Share
The Unseen Struggle: Manual Scavenging
Imagine a world where, every day, individuals don't just battle the challenges of life but also face a deeply ingrained societal stigma. In the heart of India, there exists a community of unsung heroes - the sweeper community. Despite being the second-largest scavenging population globally, their story remains largely unheard.
In the vast canvas of India, between 800,000 to 1,000,000 individuals are engaged in manual scavenging, a term that belies the harsh reality they confront daily. These unsung heroes wield brooms, tin plates, and baskets, not in pursuit of recognition but in the service of humanity. The occupational identity of these individuals, labeled as disgraceful work, becomes a shackle that extends beyond the physical act of scavenging. The low status and respect accorded to the scavenging community lead to the practice of 'untouchability.' Imagine being considered untouchable merely because of the work you do.
The Harsh Reality: Lives Lost
The stark truth is that at least 22,327 workers from the scavenger community lose their lives each year. That's more than 61 lives extinguished daily due to the harsh conditions of scavenging work. Behind these numbers are human stories, dreams cut short, and families shattered.
Building Hope: The Movement for Scavenger Community (MSC)
In the shadows of societal neglect, the Movement for Scavenger Community (MSC), Founded in 2009 by a group of impassioned youth, social activists, and like-minded individuals from the scavenger community, MSC stands resolute in its commitment to unravel the chains of adversity and carve pathways to social and economic empowerment.
Imagine a world where, every day, individuals don't just battle the challenges of life but also face a deeply ingrained societal stigma. In the heart of India, there exists a community of unsung heroes - the sweeper community. Despite being the second-largest scavenging population globally, their story remains largely unheard.
In the vast canvas of India, between 800,000 to 1,000,000 individuals are engaged in manual scavenging, a term that belies the harsh reality they confront daily. These unsung heroes wield brooms, tin plates, and baskets, not in pursuit of recognition but in the service of humanity. The occupational identity of these individuals, labeled as disgraceful work, becomes a shackle that extends beyond the physical act of scavenging. The low status and respect accorded to the scavenging community lead to the practice of 'untouchability.' Imagine being considered untouchable merely because of the work you do.
The Harsh Reality: Lives Lost
The stark truth is that at least 22,327 workers from the scavenger community lose their lives each year. That's more than 61 lives extinguished daily due to the harsh conditions of scavenging work. Behind these numbers are human stories, dreams cut short, and families shattered.
Building Hope: The Movement for Scavenger Community (MSC)
In the shadows of societal neglect, the Movement for Scavenger Community (MSC), Founded in 2009 by a group of impassioned youth, social activists, and like-minded individuals from the scavenger community, MSC stands resolute in its commitment to unravel the chains of adversity and carve pathways to social and economic empowerment.
- Empowering Women: MSC transforms lives through SHGs, breaking free from unclean occupations.
- Youth-Led Change: 500 engaged youth in 5 states work tirelessly for community emancipation.
- Partnerships for Impact: MSC unites with grassroots organizations for amplified change across India.
- Fellows for Equality Fellowship: Expanding liberation with partnerships for replication of community-led centers.
In what specific area or aspect could you make a meaningful contribution?To make this vision a reality, we are raising funds to support these youth leaders throughout their fellowship journey. The funds will also contribute to the establishment of Community Centres within these communities. These centers will serve as more than just educational hubs; they will be the heart of development and increased community engagement. Initially, these centers will provide tutoring to children, bridging educational gaps, and providing access to the vast world of the internet. However, our vision extends beyond education; these centers are envisioned to become hubs of development, fostering community engagement, and serving as catalysts for positive change.
| Items | Budget | Description |
| Fellows Stipend | 80,000 INR | 10 Fellows for Equality will lead change in their centers with a stipend of INR 8,000 each. |
| Infrastructure for Centre | 2,50,000 INR | Establishing change hubs in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh requires resources for an active setup, including a library, computers, and educational materials. |
| Team Salary | 20,00,000 INR | A dedicated team of 4 members will receive salaries to coordinate, strategize, build curriculum, train, and create a lasting impact. |
| Travel to Centres | 6,00,000 INR | Quarterly travel to the six centers is essential for monitoring and evaluation. |
| Administrative Expenses | 4,00,000 INR | The yearly expense for office space, maintenance and electricity. |
| Workshops | 3,00,000 INR | Conducting 3-day workshops for 30-50 participants, we invest INR 60,000 per session, covering food, residence, seminar space, and trainer expenses, aiming to empower Fellows for Equity and the community members. |
| Total | 36,30,000 INR |
Your contribution is not just a financial investment; it's a vote for equality, a commitment to education, and a step towards a more empowered tomorrow.
Breaking the Chains: A Call to Action
Now, imagine the power we hold to change this narrative. Our privilege grants us the ability to uplift those whose voices are muted by societal injustice. By supporting this campaign, we aren't just providing resources; we are extending a hand to break the chains of discrimination, to offer dignity, and to rewrite the story of the scavenger community.
