Success Story - The Mala Project

Sangita, 7 years old girl.

Four years ago, there was crossfire in the Sangita's village between the Security Forces and the Maoists. The grandfather of the family was shot. The mother was injured by a bullet and she is blind in one eye since then. While the incident happened, she was carrying Sangita on her back then the child fall down and had a chest injury. After this, the Security Forces set fire to the village of the family, which destroyed everything.

Sangita's family rebuilt its house after the traumatic event. Even though the family owned lands, they were very poor and did not have enough food to feed all family members.  Regarding Sangita's situation, she had difficulties to breathe since the incident. She was not able to do any physical effort or exercise. Very often, she was sick with fever, abdominal pain, headache, bronchitis or pneumonia.  Because of that, Sangita missed lots of classes and her academic performance went down significantly. The family was always worried about Sangita's health problems and felt helplessness about the situation.

In January 2006, a neighbor of the conflict-affected family heard about Mala Project and referred the family case to a social field worker. Then, a SFW from a local NGO started to visit the family. At the beginning, the parents were very suspicious: "Many people from different human rights organizations took our names but we did not have any support from them". After few family visits, the SWF developed a trustful relationship with the parents, their 4 children and neighbors. The SFW supported the family through regular home visits, active listening, basic counseling (to care-givers and children), play therapy with younger children and medical referral. The SFW also visited Sangita's school and talked with her teacher about how to support her (active listening, educational and recreational activities). Sangita received a school kit (stationary) including a school dress.  During that time, the family also was supported by the World Food Program and an income generating program through a local NGO.

In April 2006, the family decided to bring Sangita to the hospital in Dang district for an acute chest infection with fever. They were supported and accompanied by the SFW and the field supervisor. After medical investigations, doctors found out that Sangita is probably suffering from one of the most common congenital heart-disease (patent ductus arteriosus), which is not linked to the traumatic event. Then, the field supervisor discussed the patient's problems with the executive director and cardiac surgeon of Gangalal Heart Centre. This one accepted to provide the operation, the hospital bed and the medicines available at the hospital free of charge for the patient. CMC-Nepal bore the costs of some medicines, traveling and food expenses for the guardians and post-operation investigations.

Even though the child's problems were not directly conflict-related, it was a child at risk and the family was conflict-affected and very poor. It was a wonderful chance for Sangita to get the treatment she needed and back to a normal life as a 7 years old girl. Now, Sangita is running and smiling all the time. Her performance at school is increasing and she is highly motivated. Her family and neighborhood are very grateful and more receptive towards Mala-Project.

Mala Results at a glance