COMMUNITY BASED INTEGRATED SLUM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

KALYANPURI & MADANPUR KHADAR, NEW DELHI

Since 1995, the project has brought significant improvements in health, education, child protection, and social development in the slum communities of Kalyanpuri and Madanpur Khadar. The program continues to address the core needs of the communities through an integrated, community-based approach, aiming to foster a child-friendly society. It collaborates closely with community-based organizations (CBOs), educational institutions, and government service providers.

Key Thematic Areas of Intervention:

Education

The program addresses issues of school dropout and low enrollment among slum children. As a result of interventions:

  • School dropout rates reduced by 40%

  • Student attendance improved by 75%

  • 3,000 children benefited from the Midday Meal Program

  • 17,500 children improved academically through daily tuition support

  • A Bridge School was conducted for 1,260 tribal children to reintegrate them into mainstream education

Health

Health conditions in the slums were critically poor due to unhygienic living conditions and widespread malnutrition. Key achievements include:

  • 60% of the community now seeks treatment in government hospitals

  • Nutritional support (milk, eggs, fruits, multigrain biscuits) provided to 250 TB patients and pregnant women

  • 55% of TB patients in the area recovered with support from the program

  • Medical camps improved awareness and access to health care services

  • The organization serves as a nodal agency for the Delhi TB Association

WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)

  • 75% of the community became aware of hygiene practices

  • Open defecation reduced by 30%

  • 50% of families now use clean drinking water

  • Numerous handwashing awareness events conducted

  • Support provided for repair of two previously unusable sanitary complexes in Kalyanpuri

Livelihood Development

  • 400 youth and adolescent girls and boys trained in vocational skills such as computer training, tailoring, and beautician courses

  • 100 individuals successfully placed in jobs

  • 300 people benefitted from adult literacy programs

  • 15 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) formed to support local initiatives and governance

Policy Influence and Governance Access

  • The program facilitated access to government services, including Aadhar, pension schemes, and welfare policies

  • 2,000 people received help in accessing government entitlements

  • 40% of the community became more aware of available government facilities

  • Strong rapport built with local authorities and stakeholders for policy advocacy

Social and Moral Development

  • 80% of children showed improved behavior through social education sessions

  • 70% of the community exhibited positive behavioral changes, particularly reduced incidents of conflict and verbal abuse

Child Rights & Protection

  • 250 adolescent girls received self-defense training

  • The program actively promotes child rights, focusing on education, health, safety, and access to livelihood opportunities

  • Special emphasis on the empowerment and protection of girls as a critical step towards community transformation

Implementation Strategies

  1. Community Mobilization: Active involvement of different community groups at multiple levels

  2. Awareness & Education: Focused training and awareness on health, hygiene, and sanitation

  3. Community Empowerment: Strengthening capacities of women, youth, and children

  4. Case-Based Support: Individual casework support based on specific needs

  5. Linking & Networking: Coordination with CBOs, local government bodies, and stakeholders for service delivery and policy access

Emergency Relief Work: Madanpur Khadar

Madanpur Khadar is a resettlement colony, home to families displaced from various unauthorized settlements across Delhi. One such area, Samosa Chowk, is primarily inhabited by families involved in collecting and recycling plastic waste.

Fire Incident – May 6, 2015

A fire broke out due to stored plastic scrap, resulting in:

  • Destruction of 110 homes, which were makeshift shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulin

  • Loss of 2 horses and 2 children

  • Immediate humanitarian needs included utensils and shelter materials

Response:
The program supported all 110 families by providing:

  • Emergency shelter materials

  • Essential kitchen utensils, including:

    • 2 aluminum vessels with lids

    • 4 steel glasses

    • 4 steel bowls

    • 4 steel plates (thalis)

    • 2 large steel spoons

Success Story: Neha from Madanpur Khadar

Neha, a 16-year-old girl from A-2 block, was severely anaemic and unable to continue school. Her family was undergoing extreme financial hardship, with her mother suffering from typhoid and limited access to food or healthcare.

Intervention:

  • Field staff assessed the situation and initiated support

  • Neha was enrolled in the project and provided with nutritious food and iron supplements

  • Regular medical care and motivation led to Neha’s recovery

  • She resumed tuition classes and her family’s overall wellbeing improved

Outcome:
Today, Neha is healthy, back in school, and her family is stable and hopeful for the future.

This Community-Based Integrated Slum Development Program continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized urban populations by addressing immediate needs and building long-term resilience through education, health, livelihood support, and child protection.