Introduction:
Dharavi has been popular as one of Asia’s largest slums located in the heart of Mumbai, and often attracts tourists seeking to understand the complex dynamics of urban poverty. However,there are multiple networks of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) tirelessly working to bring about positive social impact and change within this densely populated community. These NGOs have taken the responsibility to bring some change in the lives of people living there as an effort to give education to their children, helping with vocational training for people to upskills and change their economic condition.
The Dharavi Slum Tour Phenomenon:
Tourists from all over the world visit dharavi as it becomes a focal point to explore the realities of urban poverty and entrepreneurship that thrive within these challenging conditions. Dharavi slum tours are actually gaining popularity for offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents, showcasing the small industries and businesses people are doing there for their livings.
However, these Dharavi slum tours not only show the life and business of residents but also leverage the NGOs which address critical issues such as environment and how they are bringing social impact on the lives of residents such as by helping in education for poor people.
NGOs Driving Change:
Several NGOs are working in Dharavi to improve the challenges its community is facing such as a good education, skill development to help them for employment, and of course healthcare facilities.
Dharavi Diary NGO:
Dharavi Diary NGO has focused on youth especially girls and women to empower them and create opportunities for their bright future. They offer multiple programs which are listed on their website as – Education and innovation, healthcare and environment, humans of Dharavi and Women empowerment. All of these programs have a purpose to educate them through their STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) methodology, promoting health and environment for physical and mental wellness and making a better environment.
ACORN (Association of Community Organization for Reform Now) Foundation:
It was founded in 2008 with a purpose of welfare for the rag pickers/ waste collectors who lived in Dharavi with their families. It collects and recycles the dry waste from many schools like The American School, The Dhirubhai Ambani School, The Oberoi International School, The German School and office establishments like Bloomberg, Marsh Insurance, etc. they have done many work in multiple categories and details are as below-
Project Mumbai NGO:
They are another NGO in Dharavi who focuses on the Health and Sanitation Initiatives projects to create a healthier living environment for residents as its challenging due to high population density. The following are the key offerings of this NGO –
Public-Private-People Collaborations
Citizen-Led Environmental & Social Campaigns
Inclusivity, Accessibility & Sustainability in Cultural Events
Emergency Relief & Large-Scale Humanitarian Outreach
Reality Gives:
Reality Gives is one of the NGO who is actively working to offer a range of programs, including education, sports, and community development. Their purpose is to promote the education for the children of the residents there for their better future.
Impact Beyond Dharavi Slum Tours:
One side when Dharavi slum tours give a glimpse of people’s life, challenges and reality of the area these organizations who are working for the area add value to the understanding of the impact they are creating on lives. These NGOs are working hard to create awareness about the community while supporting locals for healthcare, education and skill development which can lead to employment. In this way making a part of the tour tourists know that they are actually contributing to this while they select this tour.
Conclusion:
Dharavi is not only attracting tourists; it is a community with huge potential. The NGOs who are working for Dharavi are majorly responsible for the change and the transformation they are bringing to the residents proves that positive social impact is achievable no matter how challenging the environment is. The example which we discussed for the NGOs for their transformative work is evidence of how they are building a story of hope and empowerment among people of Dharavi.