Invest for Wellness (i4We) is a system innovation, which delivers primary care to those who have the greatest need, but are least likely to receive it. It goes beyond simply treating an illness.
It supports families and entire communities with preventive and promotive health, financial literacy, social protection and behaviour change—all of which are components that can enable wellness.
Under i4we, A WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene) intervention, supported by Levi Strauss & Co., was brought to life with the urban, poor communities residing in Bommanahalli and Kamakshipalya, in Bengaluru, India.
In the first year, a comprehensive WaSH intervention was carried out for the urban poor living in Jigani, Kamakshipalya and Kenchanahalli, aimed at better urban water, sanitation, hygiene and health. In the two subsequent years, the intervention was carried out in the schools and communities of Bommanahalli.
A total of INR 1.3 core has been saved by the members for their future health and education needs. Moreover, loans worth INR 3.4 crore have been given to the i4We members.
How was this achieved? The intervention focused on creating awareness on WaSH issues through various initiatives like training and advocacy, camps, campaigns to solve WaSH challenges and also implement appropriate solutions to improve quality and access.
Key activities include community and school WaSH awareness programs, water and sanitation infrastructure intervention in schools, WaSH and preventive/promotive health awareness using flipbooks in the community.
Young menstruators were given training to do with menstrual hygiene, so they would have the confidence to manage their hygiene needs and reduce the number of school dropouts from among them.
For instance, in 2017-18, 2,627 children in 15 schools were reached through WaSH & health training, as well as infrastructure intervention. Toilet renovations and construction of hand washing facilities was carried out in four schools.
The partnership between Levi Strauss & Co. and Swasti ensured that the health and well-being needs of the people of Bommanahalli and Kamakshipalya, were met during the strenuous, second wave of COVID-19. Be it nutrition kits or community surveillance, our partnership aided the resilience of the residents.
