Page 57 - Creating Resilience in Communities-Success Stories 24 Jan 22.indd

and poor management of electrical wires. These meetings helped Chanchal, a 15-year-old resident Save the Children has made us of Bhagwanpura, to learn about the hazards of more aware. Now people in electrical fires and electrocution. Determined to the community also bring their do her bit to safeguard her community, she took problems to us, saying, she is with photos and videos of the people who dried their Save the Children, if you tell her clothes on the wires despite repeated warnings, your problems, they will show you and shared these with the Save the Children how to solve them. community mobilizer. Together, they implemented a ‘chalaan’ for people who continued the risky – Chanchal practice. The problem of non-functioning lights was also addressed with the authorities. Save the Children helped Chanchal get an appointment with the MCD counsellor, Ms Nisha Yadav, and file an application with the power department. Additionally, various community events were organized, where awareness was generated on topics like safety on the streets, the value of proper street lighting, and the safe management of electrical wires. These events also highlighted the importance of following COVID-19 safety protocols, as all COVID safety measures were observed. The change Automatic street lights, which come on when darkness falls, were installed as a result of Chanchal’s application, so now young girls can go about their business with greater safety even in the evenings. Clothes are no longer dried on electrical wires, reducing the hazards of electrical fires and electrocution. The most significant change is that Chanchal and the other young people of Bhagwanpura have become aware that they can prevent certain disasters and can actively engage in ensuring their own safety. This has given them the confidence to speak to others on this subject and advocate for the practice of safety measures within their community. Creating Resilience in Communities and Schools - Success Stories 55