|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
| Himachal Pradesh - Case Studies |
| |
|
| |
The Dairy Story
In Himachal Pradesh, one story was inspired by the Amul Co-operative Society in Gujarat. The women from the SHGs in Himachal Pradesh have always wanted to be independent. They had the determination and the will to succeed, but without any direction they didn’t know what to get involved with.
Then ACF stepped in. A survey was conducted that showed that the nearby ACL establishment itself needed 700 liters of milk everyday. It also concluded that many customers were dissatisfied with the quality of milk supplied by the existing vendors. So a dairy set up was considered a good option. 12 women from the SHG were particularly excited about this.
It was Thursday, July 28th, 2005, when Parvati Mahila Dairy was launched and milk collection started. With just 17 liters on day one, the amount steadily increased, along with the membership of the dairy. In six months, there were 25 members collecting about 100 liters per day!
They were doing so well that they even hired a few delivery boys to deliver milk to peoples doorsteps. Apart from households, the milk is also distributed to the ACL guest house and canteen. The group now does a great job in maintaining the quality of milk, and another survey confirms that it now has satisfied customers with no complaints. |
| |
| ^top |
| |
|
| |
‘Know AIDS for No AIDS’
Creating awareness about HIV has always been of major importance to Ambuja Cement Ltd. What better place to start than its own workplace?
A programme regarding HIV/AIDS was instituted in July 2005 at Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh. Facilitated by the ACF,
ACL pushed forward an idea - ‘Know AIDS for No AIDS’ - a message that only more awareness about AIDS can
help fight it.
One of the locals from Darlaghat, was given an intensive orientation to equip him to ‘train the trainers’. He then organized a 3-day workshop to train 18 ‘peer educators’. These people are now actively involved in creating awareness, at the workplace, about HIV/AIDS. Our master trainer is also involved in the Composite Targeted Intervention Project (CTIP), which spreads awareness about HIV/AIDS among truck drivers and migrant workers, one of the largest risk groups.
Youth, being especially vulnerable to HIV, can play a major role in curbing its spread. Our master trainer spends a substantial amount of time interacting with youth clubs in the area – the young boys and girls have developed a good rapport with him and trust him enough to discuss issues freely with him, rather than leaving them to fester.
Our master trainer’s family has involved themselves in the cause as well. His daughter has made a presentation, in her school, on HIV/AIDS, and has even won the first prize on a project on the subject. |
| |
| ^top |
| |
|
| |
| |
A Healthier, Happier Life
In Himachal Pradesh, 16 year old Poonam had been suffering from severe cough and fever for over a month. Her parents thought that the recent change in the weather was the cause of her sickness and kept giving her home made medicines, all to no avail.
Nisha Sharma, the VHF of the village got to know of Poonam’s ill-health and met with her mother in this regard. Sensing seriousness in the young girl’s condition, Nisha made a visit to her house. After examining Poonam, Nisha was sure that the girl was not suffering from a common cold. She suspected a case of tuberculosis and advised Poonam’s parents to take her to the district hospital for a thorough check-up. The doctor at the hospital confirmed Nisha’s fears; Poonam was infact suffering from TB. The doctor at the hospital started her on the necessary medication.
Had it not been for the VHF’s timely referral, Poonam may never have received correct treatment and may have suffered needlessly for much longer. Poonam’s parents are grateful for the VHF’s help. Poonam is fast recovering from her illness and has begun participating in normal day to day activities again. |
| ^top |
|
|
|