In Andhra Pradesh and on the Andaman Islands Terre des hommes (Tdh) is supporting health and access to water and sanitation projects. In Kolkata Tdh is combating child trafficking.


Solutions proposed by Terre des hommes


Andaman Islands – Children and adolescents benefit from regular health checks. Tdh also provides adequate training to local nurses. The Foundation is also very active at government level to promote a global health policy.

Andhra Pradesh – In this Southern state of India, Tdh is working toward the establishment of a large network in health and sanitation. Thus more than 100 latrines have already been built in the Krishna district. Furthermore Tdh is promoting breastfeeding and vaccination campaigns.

Combating child trafficking – Tdh has been actively combating child trafficking in the north of the country for many years - in particular in the borderline with Nepal. Tdh is also contributing to the rehabilitation and social integration of children victims of sexual abuse and trafficking. In Kolkata for example such a programme has been put in place.


Results achieved in 2008

Andaman Islands – Tdh is supporting the reconstruction of schools’ sanitation facilities in those islands severely affected by the 2004 Tsunami. Health checks were carried out on 1,895 children in 9 schools. Sick children were referred to the official health care services. In addition public health promotion plans were produced in collaboration with the local population.

Andhra Pradesh – 123 houses were rebuilt during the first half of 2008; 113 families received financial support; 40 latrines were built and a health centre renovated.

Supporting victims of sexual abuses – Since 2006, 350 young women benefited from the support given by professional staff of the specialist centre. Tdh is now developing a large and comprehensive approach in the support given to these victims.


Challenges to be taken up

Isolation – Situated 1,400 kilometres east of the Indian continent, the Andaman Islands are geographically very isolated and are suffering from a lack of infrastructure. Natural disasters – Communities in Andaman Islands and in Andhra Pradesh are permanently living under the threat of natural disasters: tsunamis or tropical storms. Discrimination of marginalised groups – The caste system in force encourages systematic discrimination against whole groups of the population; in particular the Dalits, who are treated as untouchable. They cannot access basic medical care or higher education. They often work in inhuman conditions.


STORY - Parama and Lakshmi escaped from sexual exploitation

Saved from a red-light district, Parama and Lakshmi, 14 years old were taken to Sneha: a young women shelter administrated by Tdh’s partner. Upon arrival, the young girls were anxious, driven by a feeling of hatred and felt they had no future prospects.

In 2007, they took part to the first group in a training session organised within Tdh’s supported programme to provide access to healthcare and offer protection and social reintegration to young people. The aim of this training was to give young victims of abuse and mistreatment a sense of self-awareness; as well as the ability to resolve their problems by themselves. Another objective is to help them to find the necessary resources for social reintegration.
At the beginning, Lakshmi and Parama found it hard to comply with the strict regulations. Their lack of discipline meant they were often excluded from classes! But their study programme also included exercises to improve self-control. They learned to master their emotions and to become part of a group of people. Parama confirmed that she has become more attentive, patient and has gained better understanding. Lakshmi added that she could resolve her problems by herself and also help others to do the same.
In September 2008, after succeeding in-depth interviews, Parama and Lakshmi became trainers themselves. Today, Lakshmi and Parama are both doing well.