Valuing toilet through an event - Our Toilets, Our Concern
The communities around Muchivolu Zilla Parishad High School of Srikalahasti mandal depend on Livestock rearing and farming for their sustenance. The school and the villages are located in a low rain fall region, area always shortage of water due to low rain fall, it gets worsened by few deep bore wells dug by the landlords which has affected the water tables. Most of the canals and ponds are dried up due to commercial mono cropping culture, while the laborer does not own any land or permanent structures.
After the intervention of the development organizations their way of life changed significantly. They were given livestock and agricultural seeds for their livelihood by the social workers. This had provided them with an income to send their children to school and they were able to gain an upward mobility. They grow notorious gardens, practice cow-based farming methods and eat pesticide free food. It was then the sanitation messages and provisions were introduced. Government has given a ‘notional’ scheme that helps them construct toilets. It was found however, they had concerns about groundwater pollution, clogging of pit latrines in some villages.
In most of the poor, rural, less educated, low-income people, generally do not have toilets and hence practice open defecation. All of them, are generally aware of water toilets and were not favorably disposed and well informed about septic tanks. However, urine and especially faecal matter were considered as dirty, but they treated it as manure and coming to children’s faecal matter, it is not an issue, but it is taking a toll and they bear the brunt offecal-oral diseases.
Realizing this and to reverse the trend the village panchayat institution got roped in, to anchor alongside, with other developmental activities. They were invited to attend the Children’s Essay Writing Competition on ‘Our Toilets, Our Concern’ to judge the competition. There were other activities which were organized to draw the attention of all stake holders which includes Mandal Education Officer, Head Master of the School, Community Resource Persons, School Assistants, Women Police, welfare and Education Assistant at village and ward level. The most interesting event was the mass rally which has voiced the value and importance of toilets.
The event to felicitate the local sanitation worker Ms Chengamma, who has kept the toilets and surroundings clean was the another interesting and encouraging one for others. She was at the center stage along with the dignitaries from the government and non-Governmental Organizations. They praised her services and it was a moment of glory for her and her kin.
Children and the village members were distributed masks and sanitizers to prevent the spread of COVID 19. It was ensured that all members received the kit and message.
Mr. Srinivasulu, CEO, Praja Pragathi Trust put even a greater focus on removing human rights-related challenges to health services on issues such as discrimination, gender inequality and violence, criminalization and socio-economic marginalization.
Informing, educating mobilizing and acting on the issues of concern by the public accelerate growth and progress of any Region/Nation and stressed that the focus be on resources of the most vulnerable. This work, coupled with increased investments in health services for the most under-served, will benefit the national average, bringing countries closer to achieving goals and targets.