Revolutionizing Hygiene and Sanitation in Rural Gujarat

Samarpit Foundation, a charitable organization based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is at the forefront of driving transformational change in rural hygiene and sanitation. Committed to the vision of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the foundation is playing a crucial role in improving living conditions in villages by building sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene awareness, and implementing sustainable waste management practices.

We believe that access to proper sanitation is a fundamental right, enabling communities to thrive and reducing the burden of preventable diseases that affect productivity, education, and quality of life.

Key Initiatives and Impact

Established by a group of social entrepreneurs and activists, Samarpit Foundation believes that clean surroundings and proper sanitation are fundamental human rights. The foundation's efforts have not only led to the construction of thousands of toilets but have also educated communities on the importance of hygiene, reducing the spread of waterborne diseases and enhancing overall public health.

Construction of Household and Community Toilets

A major challenge in rural India has been the practice of open defecation due to the lack of proper toilet facilities. To tackle this, Samarpit Foundation has worked closely with local panchayats and government agencies under the Swachh Bharat Mission to construct:

• Individual Household Toilets (IHHLs): Providing financial and technical assistance to families to build toilets in their homes.
• Community Sanitation Complexes: Constructing gender-sensitive sanitation units in village centers, schools, and marketplaces to ensure accessibility for all.

Hygiene Awareness and Behavioral Change Campaigns

Infrastructure alone is not enough—Samarpit Foundation places a strong emphasis on behavior change through education. The foundation runs Swachhata Awareness Drives, where trained volunteers visit villages to conduct:

• Workshops on Handwashing Practices: Educating school children and families about the importance of washing hands with soap to prevent diseases.
• Menstrual Hygiene Awareness for Women and Girls:Providing free sanitary pads and awareness sessions to break taboos surrounding menstruation.
• Door-to-Door Awareness Programs:Encouraging families to use toilets instead of practicing open defecation.

Waste Management and Clean Water Access

The foundation also focuses on sustainable waste disposal and clean water availability:

• Solid Waste Segregation & Recycling:Training villagers to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, reducing environmental pollution.
• Building Waste Treatment Plants:Setting up small-scale composting units and biogas plants that convert organic waste into energy for village households.
• Installation of Water Purification Systems:Ensuring access to clean drinking water by setting up community water filters and rainwater harvesting systems.

Through these efforts, Samarpit Foundation will help reduce groundwater contamination, benefiting over 200,000 villagers across Gujarat.

Engaging Local Youth and Women in the Swachh Bharat Movement

Samarpit Foundation firmly believes in community participation, especially involving youth and women as sanitation ambassadors. Their "Swachh Warriors Program" trains young volunteers to:

• Organize cleanliness drives in schools and village streets.
• Conduct awareness sessions on sanitation and water conservation.
• Advocate for better waste management policies with local authorities.

Additionally, the foundation supports Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of women who manufacture affordable eco-friendly sanitary pads, ensuring menstrual hygiene accessibility while generating livelihood opportunities.