Nearly a quarter of the population of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) lives in slums. Mumbai West Area Development Programme (ADP) encompasses 24 slums and reaches out to more than 100,000 people. Slums attract migrant labourers who work in construction and associated industries, and women who often work as housemaids in nearby middle-class households.

Slum-dwellers are generally more concerned about immediate material needs than the long-term development offered by World Vision, so educating the community about sustainable development has taken some time.

Income generation

Unemployment is widespread in the slums, so the ADP provides training grants for young people to attend courses in fields such as radio operation, electronics, computers, driving and beauty therapy.

Community members join together to form self-help groups, some of which have been in existence for five years or more. Members contribute a regular sum of money to their group’s joint account and later borrow from it for personal needs or to invest in small businesses. The ADP provides training in leadership, finance, record keeping and credit management.

Health and sanitation

In Mumbai’s slums, people cannot afford medical treatment so they often neglect healthcare. Poor hygiene and sanitation, a lack of safe drinking water and alcoholism all contribute to health problems in the slums.

World Vision works in conjunction with government authorities to provide health training, immunisation, checkups and promote oral rehydration for diarrhoea management. Mothers receive pre and postnatal care, and healthy baby contests promote breast-feeding, nutrition, hygiene and preventative healthcare.

Mumbai West ADP supports families affected by HIV and AIDS by providing monthly food parcels and paying medical expenses. Street plays and other innovative methods convey HIV-prevention messages.

Water pipelines provide safe water to the doorsteps of homes. Improved drainage and rubbish bins reduce flies in the slums.

Community leadership

Slum development committees are formed to give the community ownership of development activities. The development committees plan for long-term sustainable community development and lobby city officials for water, sewerage and other services. World Vision encourages women, young people and children to take an active part in the committees.

Education

Although most parents are aware of the benefits of education, there is a lack of facilities and often parents need to keep older children at home to care for younger siblings, while they are at work. Municipal schools are overcrowded and teachers are unable to give individual attention, resulting in poor academic achievement and high dropout rates.

Mumbai West ADP increases parents’ interest in their children’s education and encourages students, especially girls, to pursue higher education. Students are assisted with school fees, uniforms and stationery, if parents cannot afford them.

World Vision runs informal preschools, afterschool tuition, literacy classes for women and children not attending school and refresher training for teachers. School children are taken on educational trips to broaden their understanding of subjects such as science, maths and history.Child protection committees and children’s clubs ensure children’s rights are protected.

Faith

The majority of the ADP’s population – 72 per cent – is Hindu. There are also Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs and people of no religion. ADP staff work with social organisations, community leaders and churches to nurture moral values.

Sustainable development

World Vision started Mumbai West ADP in October 1998, and is working with the community to enhance ongoing development. Progress is evaluated every five years, and when the community reaches its goals World Vision will begin to reduce its support allowing the community to direct their own development.

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