Transformations in the Field: My Journey with Sneha

- By Tamara Vaz,

In August 2024, I began my journey with Sneha, an NGO dedicated to improving the public health and well-being of women and children in vulnerable settlements across India. As an intern, I was excited to engage in meaningful work that could make a real difference in society. Initially, I was assigned various support tasks, including writing emails, drafting report write-ups, and compiling lists of volunteer opportunities. Further into my internship, I was given the opportunity to participate in a site visit to the Aahar Programme in Dharavi with the SNEHA field team. I had the privilege of witnessing their impactful work in maternal and child health during my visit. The Site visit included intervention through home assessments and insightful interactions with community volunteers, showing the health challenges mothers and children face in these communities.

It is well known that Dharavi is one of the largest slums in all of Asia, a fact widely documented through various news articles, textbooks, and numerous other sources of information. These highlight the extensive challenges faced by its marginalized communities, particularly regarding their health and well-being, which are affected by an exposed environment, limited sunlight, and inadequate nutrition. However, despite my theoretical understanding of these issues, nothing could fully prepare me for the eye-opening experience of physically being there. I was able to observe firsthand the obstacles faced by the people living here. By participating in SNEHA’s health interventions, I gained a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the severe realities that data and information alone could never convey. 

During the site visit, we had the chance to enter the homes of two women, each dealing with health issues with their infant and newborn. One infant was born with a hole in his heart, causing significant weight fluctuations, and the other, a premature baby, was highly vulnerable to illnesses. The Programme’s interventions provided them with essential health information and instructions catered to their specific needs. Through the support and the help provided by the team throughout the community of Dharavi, they were equipped with the knowledge to be able to secure the health and well-being of both the newborns and their mothers while fostering a path of recovery and sustained health. 

The second part of the visit consisted of engaging with a group of dedicated women volunteers of Aahar. These individuals, each with their unique story, shared why they joined SNEHA’s program despite facing personal problems. They are committed to spreading the knowledge they acquire within their communities and helping the women of Dharavi by increasing the understanding and knowledge of health and safety women have, creating a better and well-supported community. 

The Site visit to Dharavi was more than just an educational experience; I believe it reshaped me as a person along with expanding my understanding. Despite being aware of the struggles experienced by the community of Dharavi, witnessing these challenges and the direct impact that a lack of knowledge can have on the health of women and their children was eye-opening. It showed me the vital role that education and community support play in transforming lives. This experience taught me the incredible value of simply providing support and some essential resources. It has not only deepened my empathy but also strengthened my commitment to actively participate in initiatives that aim to improve lives. My internship with SNEHA and the site visit to Dharavi have profoundly impacted my perspective on public health and community empowerment. Understanding the power of knowledge and support has deepened my commitment to helping and increasing healthcare in rural areas of India. As I continue my journey with SNEHA, I hope to grow as an individual through personal experiences while giving back to the community.