MARI has strategically aligned this project with its mission of improving the living conditions of marginalized urban communities through community mobilization, grassroots capacity building, and advocacy. By establishing Basti Vikas Sahaya Kendras, MARI has created accessible support centres that serve as a bridge between communities and government departments, enabling thousands of families to secure essential documents, social entitlements, and public services.
Through awareness campaigns, baseline assessments, educational interventions, and community outreach, MARI has facilitated access to government welfare schemes, supported children’s enrolment in schools, and established Child Friendly Learning Centres (CFLCs) to strengthen early childhood education. The organisation has also promoted improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices by conducting extensive household visits and community awareness programmes, encouraging healthier living environments.
MARI’s collaboration with government departments, local stakeholders, and community-based organisations has contributed to model slum development, improved access to basic services, and strengthened community leadership through Basti Mitras and Basti Vikas Manches. By promoting participation, inclusion, and sustainable development, MARI continues to empower vulnerable urban communities to improve their quality of life and long-term resilience.
Objectives
- Promote and strengthen community cadres and community-based organisations.
- Enable 10,027 families across 28 slums to access essential documents and government entitlements.
- Develop 6 model slums with improved water supply, sanitation, drainage, and waste collection services.
- Improve the living conditions of 1,904 vulnerable families across 32 urban settlements.
- Establish Child Friendly Learning Centres (CFLCs) and facilitate health support and referral services through strengthened community institutions.
- Collaborate with government departments and key stakeholders across three clusters in Hyderabad, Telangana.
"Empowering marginalized communities through inclusive development, MARI strengthens grassroots leadership, enhances access to essential services, and fosters sustainable solutions for dignified living."
Achievements
- Established two Basti Vikas Sahaya Kendras (BVSKs) at Cherlapally and Dammaiguda to support community members in accessing government services and entitlements.
- Conducted 13 community awareness camps across 13 slums, increasing awareness of government schemes, rights, and available services.
- Developed a comprehensive baseline assessment tool capturing household information, documentation status, and access to entitlements across project areas.
- Facilitated the enrolment of 98 out-of-school children into government schools through community mobilisation and educational support.
- Conducted 1,380 household visits to promote awareness of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
- Established three Child Friendly Learning Centres (CFLCs) serving 135 children, providing safe learning environments and early childhood development support.
- Supported 314 children across six preschool centres with supplementary nutritious meals, recreational activities, and school readiness programmes.
Programme Outcomes
- 30 Basti Mitras, 28 Basti Vikas Manches, and 2 Basti Vikas Sahaya Kendras actively support 10,027 families across 28 slums.
- 5,000 individuals obtained essential identity documents and certificates required to access government services.
- 4,000 individuals, including women, youth, children, street vendors, waste collectors, construction workers, and informal workers, successfully accessed government welfare schemes, insurance, pensions, e-Shram registration, labour welfare benefits, livelihood support, scholarships, and educational admissions.
- Six model slums were developed with improved water supply, sanitation, drainage, and waste management services.
- 600 families gained improved access to safe domestic water supply.
- 800 families benefited from improved community sanitation facilities.
- 1,000 families adopted improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
- 570 children (3–6 years) benefited from early childhood care and learning services through preschool centres.
“MARI remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development by strengthening community institutions, enhancing access to essential services, and empowering vulnerable populations to secure their rights and entitlements for a dignified life.”
- Project Duration
2024-2028
- Supported By
Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APF)
- Operational Area
28 Slums in Hyderabad. 14 slums in Cherlapally Cluster and 14 slums in Dammaiguda cluster.
- Causes
Health
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