A felicitation programme was held on 23rd of January to appreciate the efforts of the Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) working for Asha in different slum colonies. In November, Asha’s healthcare staff organised an internal evaluation programme to assess the work of CHVs in slums colonies across Delhi. During this event, appreciation and consolation gifts were given to the Community Health Volunteers to encourage and thank them for their efforts.
It provided a platform to them to meet each other and share their experiences. Dr. Kiran Martin, Founder and Director- Asha, discussed the importance of thankfulness in our life expressing how it has a positive impact on one’s health as well. “Grateful people are more stress resilient. They are also more energetic and alert. Thankfulness also strengthens our social ties and self worth because it means that others are looking out for our well being,” she said.
Community Health Volunteers shared their experience of working with Asha. Sameena, CHV from Seelampur slum colony, was married at the age of 15. When she came to Delhi after marriage, she started bindi and spring making to feed her family. Sometimes she had to remain hungry for a day or two along with her family due to lack of food. Then some women from her locality called her to join the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group). Though initially hesitant, she later she took training from Asha and started working as CHV. She could send her children to school and now they have also started earning.
Similar were the experiences of Beena and Pooja, from Kalkaji and Dr Ambedkar slum colonies respectively, who underwent three months training facilitated by Asha and are tirelessly working to improve the health conditions of slum dwellers. Through sheer hard work and determination, they have not only transformed the lives of hundreds of people and but have also earned a name for themselves in their communities.
