Looking back at 2024
- Isaiah Malcolm
- Dec 31, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 6
by Isaiah Malcolm
This year has been the maiden voyage for us at Restoration Humanity. In what seems like a short amount of time we have had the privilege of being involved in work that has been both meaningful and impactful. Though the journey has only just begun and there is much more work to do, we would like to take a moment to look back on everything that has happened this year.
This summer a group from Restoration Humanity had the privilege of visiting the dumping yard where the Yenadis live. Lead by Ravi Pradeep of Society for Integrated Rural Development (SFIRD), we were able to meet the Yenadis, learn about their lifestyle, and on the final day participate in the first medical camp that this group ever had access to.
▲ A group of Yenadi women prepare to receive medical help for the first time
At this medical camp, 70 people had access to two general practitioners, an OB-GYN, a dentist, and two nurses. They reported health issues relating to diet, nutrition, and hygiene as well as injuries from working in the dumping yard. Basic ointments and medications were distributed according to their needs to help alleviate some of the issues. SFIRD also provided high protein dry rations to help supplement the medication. Though many more camps like this are needed to truly meet the needs at play, this marks the beginning of our journey with this Yenadi community.
During our trip to the dumping yard, we also visited a nearby village which was home to a school building. This school was meant to serve the Yenadis living in the dumping yard as well as the children in the village, and we were shocked to see the state of disrepair. The school was missing a roof, proper lighting, and it didn't protect the children from the elements. Starting July 29, 2024, SFIRD and RH began the restoration of the school building.
▲ The school building before renovations with missing roof.
▲ The renovated school building complete with a repaired roof, improved lighting and fans with stones in the front to prevent the buildup of stagnant water
Through this building we hope to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the Yenadi children to learn. Previously, intense weather conditions often prevented children from attending school due to flooding and incredible heat. But in the words of Bhimrao Ambedkar, "Education is something which ought to be brought into the reach of everyone."
Due to unsanitary living conditions, ten children were infected with impetigo, a type of skin infection. These children were rushed to the Guntur government hospital for treatment. On August 25, RH and SFIRD provided dry ration kits for the families of the infected children. The families reported that within a week the children were already showing improvement.
On August 31, the Amaravati weather station reported a recording-breaking 11 inches of rain within a day. This drastic rainfall resulted in severe flooding throughout the region. Nearly 650,000 people were affected by the flooding. Families faced a lack of access to safe drinking water and food. During this time, SFIRD handed out bottled water and biscuits to 400 families to help provide relief.
▲ Houses are nearly submerged by rising floodwaters
Eight families in the Naidupet dumping yard were also displaced due to the flooding and had to take shelter at the nearby Jindal Shelter and the Mandal Prashad Primary school, which was renovated just in time to provide refuge.
SFIRD and RH held a Mini Medical & Health camp for the Yenadis at the Naidupet dumping yard. Dr. Rama Rao from the Guntur Government Hopsital was present to examine and treat the existing skin conditions. By this time, 80% of the infected children were showing nearly full healing with the others being nearly healed. Two new cases were identified and promptly addressed.
▲ Dr. Rama Rao also taught the parents of the affected children about the importance of hygiene, clothing, bathing and dietary habits. He assured that he would continue to monitor the children and families in the coming months and further engage the local hospital in providing medical attention.
A follow-up visit on September 18 showed that the children had made a full recovery. In order to help the Yenadi families prevent this from happening again, SFIRD emphasized the importance of hygiene and sanitation.
This was the start of making the medical camp a monthly event.
To help alleviate the damage and loss that the Yenadis faced due to flooding, SFIRD and RH handed out blankets and mosquito nets at the Dumping Yard. Though recovering from such an intense disaster would take time, this assistance would help jumpstart the affected families.
October 7, 2024 - Monthly clinics begin at the Mandal Prashad Primary School
Dr. Rama Rao and SFIRD began the first of many monthly medical clinics at the recently renovated Mandal Prashad Primary School. He identified hygiene as one of the major contributors to health issues among the Yenadis. He emphaszied the importance of changing clothes every two days and taking baths regularly. Health kits were distributed which consisted of toothpaste, a toothbrush, coconut oil, soap, and powder.
▲ Dr. Rama Rao examines all the children present
With fireworks, lights, and sweets, the Yenadis celebrated Diwali. SFIRD and RH handed out treats and ensured that the fireworks were safely used.
▲ Fireworks fill the night as the Yenadis celebrate Diwali.
Dr. Rama Rao returned to the dumping yard to check on the status of the children and further emphasize the importance of personal hygiene in preventing various illnesses and conditions. It was observed that majority of the Yenadis were no longer suffering from skin conditions or allergies, however, four new cases were identified. Medical attention was provided along with the corresponding supplements, vitamins, and antibiotics.
▲ Children receive and are instructed on proper use of sanitation kits
SFIRD and RH closed out the year with the Yenadis by holding a Christmas celebration complete with lights, food, cake, and new clothes for the children. The day was filled laughter, eating, and dancing. The celebration was also attended by Mr. Prasad, a manager at the Jindal Waste Management facility where the Yenadis work.
▲ Candles were lit to end the night's celebration
As we stand at the precipice of a new year, we would like to thank Ravi Pradeep and everyone at SFIRD for making every bit of intervention towards the Yenadis of Naidupet possible. They have toiled endlessly to better understand the needs of the Yenadis and ensure that we can do whatever is in our power to meet them.
Restoration Humanity would also like to thank everyone who made all this happen. This is just the start of a long journey and we hope that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the Yenadis in Naidupet. The road ahead may be long and at times difficult, but we trust that it is a journey worth making.
From everyone at Restoration Humanity, have a phenomenal 2025, hope you make new memories and have great experiences!
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. — Eleanor Roosevelt
Thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey!
If you would like to know more: more.info@rhlife.org
To donate to Restoration Humanity: www.rhlife.org/donate
Restoration Humanity, Inc. is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organizationand donations are tax deductible only in the United States. Non-profit tax ID number: 99-1330084
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