#WATWB 2 -Saleha Khan’s campaigner for her slum community

“Courage is knowing what not to fear” Plato

“My Father did not speak to me for days when I went against his wishes and conducted training sessions. I tried convincing him many times, but he would not budge, and said that such meetings are useless” says Saleha

Govindi East is one of the slums in Mumbai wherein 57% percent of children are reported to have stunted growth, and the surroundings are filled with dirt and filth with open drainage lines that run in the slums, and people living there are vulnerable to so many health problems as  this place is the largest dumping ground. Issues related to water and sanitation has been the focus wherein NGO’s and other organizations have engaged people in this area in creating awareness on health and hygiene.

Amidst so many issues in this slum, a 16 year old Saleha has become a role model in enabling the slum community to take responsibility for their personal health and also community health. She initiated a community based campaign called Wash4life. 

I am inspired by her today and glad to see a bright young girl, confident in wanting to bring changes in the life of the slum community.  She was  encouraged and appreciated for the courage, and the determination with which she has  not only voiced out her opinion, but has taken initiative to spread this message around; by organizations working in that area. Ashoka foundation that honors new initiatives and entrepreneurship programmes of persons who make a difference in the lives of people has acknowledged and appreciated Saleha Khan.

http://india.ashoka.org/saleha-khan-age-17-started-wash4life

Saleha   dared to question the traditional  beliefs breaking cultural boundaries, to get trained and implement what she has learnt at home; teaching her younger siblings about washing hands with soap, and promote cleanliness at home, she is spreading the message of health and hygiene in her neighborhood too despite criticism from the neighbours and other elders. For further information you can read the following:

https://www.thebetterindia.com/78676/grit-determination-make-role-model-sanitation/

I appreciate the co hosts for this month, do visit their pages, special thanks to Susan for her constant and consistent support  that made me join in this initiative of spreading light and peace.  I have given the links below,  for they are very inspiring and full of positivity, may you be motivated to join this journey in bringing light into darkness campaign:

http://shilpagaarg.com

http://inderpreetuppal.com

http://gardenofedenblog.com

http://damayantiwrites.com

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