Portraits of Change, A close look at the people of CRHP

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by Edwin Toone

Portraits of ChangeA close look at the people of CRHP

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Potraits of ChangeA close look at the people of CRHP

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Portraits of ChangeA close look at the people of CRHP

© Edwin Toone, 2011

Designed by Edwin ToonePhotographs by Edwin TooneText by Periclean Scholars of Elon University, CRHP staff, and Edwin Toone

Edwin Toone Photographywww.edwintoonephotography.com

CRHP Jamkhedwww.jamkhed.org

Cover image: Hulgande Mama, Night Watchman

This book is dedicated to the Arole family for all the hard work they have done to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized and to all the staff of CRHP for their dedication and contributions to the cause.

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The Comprehensive Rural Health Project, Jamkhed has been working among India’s rural poor and marginalized since 1970. Working directly at grassroots levels through mobilization of community groups, CRHP has demonstrated that long lasting positive transformation is achievable through relatively simple but far reaching interventions.

This book takes a close look at some of the people who make CRHP a reality. As you study each image ask yourself, “What do I have in common with this person and how is their life different or similar to mine?” Each person has a story to tell and their story is all part of the incredible work that CRHP does.

The book is broken down based on the different programs offered. Unfortunately, not every person working with CRHP can be represented here but a special thanks goes out to those who were willing to stand for a portrait. A percentage of proceeds from the sell of this book will be donated to CRHP Jamkhed.

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The ArolesRaj and Mabelle Arole met in medical school in 1968 and married two years later. In their marriage vows to each other, they promised to devote their professional life to helping the marginalized.

During the first years of their married life together, they adopted the lifestyle of the villagers they planned to partner with. It was through this first-hand understanding and knowledge of India’s rural poor the planning began for the Comprehensive Rural Health Project.

After spending four years in America furthering their education and knowledge of international public health at Johns Hopkins University, the Aroles developed a plan of action for their community-based health project. With their two small children, Ravi and Shobha, they returned to India to implement this plan.

As the awards and recognitions mounted, Raj and Mabelle served as a testament to one family’s devotion and dedication to the poor and the promise they made to each other.

7Dr. Raj. Arole, Founder and Director of CRHP

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Dr. Shobha Arole, CRHP Medical Director Ravi Arole, Director of Operations

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Leelavati Aaji (Granny), Dr. Raj. Arole’s Mother

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Village Health WorkersThe Village Health Workers of Jamkhed are the central element of the primary healthcare structure. Each health worker acts as the local agent of positive health and social change in her village. This model was designed to empower oppressed women by increasing knowledge, building skills, and demystifying medicine so as to truly put health in the people’s hands. Through the dissemination of health information, these women have contributed to the breakdown of caste barriers, gender discrimination, poor sanitation and harmful health practices within their communities.

11Lalanbai, VHW Pimpadgaon Alwa

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Yamunabai, VHW Ghodegaon Leelabai, VHW of Halgaon

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Babai, VHW Jawalka Rekha, VHW Rajuri

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Kautukabai, VHW Saathewadi Saraswati Dhawale, VHW HalgaonKalpana, VHW Khusadgaon

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Jijabai, VHW Mathavadi Pushpa, VHW Padali

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Mobile Health TeamMobile health has been part of CRHP’s model since its inception. Raj and Mabelle strengthened initial ties with partner villages through their mobile health clinics. Today the Mobile Health Team has expanded to include nurses, social workers, paramedics and doctors who serve as medical support for the Village Health Workers and facilitate developmental programs.

17Ratnamala, Jayesh and Monica Kamble, Social Workers

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Prasad, Social Worker Kuldeep Bhosle, Social WorkerMr. Pandit, Social Worker

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Savitha, Social Worker Popat Mama, Social Worker

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CRHP HospitalAddressing health issues in the village is the most efficient and least disruptive model of health care because it allows patients to stay with their families and continue working. For health problems that required additional attention, CRHP built a low-cost secondary care hospital. They minimize cost by focusing on local technology, using effective but inexpensive medicine, and enlisting family members to help relatives during their recovery.

21Sameer, Ward Aid

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Mangal Pandit, Nurse Popat Mama, Operating Theatre Assistant

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Nurse Saraswati, Dr. Priyanka, Dr. Poonam, Nurse Asma

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Dr. Shirish Shirsath, OpthalmologistAngad, X-ray Technician

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Arjun, Hospital Van Driver Nani Bai, Ward Aid

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Joyful Learning PreschoolWhen many of the poor tribal families in Jamkhed had nowhere to send their children to school, CRHP provided a solution. The Joyful Learning preschool allows migrant children to come to a safe and educationally stimulating environment. At Joyful Learning, children receive access to nutritious meals and creative activities that promote healthy development and improved self-esteem.

27Joyful Learning Student

28Meena, the school teacher with some of her students

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Joyful Learning Students

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Joyful Learning Students Joyful Learning Students

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Joyful Learning Student Joyful Learning Student

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Adolescent Girls ProgramAdolescent girls in India face many challenges. Many times they are forced to leave school and marry at an early age, perpetuating gender inequality and discrimination. CRHP began the Adolescent Girls Program to combat these issues. Girls in the program participate in interactive seminars on health education, social justice issues and personal development. In turn, the adolescents serve as peer educators to other girls in their villages.

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Adolescent Girls Program Members Adolescent Girls Program Members

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Jamkhed Research and Training InstituteDecades have passed since the founding doctors first stepped foot in Jamkhed. CRHP now has over 170 partner villages, many of which no longer require the support of the organization. Recognizing their duty to share their success with the rest of the developing world, Raj and Mabelle founded the training institute. Over the years, their knowledge of primary healthcare has been passed to more than 11,000 national and international doctors, nurses, development workers, students and administrators. The institute envisions health for all – not just for Jamkhed, but for the entire world.

35Ashok, Library Staff

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Dr. Smisha Agarwal, Carl Taylor Memorial Fellow

Saba, Mabelle Arole Fellow

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Reshma, Library Staff Avinash, Library StaffAjay, Head Librarian

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Artificial Limbs ProgramIn a rural setting, losing a limb means losing a livelihood. In the early 1970s, several of CRHP’s employees were trained to make the Jaipur Foot, a prosthetic device constructed with common materials at minimal cost. Through this program, more than 11,000 amputees have received a new limb and the chance to work and live independently.

39Mr. Moses, X-ray Technician/Artificial Limbs/Telgu Interpreter

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Mabelle Arole Memorial Rehabilitation Centre and Organic FarmCRHP also runs an organic farm. It serves as a demonstrations project where local farmers and international trainees learn new farming techniques. The farm hosts the Mabelle Arole Memorial Rehabilitation Center, which serves as a rehabilitation program for women that have been outcast. This initiative is for people affected by stigmatized deceases such as HIV and those who are victims of violence.

41Hirabai, Farm Worker

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Ratnamala, Farm Manager Lakshmi, Farm Worker

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Priyanka, Farm Worker

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Helping HandsThe Helping Hands Initiative was set up with the objective of providing a means of sustainable income to marginalized girls and women who are the primary breadwinners for their families. Through teaching vocational skills the program aims to not only support the imminent financial needs of these families but also to empower these women to become financially independent in the long run.

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Manisha, Helping Hands Initiative Worker Nisha, Helping Hands Initiative Worker

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Administration and MaintenanceSince the beginning CRHP has had dedicated people willing to work behind the scenes to make sure that all of these programs run smoothly. Many of them do not see CRHP as a job but as a family and a way of life. They include cooks, cleaners, administrators, drivers, electricians, plumbers, accountants and list goes on. Without these people, who often take on three or four roles, CRHP would not have been able to grow into the program it is today.

47 Ajinath, Hospital Cashier

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Yelama, Kistchen Staff Mangal, Kitchen StaffSuman, Kitchen Staff

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Jabbar, Artificial Limbs/Plumber Datta, ElectricianAbu, Hospital Sweeper

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Abel Desai, Office Manager Kishore, Maintenance Staff

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Janabai- Kitchen Staff Asif, Administration Staff

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Health is a universal human right. CRHP has been providing health care and empowering others to care for themselves since the early seventies. Through their programs they have been successful in breaking down barriers of race, religion and caste while improving the lives and health of the people they work with. My hope is that this book will spark the interest of those who read it to find out more about CRHP and how they too can help.