Model City Delhi

Background

Despite being the capital of the Indian nation, there are many challenges that Delhi faces. With more than 1.8 million people living in 22 slums, there is a lack of access to even the basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, schools and other important infrastructure. Prominently, the women and girls of these marginalized communities face several inequalities in terms of gender and also are victims of violence.

Backed by our grassroot research, the Seemapuri area in North-East Delhi has numerous social maladies and civic issues which cause a hindrance in the development and growth of the younger generation. These include substance abuse in forms of tobacco, alcohol and consumption of other forms of drugs, along with poor hygiene and sanitation. Even 28.48% of the focus group discussions revolved around the topic of substance abuse. Also, children in unhygienic conditions grow up to be malnourished and are more prone to diseases. As per the scoping study conducted by Pro Sport Development, an IOC awarded social enterprise which uses sports as a tool for holistic development of children and youth.

Seemapuri scored highest in terms of depravity amongst the 27 sub-districts and a whopping 25% higher score than its closest competitor. COVID has had an aggravated impact on the social ills tearing the social fabric asunder. The schools have remained shut for a prolonged period which served as a coping mechanism for the young minds and their mental struggles. Children are left feeling lonely and isolated. Girls and women feel more burdened with the household chores with all members being at home and this even makes it more conducive for domestic violence, harassment, child marriages, abuse, etc.

Today, the children and youth of Seemapuri are facing increased risk of suffering from long-lasting physical and mental illnesses and these issues need to be addressed with utmost priority, by creating and spreading awareness about “Hygiene and Sanitation”. Now is the time to act for a brighter future for the Seemapuri population.

 

Our Approach

Model City Delhi aims to serve the primary objective of promoting Gender equality and creating awareness regarding health and sanitation in the Seemapuri area of Delhi.

We aim to achieve this with the help of workshops for the participants, training youth leaders for further delivery of life skill trainings with the help of F4D sessions. Promoting sanitation and cleanliness to drive improved facilities and cleaner environment for proper living and growth conditions. Another aspect to cater to would be the health conditions of the participants. This will be implemented through Menstrual Health workshops for the girls and their mothers along with educating them via workshops for promoting good practices. This will be seconded by F4D sessions to break the taboo of silence around menstruation.

Mental Health being a critical aspect needs to be addressed, along with emotional management awareness. Fitness sessions based on Football for the engaged participants and awareness workshops on adolescent health to be conducted in order to achieve greater levels of awareness among the people and their families.

In the long run we aim to leverage our coalitions with the 9 local grassroot workers in Seemapuri to eradicate the issues at the ground level and engaging as much adolescents and youth as well as community members to organize and conduct workshops and drives and take leads and initiatives.