We know that, by ourselves, Oasis India will achieve little in the Chembur slum, Mumbai. So we are investing our time in networking with others and teaching community members about their rights so they can do advocacy for themselves.
Community learning
Life is not always easy for those living in the Chembur slum, central Mumbai. Living conditions are basic, illiteracy levels are high, there is a lack of basic healthcare and homes are regularly demolished by the government.
Government schemes are in place to help people get by. Each person is entitled to a ration card so they can buy rice, wheat and kerosene at a reduced price. But sometimes there is corruption, like they are charged too much or the kerosene is watered down.
 Raju works for Oasis India’s Jeevan Jyoti project in Chembur. He makes sure people know what rations they are entitled to and at what price. Anita lives in the Chembur slum. Raju explained the rationing system to her and taught her how to build relationships with her community and with the shopkeepers who sell the rations. She says getting involved in this advocacy work, ‘was initially difficult but I followed Raju’s instructions and found it easier. If you have the right purpose and good vision people respond well.’
Community leaders like Anita are trained in government rights, health rights and human rights. Raju says, ‘I understand the rules so I am doing the training but they are doing the work in the end. The community is able to do it themselves.’ We also help the community get access to services such as free TB treatment.
Changing Mumbai
Networking is vital. ‘Oasis by itself will not change Mumbai,’ Raju says, ‘but if all non governmental organisations and government departments come together on the same issues we can have success. So networking is my focus and the future.’
In the four years that Oasis has been working in this slum, Raju has seen many positive changes. He says, ‘Now people know their rights to rations, what the government should provide for their homes, and they understand government departments and police departments.'
‘Sometimes we highlight special events like World AIDS Day. Three or four years ago the community didn’t understand HIV or AIDS. But now some people come for counselling and they are ready to get tested, and their behaviour has changed.’
|
