Tribal Community

Aarohan has spread its activities to the remote East Coast Belt of India namely Odisha (Mayurbhanj District), Andhrapradesh (Vishakhapatnam, Srikakulam District, and Vizayanagram), and in Ranchi and Gamharia District of Jharkhand state.

The main activities are undertaken to support the Education of the Tribal children, Women Empowerment, Development of Villages/Hamlets, preserving and promoting their rich culture. It also promotes the survival of the dying arts of these areas.

The tribal population, in general, remains in the dark without any development due to unawareness and illiteracy. Consequently, they are the most deprived and vulnerable community that faces severe exclusions on all fronts- social, economic, political, cultural, and civil.

This is despite the Government of India establishing a designated Ministry for Tribal Development, backed up with policy decisions including reservations, required administrative and financial support, and scores of welfare and promotional schemes- there have been hardly any significant changes in the status of tribals.

Condition.

People live in scattered locations (hamlets) and deep in valleys and forests, hygienic conditions remain wanting and people are usually inadequately clothed. There is widespread malnutrition since a majority are hardly able to afford two square meals. The average monthly income is unbelievably low at INR 2,000 (approx. $30.3USD). Alcoholism is rampant among men folks.

Achieving universal primary education in tribal areas and lack of physical infrastructure, functional deficiency, poor-socio economic conditions and gender discrimination. Lack of resources, shortages of teachers and schools further aggravates the situation.

Women are the most vulnerable even amongst the Tribal communities. One consistent issue plaguing the tribal women is their abysmal menstrual hygiene- as a result of lack of understanding and awareness of remedial measures. This leads to multiple health issues which not only affect the women but also their families. Women lack awareness about healthy and safe practices for their children and themselves. Exploitation, trafficking of women and children is rampant in Tribal communities.

Challenge.

• Due to scattered habitation, reaching out to the community is highly challenging.
• Language.

Aarohan’s Focus.

Aarohan operates with a firm belief that tribal communities are the nation’s heritage and wealth. They are an essential part of the ecological ecosystem of our country and their role is especially important in the growing crisis of climate change and environmental degradation. It is therefore focusing on education, health & hygiene, and livelihood skilling for the tribal communities- which would enable them to live well and thrive in their natural habitat to the extent possible.

Aarohan has formed a consortium of 10 NGOs to address the problems of the Tribals across 3 districts of Vishakhapatnam, Vizayanagram, and Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh State.

These implementing NGOs include:

• Giri Chaitanya Welfare Society, Visakhapatnam.
• Green & Health Tribal Development Society, Visakhapatnam.
• Mahila Jyothi Welfare Society, Visakhapatnam.
• Surya Kanthi Yuvajana Seva Sangam, Vizianagaram.
• Manyam Girijana Swatchanda Seva Sangam, Visakhapatnam.
• Nestham Seva Sangam, Srikakulum.
• Adhivasi Jeevana Sangham, Srikakulum.
• Kurupam Mandalam, Vizianagaram.
• Akshara Brahma Welfare Society, Visakhapatnam.
• DEES Girijana Welfare Society, Vizianagaram.