Project History and Mission

Arogyaseva as the name suggests is about taking care of the basic problem of malnutrition, followed by illiteracy among young children in the tribal areas approximately 150 km from Thane, Nasik and Nandapur districts in Maharashtra. Majority of villages and padas (hamlets) are situated in inaccessible areas and are devoid of electricity, water and food. Illiteracy, increasing alcoholism and lack of knowledge for any kind of work among adults has caused excessive malnutrition among children. Farming is the main source of their income but because of only a specific type of crop grown in that area they are left with no food in major part of the year. The project was initiated in 2006 and is primarily carried out by Dr. Sujit Nilegaonkar and Mrs. Suvarna Patwardhan (Pragati Pratisthan).

Asha Toledo has provided funds to carry out health camps and regular medical check-ups. Successful efforts have been made in eradicating alcoholism by installing solar lamps in their houses as incentive and appropriate nutrition and education to the children. Construction of libraries, with proper infrastructure, installation of solar lamps, agricultural guidance and many more activities as described in detail on our website and below have been funded by Asha Toledo and successfully carried out by Dr. Nilegaonkar and Pragati Pratishthan. Currently, we request you to donate an hour of your salary or more towards the fourth phase of the project which aims at:

1. Nutrition project for tribal kids: This program will create Anganwadis in 5 hamlets (spread over 40 km) which will support ~130 children (new born-3 years) with nutritional food, medicines and impart basic educational skills to join main stream education by the age of 4.

2. Renovation of Pragati Tribal hostel at Mokhada: This project will provide boarding and lodging for 30 tribal students and thus help them to continue their high school education.

WAH Budget Proposal

More on Arogyaseva

Arogyaseva has long term goals of making the lives of these tribal communities self-sufficient and connect them to the main stream world. In these efforts, Asha Toledo has provided funds ($ 20,700) in three phases. The first phase supported books, infrastructure such as tables, chairs, water filters, mats and black boards. For the first time, two solar lamps were installed in schools of Kumbhi and Karoli padas where there was no electric supply before. The focus of the second phase project was health and literacy. Essential medicines were provided to the villagers benefitting 700 people in a health camp conducted by physicians from Mumbai. A computer was also donated to Asey School to start basic computer education for middle-school students. Private teaching sessions were also arranged for high-school students to enhance their education and help prepare for their board examinations. The third phase was graciously supported by Toledo Rotary Foundation ($10,000). This involved installation of solar lamps for 21 families (who left alcohol for more than 3 months) was provided, which also encouraged parents to send their children to school. We constructed two libraries and supported 5 schools with basic infrastructure. Additionally, training and guidance was given in different agricultural areas for the benefit of farmers. Jaipur foot was also donated for physically handicapped students.

We request you to contribute and be a part of not only creating hope but bringing livelihood to the lives of the tribal community situated so close to the business capital of India, Mumbai.

Relevant Resources: