Ekalaavyanagara

A couple of weeks ago, while we were on outreach, we happened upon a squatter settlement just outside of the city. We decided to make an extra stop to see if there were any TBAs in the community. I stopped the van before we entered the village, so that we could get pictures from just outside the settlement.

While taking these pictures, we were confronted by several village people, who did not approve of us taking pictures of them. We told them who we were and why we were there. They took us to their Anganwardi center, which is a pre-school facility during the day and a multi-purpose room in the evenings. There we met with the Anganwardi teacher and several other older members of the community. These leaders informed us that many people have come to their community and taken pictures, while promising money and aid. However, they have not seen any benefit thus far, and organized themselves against the photographic exploitation by 'outsiders'.

Guilty, was the first emotion I felt, because it seemed I had violated them in some way. However, it was very moving to see them come together as a community to take a stand against these violations. After the meeting, I vowed that I would not be one of those 'outsiders' who just came, took pictures, and left. There must be something that I could do to help this community.

(pictured above: two of the huts with an average of 6 people living inside, the re-blanketed structure outside the right hut functions as the bathroom and is shared by more than one family)

Jana, the team, and I have since been to the village several times. On Wednesday, Purnima, Karl, Jana, and I had a very promising meeting with 4 of their community leaders. The community is made up of tribal people from all around the state, who came to Mysore with the hopes of landing a job in city. It is a quintessential slum community; they are located in a industrial area on the edge of the city, they lack access to sanitation and healthcare, they are living in overcrowded huts made of clay, plastic, and palm fronds. Worm infections are rampant among the children, who also bear the tell-tale signs of vitamin deficiency. The complete lack of sanitation, and subsequent open-defecation are leading to other infections throughout the community.

The leaders are also trying to build an Anganwardi building for their children, see pictures above. The current facility is completely dilapitated; a palm-frond roof characterized by gaping holes rendering the structure useless during monsoon season. They have organized the community and made this their priority. Plans are drawn up for a new Anganwardi center, and the foundation has been laid. Our goal is to raise enough funds to ensure that this project is completed and subsequently maintained by the community.

The health problems facing the children were paramount to this group of community leaders. These leaders are incredibly organized and devoted to their community, but with little resources they continue the struggle to provide a better life for the children. A compelling story to be sure. To help, we are going to raise money for monthly health camps, where the women and children will be given access to primary care. A massive de-worming project will begin in the community and this will bring better health to the children. Further down the line, we will work with the community to develop toilet blocks or household latrines. Sanitation is required to break the cycle of infection/re-infection among community members.

I will keep everyone posted on the status, but don't be surprised if I come to you to raise money. We have made a commitment to these people and it is important to me that I do everything in my power to follow through on this commitment. Our money can go such a long way in improving the lives of these people.