NGO Visit in rural villages of Maharashtra
Date of NGO visit : Friday, 10th March 2023
Visit conducted by : Mr. Nishant Parekh and Mr. Tushar Hemrajani
Location : Nagale Gram Panchayat, Vasai
About the NGO:
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India (AKAHI) works to improve society’s quality of life by creating secure and resilient habitats. Above all, it aims to foster a sense of belonging and encourage increased interaction between individuals and the community. AKAHI focuses on rural and urban planning, natural hazard mitigation, water and sanitation infrastructure, solid waste management, housing design, and other programs to enhance living conditions.
About the Program:
The Rural Health Improvement Program (RuHIP) mobilizes marginalized tribal families to improve their quality of life. It does so by establishing a sustainable, community-led system for water management, sanitation, and hygiene promotion. For instance, the program facilitates constructing sustainable sanitation units for households and schools. Similarly, it ensures these units’ maintenance and upkeep. Most importantly, AKAHI empowers local self-governance, promotes hygienic behavior across age groups, and strengthens livelihoods through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
HelpYourNGO Intervention:
Quantum Advisors Private Limited, HelpYourNGO’s CSR partner, has supported RuHIP since FY18. Through this support, over 400 household sanitation units have been built. Likewise, solar lanterns have been distributed, school sanitation units renovated, and eight rooftop rainwater harvesting structures (RRWHS) installed in villages like Poman, Palghar, and Vasai.
In FY23, AKAHI completed 50 household sanitation units through community participation in Nagale Gram Panchayat. Meanwhile, an equal number of solar lanterns were distributed to beneficiaries. Furthermore, two RRWHS were installed at Divekar Pada School and the Poman Gram Panchayat office.
The NGO Visit:
HelpYourNGO visited the project site in Nagale Gram Panchayat, accompanied by representatives from Quantum Advisors. During the NGO visit, AKAHI presented the RuHIP impact and future plans. After that, a felicitation ceremony led by the Sarpanch showcased the community’s gratitude.
Subsequently, the team visited the RRWHS site, where Sachin from AKAHI explained its benefits for a region with heavy rainfall but dry summers. For instance, the structure helps address water scarcity by collecting and storing rainwater.
Key Visits and Observations:
Divekar Pada School: The team inspected the RRWHS installed that year, ensuring its effective use.
Mahajan Pada: The team interacted with beneficiaries of sanitation units built in FY20. Women expressed relief because they no longer feared safety risks like snake bites or leopard attacks.
Divekar Pada: In FY23, 50 sanitation units were constructed here. Beneficiaries highlighted the positive impact on their lives, particularly improved safety and hygiene.
Sashtekar Pada Government School: Students welcomed the team with handcrafted flowers. Similarly, teachers and students shared how well-maintained sanitation units contributed to better hygiene and health.
Tilhar Village: AKAHI showcased livelihood interventions like honeybee farming and kitchen gardens, which empower villagers economically.
Beneficiary Feedback:
Beneficiaries, particularly women, appreciated AKAHI’s work. Above all, they emphasized how sanitation units improved safety and hygiene. Likewise, they noted the convenience of having nearby facilities.
Conclusion:
The villagers’ willingness to take a day off to express gratitude underscores AKAHI’s strong community rapport. In short, AKAHI’s innovative, sustainable solutions have significantly impacted water safety, sanitation, and habitat improvement. In conclusion, the smiles on the beneficiaries’ faces reflected the program’s success, leaving everyone involved deeply satisfied.
