Problem

Caste. This 3,000 year old hierarchical system divides Indian life based on traditional occupations and heritage. Although a portion of India’s economy is thriving, 250 million people known as Dalits remain isolated in an “untouchable” world of modern day slavery. The Dalits are literally out-castes, receiving little or no education, few employment opportunities outside of their traditional occupation, and they suffer enormously from common, curable maladies do to lack of medical treatment.

The Gift

This gift places an essential tool kit into the hands of a Community Healthcare Worker in a Dalit village. For example, a stethoscope, scale and delivery kit are basic tools that make a big difference. The Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) is building a comprehensive healthcare system for Dalits. This is a critical component of the strategy to transform Dalit villages into a place free of caste discrimination. With the tools in this kit, healthcare workers can empower Dalits to live healthier, more dignified lives. Angel is a young woman who is living out her dream of serving her community. She recently graduated from nursing school and an additional six-month training course that prepared her to serve as a DFN Community Healthcare Worker. Today she visits the villages of students enrolled in a school and works alongside the school’s staff to serve the community. School kids have access to her nursing abilities, and their parents and other community members receive hygiene training and healthcare for the first time.