A dream of self-esteem and dignified life from building a Surakshit Aawas
Minkosha Damai, a resident of Lamkichuha Municipality Ward No. 4, has been living in a small hut since last 1 year with her 3 family members. She is now in her early twenties (21 years old). She got love marriage with Narendra Damai when she was in the age of 18. Now he has an 11-month-old son. Her small hut has been made in small piece of land (around 11 acers). Before this, 1 year ago, she used to live with her mother-in-law. She is earning her living by selling firewood and working as a flame worker (daily wage). Her family situation is pathetic. She says, "It is very difficult for us to be bread winner until we get wages from work." Her small hut is on the bank of the river. Seeing her dangerous situation, ward office of Lamkichuha-4 selected her family for safe construction. Based on the recommendation of the ward office, Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN) Nepal is providing the support to construct her house financially supported by Habitat for Humanity International Nepal (Habitat Nepal) under the implementation of Surakshit Aawas Project.
The construction work of her house has just started. She said, "It started raining. I am afraid that this little hut of mine will leak. Also, snakes and insects are also feared. So I request you to build my house as soon as possible." She says again, "Safe construction has given me hope for my future." Earlier, when she was staying at her mother in law's house, she used to be insulted by asking her to run away.” Now I has gained self-respect." She said that after building the house, she plans to raise goats and become self-dependent. There is no water pump in her house. Now she fetches water from the nearest neighbor's water-pump. He said that neighbors allow her to fill water if they want, otherwise they don't. Finally, she expressed her gratitude to office of the Lamkichuha Municipality, Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN) Nepal and Habitat for Humanity International Nepal (Habitat-Nepal).
Credit: Collected during field monitoring by Rastriya Dalit Network on 20 June, 2024.