Streams of hope: How water revitalised tribal education in Palewa, Chhattisgarh

Nestled in Chhattisgarh's Uttar Bastar Kanker District, the remote village of Palewa, primarily inhabited by Gond tribals, heavily relies on agriculture and forest produce like tendu leaves, kusum, and mahua. The village faces challenges like poverty, limited communication, and lack of awareness about modern agricultural practices. To address these issues, especially in education, the government has established an Ashramshala, aiming to uplift the tribal community.

Amidst this traditional setting, about a kilometer from the village center, stands an Ashramshala for tribal girls. This residential school has become a beacon of hope, offering education from grades 1 to 8 to young girls aged 6 to 13 from Palewa and neighboring villages. It promises the girls opportunities beyond their traditional way of life, providing them with a safe space to learn and grow.

However, the school's noble mission faced significant challenges, particularly regarding water scarcity. With students and staff members residing in the Ashramshala, the daily need for water for bathing, washing clothes, cooking, and hygiene was overwhelming. The limited water sources, consisting of a single hand pump and a borewell with an electric pump, were inadequate to meet these needs.

During the hot summer months, the situation became critical as water levels dropped, making it difficult to obtain sufficient water for all purposes. This forced school members, including the girls, to trek to distant wells in search of water. At times, the girls even had to go without showers for three days or more.

The water crisis went beyond inconvenience. The lack of water led to poorly maintained toilets and bathrooms, turning them into potential breeding grounds for diseases. The school also lacked proper handwashing stations, a major shortfall in maintaining basic hygiene.

Additionally, without proper wastewater management, drains overflowed into open areas, creating unsanitary conditions within the school premises. This dire situation compromised the health of the students and shifted the focus away from education, as the daily struggle for basic necessities became the school's primary concern.

The toll on student health was both severe and alarming. In the 2021-22 academic session, with only 58 students enrolled, the school recorded 125 cases of illness, including 42 water-borne diseases. Among these were 12 cases of diarrhoea, 14 instances of stomach pain, and 16 cases of conjunctivitis. The average rate of recurring illnesses per student was 2.15 that year. These health challenges not only compromised the well-being of the girls but also significantly disrupted their education, resulting in frequent absenteeism and reduced learning outcomes.

The following year, the situation worsened, presenting an even more distressing scenario. With an increased enrollment of 70 students, the school recorded 172 cases of illness, 70 of which were directly related to water issues. This included 31 cases of conjunctivitis, 14 cases of diarrhoea, and 25 instances of stomach pain. The average rate of recurring illnesses was 2.45 per student this year. This surge in health problems posed a serious threat to the very foundation of the Ashramshala's mission. It felt as though the dream of empowering these young tribal girls was being compromised by the lack of access to clean water.

WaterAid's representative in Kanker responded promptly to the call for help, visiting the Ashramshala to assess the feasibility of implementing a comprehensive water management system. The team conducted a thorough survey, meticulously identifying suitable locations and techniques for a school-level liquid waste management and groundwater recharge system. This detailed assessment was crucial in developing a tailored solution that would address the unique challenges faced by the Ashramshala.

In a pivotal meeting with the school management committee, WaterAid presented its proposal, carefully explaining the benefits and the selected approach. The presentation was met with enthusiasm and hope. The committee, seeing the potential for transformative change, unanimously approved the proposal. In a show of commitment and community involvement, they agreed to contribute 10% of the cost for the construction of the structures in the form of labour and materials, promoting a sense of ownership and sustainability from the outset.

Complementing the rainwater harvesting structure, a greywater management structure was built. This forward-thinking solution allowed the school to reuse treated water for their kitchen garden, turning what was once waste into a valuable resource. The integration of these systems not only solved the immediate water crisis but also introduced sustainable practices that would benefit the school for years to come.

While addressing the water crisis was the primary focus, it became clear that improving hygiene was equally crucial to prevent the spread of diseases that had affected the school. In addition to improving the water supply, hygiene practices were given due attention as part of the comprehensive solution. New handwashing units were installed throughout the campus, ensuring students had easy access to maintain personal cleanliness.

Understanding that infrastructure alone wouldn't solve the problem, WaterAid also organised behaviour change sessions. These workshops educated the girls on proper hygiene practices and menstrual health management, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to safeguard their health and dignity.

Upon completion of the construction, WaterAid handed over the structures to the school, but their involvement didn't end there. They provided detailed training on the maintenance and operation of the new structures, ensuring that the school staff were well-equipped to manage them effectively. This transfer of knowledge was crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of the structures, empowering the school members to take ownership of their newfound resources and continue promoting a safe, hygienic learning environment.

The impact of these interventions was immediate and profound, as highlighted by the school superintendent, who remarked on the immense and far-reaching benefits: "No more dirty water flowing in the open," she said, her eyes shining with pride and gratitude. "What was once marshland has been transformed into a garden." The health and cleanliness of the girls improved dramatically, a change she attributed directly to WaterAid's efforts. Before the intervention, the water table was at a depth of 220 feet, but after the improvements, it rose to just 80 feet, providing a more accessible water source.

The statistics revealed a remarkable story of transformation: in the 2023-24 academic session, despite an increase in student enrollment to 100, total illness cases dropped significantly to 127. Among these, only 20 cases of waterborne diseases were reported. This includes 2 cases of conjunctivitis, 1 of typhoid, and 17 of stomach pain. The rest of the cases were primarily regular illnesses such as seasonal fever, headaches, and colds, underscoring the significant reduction in waterborne illnesses as a testament to the success of the water and sanitation improvements.

One of the most beautiful and unexpected outcomes of the initiatives was the creation of a flourishing kitchen garden. The treated water from the liquid waste management system, once a disposal problem, now nourishes a variety of vegetables growing on the school grounds. The school menu includes home-grown vegetables like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and spinach, significantly enhancing the students' nutritional intake. This improvement in diet, coupled with better hydration and sanitation, contributed to the girls' overall health and well-being, creating a positive cycle of improved health and learning capacity.

As health improved and basic needs were met, a welcome transformation occurred in the academic sphere. Freed from constant worries about water and health, their minds were now open to exploring, learning, and dreaming. Teachers reported increased engagement in classes, improved attendance, and a general enthusiasm for learning.

As the Ashramshala continues to evolve and grow, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model of sustainable development. The success of Palewa's Ashramshala rippled through the community, creating a positive impact far beyond the school's boundaries. Parents who once hesitated to send their daughters to school now saw it as a path to a better future. Today, the Adarsh Adivasi Kanya Ashramshala stands as a testament of community collaboration, and the unwavering determination of its students and staff. The sound of girls laughter mingles with the rustle of leaves in the surrounding forest, a joyous melody that speaks of dreams being realized and potential being unlocked.

As the sun sets behind the hills of Uttar Bastar Kanker, casting a golden glow on the Ashramshala and its flourishing garden, one can't help but feel a sense of optimism and achievement. In this small corner of Chhattisgarh, what began as a simple act of providing water and sanitation has unleashed a torrent of possibility, changing the trajectory of numerous young lives.