Living With Floods, Acting With Resolve
Floods are an annual reality in Assam. In Golaghat district, particularly the Diffloo Pathar region, seasonal overflow from the Brahmaputra, Dhansiri, and Diffloo rivers frequently submerges homes, schools, and fields—affecting lives across human and wildlife communities, including the nearby Kaziranga National Park.
Among the worst affected this year were three community-run Anganwadi centres that provide early learning to children:
- Diffloo Pathar Anganwadi Centre No. 245
- Raja Gaon Anganwadi Centre No. 206
- Sukani Anganwadi Centre No. 12
A Response Shaped by Local Wisdom
With infrastructure damaged and learning paused, a community meeting was held under the Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative by Goonj and partner organisation Peace Unity Progressive Society, Assam.
The collective decision? To rebuild—not wait.
Using locally available materials like bamboo and tin sheets, and with minimal outside instruction, the villagers began work to restore the learning spaces that matter most to their children.
93 People, Two Days, One Shared Outcome
Over two days, 93 community members—men and women—pooled time, energy, and materials to rebuild:
- Anganwadi Centre 245: 30 ft x 14 ft
- Centre 206: 20 ft x 12 ft
- Centre 12: 20 ft x 12 ft
The community also erected fences around the centres, adding safety and structure to the shared space.
“We did not want our children to miss another season of learning.”
Reward not Charity
Once the work was completed, Goonj channelised Family Kits containing rations, pulses, solar lights, umbrellas, masks, and other essentials to each participating household—not as a charity, but as a recognition of shared effort.
This wasn’t a relief. It was continuity—restored by people who chose to act together.
During–After
Collective Construction - Hands That Rebuild Hope
Completed Centres - Spaces Reclaimed for Children
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
