CRHP Project Villages

The good news is that after the worst three-year drought since the 1970s, the rain everyone has hoped for has arrived in buckets and sheaths of water! The ground is happily soaking it up, and wells are slowly becoming refilled, although this will be a gradual process. The farmers are back at work in their fields, and the crops are peeking out of the ground with more greenery and life than has been seen in a long time.  The combination of drought and then rain, however, has the odd effect of making construction more difficult, if not impossible. During the drought, the water needed for construction is simply not available in most cases, and is diverted to life-sustaining immediate uses if it is. And with rain, of course, drying anything is not possible. Many of the new toilets, whose piece and parts are gathered and ready, are simply waiting an appropriate time to be constructed. Despite the odds, several toilets have been constructed and are happily enjoying a grateful spot in the village.

Despite the drought and rain, the VHWs continue to work in the village, talking to mothers and families about common health problems, and coming to the CRHP center two days a week for ongoing training. The farmers’ club is still meeting, discussing what is relevant to the men’s daily lives, and working on creating a healthier and more socially equitable village, with support from CRHP’s experienced staff. The next three months will see a progression in the ability of the villagers to develop their ideas and new found skills, coming together to implement them. It will also see many people watching for the end of the much awaited monsoon season, grateful for the water, and the beginning of construction season that’s sure to follow. 

Despite the worst draught in a 30-year history – or perhaps because of it – Wadgaon has made leaps and bounds in the progress of its five-year goals. The dynamic 30-member men’s group has decided to tackle an important goal often left for year five, when motivation and education are at higher levels. They are determined that every house have its own toilet. This is important because it allows the village a clean and healthy environment, preventing the spread of many diseases, and provides a private place for girls and women to bathe with dignity, especially during menstruation.  With the shortage of water and food, and supplies and immune systems already low, keeping clean is the best way to prevent problems before they arise. The VHWs have started their work in the village and, with the Mobile Health Team, support the men’s group in educating people about the need for this type of precaution, and assisting in brainstorming where to get supplies, and how to overcome challenges in implementation. When the village is ready, providing the necessary labor and materials, with pride and ownership, CRHP will provide the actual toilet pans, as this is a goal that is important for health, and the toilet pan itself is a cost that is prohibitive for the villages, especially during this downturn of the economy. Shortly following, there should be a christening of the first toilet!

The two newly-trained VHWs continue their work in other ways, visiting families during the week and tracking pregnancies, illnesses and chronic conditions, as well as providing support for those who need to talk or just counseling on any of the immediate social issues that can arise. Every two weeks, CRHP’s Mobile Health Team arrives to assist with any questions they may have, and provide clinical support there in the village. This is important for those who cannot come to the hospital, and the Mobile Team usually provides clinical support in the village for the first 2-3 years. The VHWs meanwhile gain experience and confidence in identifying, treating and preventing diseases, supported by the mentorship of the health team. The farmer’s clubs
and VHW also team teach with the Mobile Health Team about how to ensure a clean village, assisting in the construction of soak pits for the clearing of stagnant waste water, and other measures for a healthy environment. These teachings are already being carried into other villages by the Famers Club members.

Women’s Groups have also slowly started taking shape, among household duties, farm work and caring for young children. There are about 30 women involved in these, as well, about 10 members per group. They will attend a new round of training for village women, in the same areas the VHW has covered, starting in 3 months. This way, the entire village will be able to work together to support each other through challenges in both health care, and also social and economic challenges that arise. The Women’s Groups have been invaluable in raising women’s self-confidence and the support they receive and are able to give to one another. As the project continues, with the generous help of GlobalGiving members, the villagers are well on their way to becoming an outstanding project village with high motivation to pass their knowledge on to the villages of friends and family in the surrounding area!