Day 6: Visit to RHLP

Sue, Sue, Kelly and Lois: First impressions of Mysore was that it was more serene than Bangalore, cleaner, less chaotic and with little evidence of the gut churning poverty that we’d seen so far on the journey. When we visited the Rural Health and Literacy Project (RHLP), the reasons for the less obvious slum presence became clear. There are more than 80 slums in Mysore compared to nearly 800 in Bangalore. We learned that to qualify as a slum there must be 24 dwellings or more – so the small encampments of two or three blue tents we saw didn’t count. The RHLP has made impressive improvements to the lives of slum dwellers and street children. Of particular note were the 70 – 80% reduction in infant mortality and early marriage, and the peer education programme between slum dwellers.

Following the visit to RHLP we visited the Slum Federation. Our drivers had some problems today! Because of a misunderstanding one group were taken to sandalwood and silk shop instead of the slum we were supposed to visit! Once the mistake was realised, we set off, but unfortunately it turned out to be the wrong slum! Although we were not expected, the residents showed us around and answered questions. They lived one family per house in concrete buildings which were completed about 4 years ago. There is a fresh water supply, although main drains were still to be connected, and mains electricity. In a field next to the buildings there were about 20 tents covered in palm leaves. The residents explained that the men with more than one wife lived there because the current houses weren’t spacious enough to accommodate each of them.

We then met with male and female representatives of the Slum Federation including Hindus, Muslims, young and old. They spoke to us about the huge improvements they had made by becoming organised and lobbying for change, setting up groups to focus on specific issues like health, education, and financial security. They all said that conditions were previously lacking, but now basic conditions are acceptable. Children now go to school. The Women’s Federation are focused on the fight for enhanced access to higher education for slum dwellers. We heard from ‘Dwani’ (wise woman), a representative of the Women’s Federation. They are taking a leading role in enhancing women’s status and rights, differences and disputes in the community. RHLP appeared to be the catalyst for change but communities were really doing it for themselves.

In the evening we visited the RHLP home for street boys, with the street girls specially invited. We were warmly welcomed, and heard about their dreams and ambitions for the future, including wanting to be a teacher, social worker, footballer, cricketer, cook and policeman. They presented a variety of spectacular cultural dances for us, plus magic, acrobatics and impressions, and asked thought provoking questions. A diplomatic answer was needed to the question about the US, Saddam Hussein and oil! We were provided with snacks and drinks and had an opportunity to talk and play with the children afterwards. The children, as always, seem to gravitate towards Trevor, who is now known as the great arm wrestler, after defeating 5 of the boys in one go!!

The days visits inspired and encouraged, as well as making us feel uncomfortable at times, questioning the benefits we bring, knowing there is so much more to do.