Holistic development of slum residents

Renovation of water filter to prevent arsenic poisoning-

Calcutta Rescue's Malda Arsenic Project began in 2003 when Dr. Jack Preger, the founder of Calcutta Rescue, learned about mass arsenic poisoning from well water in the Malda region of West Bengal through a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). Calcutta Rescue repaired the water filters in Malda with support from the Everywell Water Foundation UK, who also provided support in building handwashing stations in Dakshineswar and proper toilet and water facility in Bagbazar slum area where Calcutta Rescue works.

In Malda, Calcutta Rescue worked on 12 filters in remote villages located 30 km away from the main township. These villages are home to around 20,000 very poor families, many of whom work as daily laborers, bidi workers, domestic helpers, and silkworm farmers. Due to the pandemic, maintenance had to be put on hold. Now that the fear of the pandemic has decreased, the Calcutta Rescue team has resumed caring for the water filters.

The team met with the people responsible for the water filters in Malda, developed strategies, and began work in April 2023. Among the 12 filters, one was completely out of order and had to be replaced immediately. Five filters received new media (a mixture of gravel used to purify water), and work on one filter is still ongoing. The rest were checked and cleaned as needed. In mid-August, a comprehensive water test was conducted to check for arsenic and iron levels, and everything appeared to be fine. The filters were also given a fresh coat of paint, and the project was completed in July 2023. After finishing the project, the team toured the entire area using rickshaws and megaphones to organize an awareness session about the project and the importance of safe drinking water. The awareness session was successful. Many villagers were unaware of the arsenic contamination in their drinking water. We interacted with them, and they were eager to learn. We convinced them to take care of the filters themselves, with the support of Calcutta Rescue.

Entrepreneurship training for students to give them more opportunities in future

Calcutta Rescue has begun providing entrepreneurship training since month of June of this year. Calcutta Rescue's vocational training manager Tuli Chatterjee explained: "After discussions with students a total of 90 were chosen for the workshop in two groups. In the first group, students are from classes 9 and 10 and in the second group students are up to college level from both education projects."

The first stage was a four-day workshop. This included an introduction to entrepreneurship, how to find out a problem, opportunity evaluations, what's unique in it, how to find business ideas and do market analysis. After the workshop, 17 older students who expressed a particular interest started advanced training with a professional who is providing hands-on support. More students will do this after they have completed their class 10 exams. We are very excited to see our students flourish in many ways and  have high hopes for thier upliftments to lead a better life in coming future.

Case Stories:

Even Domestic Abuse can't Stop Rehana from being Independent

A tailoring course and a sewing machine have proved a lifeline for Rehana (not her real name) after she escaped from an abusive marriage. Rehana, a determined 33-year-old mother with a son, fled to live with her brother after suffering repeated physical abuse from her husband, who was frustrated by not being able to find regular employment, and also her in-laws. She said: "Finding sanctuary with my brother granted me a semblance of peace. But grappling with the notion of burdening him with myself and my child was a constant struggle. I yearned for a means to contribute meaningfully to our family.” So she volunteered for Calcutta Rescue’s Restoration of Livelihoods program, a tailoring and embroidery course run by the handicrafts team. Not only did she successfully complete the course, she demonstrated an outstanding talent for tailoring.

"Rehana stands as one of our program's brightest stars. Her passion and tenacity are unparalleled. Her eagerness to learn is truly inspiring, fueled in no small part by her love for her child," remarked Arunava , the manager of Calcutta Rescue Handicrafts. Her outstanding performance earned her more than just praise, she was given a sewing machine, a symbol of empowerment that would aid her journey to self-sufficiency. It allowed Rehana the chance to start earning a living - but it wasn’t easy at first as she grappled with the mechanics of generating income. But CR provided her with work to get her going and she is gradually building a sustainable source of income.

With a sense of pride, Rehana said: "I now earn around 3000 rupees each month, a modest sum but far better than nothing at all. My aspirations have grown, and I yearn to increase my efforts and earnings. Calcutta Rescue has been my guiding light, turning my dreams of providing a better life for my son into reality."

Rehana's journey, although fraught with challenges, is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of employment training. Thanks to Calcutta Rescue's unwavering support, she has defied the odds and can now imagine a future marked by security, stability, and hope.

Susanta had TB, and no home but found safety with Calcutta Rescue- 

In January 2023, 49-year-old Susanta Roy came to Calcutta Rescue's Urban DOTS clinic with a fever, cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Initial check-ups and tests revealed that he was suffering from TB.Susanta Roy lives in the Belgachia slum area. During the day, he sells flowers and earns a small amount of money. At night, he sleeps in a local club room because he doesn't have his own home. Sadly, he lost his parents earlier, and he used to live in a rented home with his younger sister. However, due to financial difficulties, they were forced to leave that place.After his sister's marriage, Susanta had to fend for himself. During the day, he would earn some money selling flowers, eat wherever he could find food, and spend his days outside until nightfall when he could sleep in the local club room.

Dr. Ghosh, the head of Calcutta Rescue's medical department, believes that this challenging lifestyle likely contributed to Susanta's TB. Susanta visited a local doctor who then referred him to government hospitals. After testing positive for TB, he was directed to the Calcutta Rescue Urban DOTS clinic. In early February, his treatment began. Despite not having a proper home, his sister occasionally helped him when she could. However, Susanta didn't want to burden his sister's family.

Susanta endured a lot, but the Calcutta Rescue team supported him with medicines, nutritional assistance, and motivation. "Susanta is very compliant. He followed all the health guidelines we gave him, even though it was challenging given his situation," said Farhat from CR's Urban DOTS clinic. 

After six months of gradual treatment, Susanta is now completely cured of TB and very happy. Susanta happilt expressed- "I was heartbroken when I first learned about my disease, but Calcutta Rescue has always been there for me. I felt safe with everyone here. I'm grateful that I came here. All my thanks go to Calcutta Rescue." Calcutta Rescue is currently providing post-treatment care to Susanta. If he ever experiences symptoms again, Calcutta Rescue will be there to provide caregiving support.