Society for Nurture, Educatioin and Health Advancement (SNEHA)

Khurbura, Dehradun, India

Since its inception in 1994, SNEHA is concentrating among the slum dwellers of Khurbura. By God's great mercy SNEHA's work has developed tremendously in order to meet the various needs of this most neglected community.

SNEHA, inspired by the examples of Jesus Christ and Christian faith, actively works with the poorest of the poor society. In spite of many difficulties faced, SNEHA has maintained its dedication to the most downtrodden and neglected people of the society, especially women and children.

In 1994, a school was started in the slum area with about 60 children. Space for the school was a constant problem until the Lord provided SNEHA with some land and a building that was renovated and converted into classrooms. The school serves children in the primary grades six days a week. SNEHA's goal is to provide education up to class 10. At present, 170 children are enrolled in the school and nearly 100 more are anxiously awaiting admission depending on the availability of space and funds. In 1997, with the help of Australian High Commission in Delhi and generous donations from individuals, SNEHA was able to construct a multipurpose building with five class rooms and a few rooms for other work. This building was inaugurated on the 26th of October.

Staff visit the slum area regularly and health talks are given to individuals as well as to groups. The main emphasis is on prevention rather than cure. Mothers are encouraged to bring their babies for immunizations and pregnant women are advised to attend the ANC clinics in order to have safe deliveries. Community health workers visit the families and bring patients to the center needing attention. The clinic is kept open for the slum community throughout the day and treatment is given to them at a very subsidized rate. Anyone needing specialized blood tests or X-rays are referred outside and SNEHA helps such people with their medical bills.

SNEHA has a strong commitment to the empowerment of women. Forty have been trained in knitting and sewing skills at the center. Twenty more are learning at present. There is a waiting list to receive this training because it has helped many women to add income to their families. One hundred Women are learning to read and write in the Adult Education Program. Volunteer teachers from the community help with the classes.

SNEHA has installed 10 taps and 5 reservoir tanks of water for the slum community. This helps in providing safe drinking water for the community.

Work of SNEHA is assisted by PC(USA) Extra Commitment Account #862701.