Responsibility of Revitalization
Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth in Thane has launched an innovative initiative for the revitalization of women waste pickers—individuals who work tirelessly to sort and recycle waste for their livelihood. Many of these women face significant challenges in their daily lives, including economic insecurity, health issues, and social stigma.
Waste pickers and sanitation workers are often relegated to being categorized as low-class laborers. Despite this, there has been no real change in the definition of their lives. While entrepreneurs and so-called scrap dealers have become millionaires through recycling, the revitalization of sanitation workers and waste pickers has not been meaningfully addressed.
Signal Shala Blessing of a New Era
In collaboration with the Thane Municipal Corporation, Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth has launched an innovative initiative called the Signal School under the Teen Hath Naka flyover in Thane. Approximately 46 children from families who have been living under the flyover for the past 20 to 22 years, facing social exclusion and hardship, are now receiving mainstream education.
This is a case of generational social injustice. The prevailing attitude has been to ignore the issue of children from marginalized communities, which has led to a reluctance in addressing the responsibility of resolving their problems. Today, the Signal School stands as a beacon of both positive and negative challenges.
The Bridge of Ideas that Dream of Changing the World Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth
Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth is currently running five projects in Thane city, all of which are affiliated with the Thane Municipal Corporation. As a social organization, instead of setting up a separate platform, Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth works to recognize the existence of democratic systems and contributes to making the existing systems more constructive.
At the government level, officers, staff, and elected representatives are busy from morning till evening. They lack the capacity and time to think outside the box.
Women Empowered as Waste Pickers
Children of Beggars Integrated into Mainstream Education
Tons of Dry Waste Collected Monthly
Households Participating
What work has been done so far?
For the past twelve years, Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth has been working in Thane city, near Mumbai, India. Through the Signal School, the organization has created a pattern to bring children of beggars into the mainstream education system. The organization also started the Naka School to train unskilled workers with skills. Additionally, over 3,000 tons of green waste are processed annually in Thane city to produce charcoal, and 2,000 tons of organic waste are processed each year.
Through 50 self-help groups, the organization is working to bring economic independence to 500 economically disadvantaged women.
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The children of Signal Shala are striving to build a better future through education and skill development. Despite facing many challenges, they are determined to learn and grow, whether it’s through vocational training, language skills, or extracurricular activities. However, they need your support to continue their journey. Your contribution can help provide them with the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to succeed.
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