ABOUT US
YAHER
WORKSHOP
Community-level design
workshop for social benefit
Our Objective.
Trying to tackle the issues of flies and mosquitoes in urban slums, we conducted workshops to gather data on the current scenario while educating the dwellers on hygienic living methods and practises.
Existing Scenario of Urban Slums.
By 2030, it’s estimated that,
1 in 4 people on the planet will live in a slum or other informal settlement with presently over,
1.6 billion people living without adequate shelter.
1 in 3 urban residents live in slums in developing countries.
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In India, considering the growth rate of urbanization the figures of the urban poor are ever on the rise. This rapid urbanization poses numerous challenges to the government with the foremost being ‘urban health’. There is a strong need to set up primary healthcare systems in urban areas and systematically deal with urban health challenges in terms of vector-borne diseases and rising incidences of noncommunicable diseases and air pollution.
The Crisis.
Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya struck over
1.13 million people in the country last year.
Of these, 766 succumbed.
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India bears a huge burden of mosquito-borne diseases, contributing to
34 % of global dengue &
11 % of global malaria cases.
Despite this, the country has made no headway in tackling the mosquito menace.
The Research and Workshop.
5 Slums
50 Interviews
4 Group Discussions
2 Kid’s Group Activities
3 Cities
3 Months
Interviews were conducted in about 5 different slums,44 different types of households, across 3 states spanning Ahmedabad Kolkata and Hyderabad, with different types of slum dwellers and social workers. NGOs that have been working with the target audience were approached and helped us build an in-depth understanding of the problems being faced around the urban slums. We conducted extensive workshops to gather information on the issues of flies and mosquitoes and also educate them on the right practises to reduce mosquito-borne diseases. We conducted and recorded separate group discussions and activities for kids and adults with the help of a few intepretors from Thoughtshop Foundation.
User Demographics.
Nature of employment
Working hours might vary according to the nature of the work of the dwellers. Average earning (per day/month) -
** Income might vary based on the job, duration, geography, and quantity/quality of work done.
What they say.
“It is very difficult to use net everywhere, also my kids feel suffocation and jailed, they cant sleep within it”
“Even though the villages have more mosquitoes and flies than in the city, they don't have dengue and malaria there”
“Buildings are so closely built that there is hardly any air circulation”
“We used allout earlier but we stopped now because it is very harmful to the health of my mother in law”
“Jaha paani hoga vaha machar hoga he, aur khas kar ke phool or paudho pe pass”
“We love going out to parks in the evening because the weather is good, but we avoid because of mosquitoes”
Existing Health and Safety Condititons.
Cleanliness
Having no sense of belonging and not completely considering the house as their own leads to the place being ill-kept and untidy. Especially since both the parents go to work, the place is not cleaned properly and is unruly. There is also a lack of basic sanitation like running water and toilets within the home.
Lack of ventilation
Small dingy space with no windows and high roofs leads to a lack of proper ventilation as well as fresh air and sunlight. Since many houses use mud fire stoves instead of kerosine, smoke is generated within, and cross ventilation is especially important in such areas. If it is not regulated, not only does drastically affect the women while cooking, the air quality is also not healthy to breathe in while sleeping at night.
Space
The homes are overcrowded with whole families living under one roof (one room in the majority of cases), sharing immediate common spaces with hundreds of neighbors. Without essential zoning for different activities, stuffiness, and feelings of conjunction having negative mental effects are common.
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Security
Having no secure land tenure means they can be evicted whenever required by the landlord or government if not on registered land. Lack of security can also arise from unstable makeshift houses, that are prone to damage from adverse weather conditions and need repairs.
A Final Note.
Upgrading and improving informal settlements should be a strong focus. Living in the slums is a huge burden both mentally and physically for the dwellers. They are called “dirty people” and at times outcasted from society. Basic amenities are missing for them and they suffer in silence as even complaints get no action taken.
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As the experts and interpreters mostly kept saying, the best way to empower them is through a series of self-helping and building techniques, which can only be derived from the most viable, effective, tried and tested methods.
