited resources and the need to
prioritize activities. As a group coordinator, I encouraged open dialogue and ensured that
everyone had the opportunity to voice their ideas.

Resolving Conflicts:

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities: To address the issues related to conflicting strategies,
we decided to assign specific roles and responsibilities based on individual strengths. Mr.
Ameen was given the role of group leader due to his extensive experience with the issue
and his strong reputation in the community. The younger members were tasked with
spreading awareness through social media and organizing street plays and other programs
in the community. Other student members were assigned the responsibility of reporting any
child marriages taking place in the community to the authorities promptly to prevent such
marriages.

Setting Common Goals: Through discussions and compromise, the group identified common
goals, which included both online and offline awareness campaigns, local policy advocacy,
and providing educational resources to families.

Building Team Cohesion: To build team cohesion, we organized team-building activities and
conducted training sessions on conflict resolution. Members began to appreciate each
other's unique contributions and learned to work together harmoniously.

Challenges from the Community Side:

Community Resistance: While our group was dedicated to addressing the issue of child
marriage, we encountered resistance from some community members who were not
receptive to our efforts. They had cultural and traditional beliefs that clashed with our
mission, making it challenging to gain their support.

Lack of Awareness: Another significant challenge was the overall lack of awareness within
the community about the harmful consequences of child marriage. This presented a hurdle
in our efforts to mobilize community members to join our cause.

Engagement Difficulties: Engaging with the community was often difficult due to language
barriers, limited access to technology in some areas, and the need for culturally sensitive
approaches.

Resolutions:

Community Dialogue: To address resistance, we initiated open dialogues with community

leaders and elders. We aimed to understand their concerns and educate them about the
detrimental effects of child marriage on young girls and the community as a whole.
Awareness Campaigns: To tackle the lack of awareness, we implemented extensive
awareness campaigns that included informational pamphlets, community meetings, and
multimedia presentations to educate community members about the issue.

Cultural Sensitivity: We approached engagement with cultural sensitivity, respecting local

customs and traditions while promoting our message. This approach helped bridge gaps and
gain the trust of community members

This stage is a critical phase where the group faces challenges but also grows stronger
through effective communication, role clarification, and the establishment of common goals.
The dedication of the group members and their willingness to work through differences
bodes well for the future success of their initiatives.

Norming stage

In the norming stage, the group begins to establish cohesion, shared norms, and a sense of
common purpose.

Solidifying Roles and Responsibilities:

Following the initial storming phase, the group has effectively clarified and settled into their
roles. Our youth group continues to manage the social media campaign. Mr. Ameen is
efficiently organizing community workshops and facilitating community engagement, while
our students are vigilant about identifying instances of child marriage in the community. I
oversee all the group's development and collaboration with other NGOs for training sessions.

Embracing Diverse Perspectives:

Group members have learned to appreciate the diverse perspectives and approaches that
each member brings to the table. They understand that a combination of strategies can be
more effective in addressing child marriage.

Defining Group Norms:

During a group meeting, members collectively establish norms for communication,
decision-making, and attendance. These norms ensure that everyone feels heard, and group
activities run smoothly.

Setting Communication Channels:

The group adopts a regular communication schedule, with weekly meetings to discuss
progress and address challenges. Additionally, a WhatsApp group is maintained for
day-to-day updates and quick exchanges.

Strengthening External Collaborations:

Collaborations with the local NGO have deepened, and the group has forged connections
with other like-minded organizations, creating a network of support and resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

The group implements a system for monitoring and evaluating the impact of their activities.
They collect data on awareness levels, policy changes, and the number of families reached
by their initiatives.

Ongoing Training:
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, the group periodically attends
workshops and training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills in child marriage
prevention.

The "Norming" stage is marked by a growing sense of unity, a well-defined structure,

and shared norms within the Child Marriage Prevention Group. By embracing diversity,
establishing effective communication channels, and celebrating achievements, the group is
well on its way to achieving its objectives and making a lasting impact on child marriage
prevention in the rural area

Performing

As our Child Marriage Prevention Group enters the "Performing" stage, it is primed for
action, having successfully navigated the earlier stages of development.

Implementing Action Plans:

With roles and responsibilities well-defined, the group launches its planned activities. Our
social media campaign gains momentum, reaching a wide online audience, while Mr.
Ameen's community workshops draw eager participants. We were also successful in
stopping two child marriages in the community due to early reporting by our student
members.

Policy Advocacy Success:

Through persistent efforts and collaboration with local authorities, the group successfully
advocates for policy changes at the community level.

Raising Awareness:
The group's awareness campaigns resonate with the community. They organize rallies,
poster exhibitions, and school programs that educate parents, children, and community
leaders about the harms of child marriage.

Providing Support:
Families at risk of child marriage receive vital support from the group. They offer counseling,
access to educational resources, and referrals to relevant services, empowering families to
make informed decisions.

Impact Measurement:
Regularly collecting and analyzing data, the group observes tangible results. Child marriage
rates decline, school enrollment of girls increases, and community attitudes begin to shift.

Community Empowerment:
The group's efforts have not only prevented child marriages but have also empowered the
community to take a stand against harmful traditions. Community members actively
participate in and support the group's activities.

Advocating Beyond the Local Level:

Building on their local achievements, the group starts advocating for broader policy changes
at the regional level, leveraging their experience and success stories.

The "Performing" stage showcases the Child Marriage Prevention Group's ability to translate
their vision and strategy into meaningful actions that lead to positive change within the rural
community. By effectively implementing their action plans, advocating for policy changes,
and measuring their impact, they make a significant difference in the lives of children.

Adjourning

As the Child Marriage Prevention Group enters the "Adjourning" stage, it's time to reflect on
the journey, celebrate achievements, and prepare for the next steps.

Celebrating Achievements:

The group organizes a special event to celebrate their accomplishments. They invite
community members, local leaders, and partners to join in recognizing the progress made in
preventing child marriage in the rural area.

Impact Assessment:

The group conducts a thorough impact assessment, measuring the outcomes of their
initiatives. They compile data on reduced child marriage rates, increased school enrollment,
and changed community attitudes to showcase the tangible results of their work.

Recognizing Contributions:

During the celebration event, the group acknowledges the contributions of each member and
expresses gratitude to all the community members who supported the group.

Documenting Best Practices:

The group compiles a comprehensive report detailing their strategies, challenges faced, and
best practices. This report will serve as a valuable resource for future initiatives and as a
testament to their commitment.

Maintaining a Network:

Although the formal group may adjourn, members decide to stay connected through a
network. They establish an online platform and continue to share updates, resources, and
insights related to child marriage prevention.
Gratitude and Farewell:

In a heartfelt farewell gathering, group members express their gratitude for the experiences,
friendships, and positive impact they've shared. They bid farewell to this chapter of their
journey, knowing that the legacy of their work will endure.

The "Adjourning" stage represents a bittersweet moment for the Child Marriage Prevention
Group as they reflect on their achievements and prepare to transition into a new phase.
Through celebration, documentation, and planning for sustainability, they ensure that the
impact of their efforts continues to resonate within the community long after the formal group
has adjourned