CHANGE brings about change in Asha Worker’s life

25 years old Anandaben from Haranmal village in Padra taluka is educated up to Xth standard. She became an ASHA worker after receiving training on RCH through an NGO. Being a housewife earlier, only now she stepped out in the outer world to attend the meetings. She started enjoying her work and derived satisfaction of making some contribution to the society. She started meeting pregnant mothers but due to lack of confidence she was dependent on nurses who were using ASHA workers as their assistants.

One day Anandaben met a field worker from SFT. She learnt about the CHANGE program and how government schemes can be better implemented in rural areas. At SFT she received training on rights of citizens and on communication skills to help the community in receiving benefits from various government schemes under NRHM. The missing link in her life was provided by SFT through the training. She did not have to depend on nurses now. Slowly she developed confidence and started filling up the forms herself and depositing them in PHCs.

She gained respect in the community as people started receiving correct information and benefits from various government schemes. Even nurses in the area became active and started functioning on regular basis. She said “Earlier I had no knowledge about RCH. Even after receiving training, I had no confidence in myself and was afraid to step out of the house. After receiving training and guidance from Shroffs Foundation Trust, I started helping people derive benefits from various schemes. Now people call me to help them. I help pregnant mothers from BPL families to fill up the forms and register themselves with PHCs and Chiranjivee hospitals. One BPL mother received Rs.13, 000/- after a cesarean section. I also ensure that all children are covered during Mamta divas.”

Training under CHANGE project has changed the life of Anandben. She is now respected at home, in the community, in the village and her life has found a new direction.