Through community-based organisations, DBAI raises awareness and encourages collaborative efforts towards social change. Ultimately, DBAI’s goal is to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities where everyone can thrive
COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS
DBAI is committed to fostering community empowerment and driving positive change at the grassroots level. To achieve this, they establish community-based organisations (CBOs) that focus on raising awareness and promoting collaborative action within local communities. These CBOs offer community-based care and support, particularly to child labourers and their families.
The CBOs encompass a diverse range of local community members, including youth, women, unorganised labourers, and slum dwellers. By involving various stakeholders, DBAI ensures that the unique perspectives and experiences of each group are represented and considered when addressing community challenges.
Through this approach, marginalised youth and communities are empowered to become change agents, actively participating in the planning and execution of their own development initiatives. These individuals form a powerful people’s movement against pressing issues such as child labour, bonded labour, lack of basic amenities, dowry, early marriage, communal violence, and casteism.
DBAI also facilitates the formation of local forums where residents can discuss their problems and collaborate to find effective solutions. These forums serve as a platform for community members to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and collectively work toward improving the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.
Women play a crucial role in the process of community transformation and empowerment. As active members of Federations and local community groups, they are increasingly taking charge of their own economic security and contributing to the well-being of their families and communities.
One key aspect of this empowerment is the commitment to regular savings. By prioritising financial discipline and self-reliance, these women are reducing their dependence on external sources for economic stability. This practice not only boosts their financial confidence but also enables them to make informed decisions about their future and the future of their families.
Furthermore, many women are stepping into entrepreneurship by becoming owners of small businesses, such as petty shops and small-scale industries. These enterprises not only provide a source of income for the women and their families but also create employment opportunities within their communities.
As women continue to break down barriers and assume leadership roles in their communities, they are inspiring and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. This shift towards greater gender equality and female empowerment is essential for fostering sustainable community development and ensuring a brighter future for all.
In order to establish a child-friendly society, it is crucial to have individuals who can take action to protect the basic rights of children. To achieve this, our organisation has formed Caring Community Groups comprising members identified from various groups, such as auto drivers, scavengers, transport workers, porters, shop owners, police, and railway officials, among others.
These groups play a vital role in protecting child rights and supporting the rehabilitation of street and working children. Each group consists of 10-15 members who meet monthly to discuss issues concerning the welfare of children. By engaging with these community members, we aim to create awareness about the importance of protecting child rights and empower them to take action to support the rehabilitation of vulnerable children.
The Indian economy comprises a significant number of informal or unorganised labourers who often endure low wages, ill-treatment, and substandard working and living conditions. Many of these workers face challenges in receiving fair payment or obtaining adequate security coverage for their work. To tackle these issues, DBAI has formed Workers Support Groups, which convene within villages and mills to address the needs of labourers in the unorganised sector.
In these support groups, members learn about various provisions designed to improve their welfare and well-being, as well as how to access and activate these entitlements. The groups serve as a platform for workers to share their experiences, discuss common challenges, and work together to devise solutions that promote fair treatment and improved working conditions.
By educating members about their rights and entitlements, Workers Support Groups empower labourers to advocate for themselves and seek the benefits they deserve. This collective approach not only helps to raise awareness about the challenges faced by workers in the unorganised sector but also encourages systemic change that fosters improved labour conditions and worker welfare.
Salem and Namakkal districts are notable for having some of the highest concentrations of migrant workers in search of improved livelihood opportunities. Salem, in particular, serves as a hub for the arrival of migrants who then disperse to various other districts. In order to assist these workers, DBAI takes several measures to ensure they have access to essential government welfare schemes and services.
One of the key support initiatives offered by DBAI is helping migrant workers obtain essential identification documents, such as e-shram cards, Aadhar cards, and PAN cards. These documents enable migrants to access a range of social welfare programs and financial services, providing them with a safety net and opportunities for economic stability.
In addition to facilitating access to government schemes, DBAI also organises health camps for migrant workers. These camps offer essential medical services, ensuring that workers receive necessary healthcare and screenings. Furthermore, DBAI provides mental well-being counselling to help migrants cope with the challenges they face.