The Journey August 2024: Big Rooms (Community Centers) open Big Doors for holistic transformation of two indigenous language communities in the south of India!

Women attending TailoringCraft class at Big Rooms and displaying products

In line with Integral mission of ‘holistic transformation’ of communities, ‘Total Commitment for Total Transformation’ has been driving WIN’s work in the Indian subcontinent. Our work in indigenous language communities is not restricted to Bible Translation alone but seeking to uplift communities through various interventions, including community development initiatives. One such initiative is the ‘Big Room’ (Community Center).

In an indigenous community village setting, establishing a community center can have a transformative impact on the overall well-being and development of the community members. Such a center can serve as a hub for various essential services including education for children and adults, health programs, counselling, legal assistance and livelihood development initiatives. Big Rooms also act as safe spaces where community members can come together to celebrate, connect, and participate in decision-making processes.

Two indigenous language communities spread across three states in the south of India have benefited immensely from the ‘Big Room’ initiative of WIN’s Community Development Department. More than 10 Community Centres (Big Rooms) have been established among the JaiKriba* & Malarmathy* communities where children gather for tuitions, adults for literacy classes, women are trained in tailoring and other crafts etc.

Construction of Big Rooms across JaiKriba villages

Despite several challenges the team has faced whilst setting up Big Rooms (heavy rains, government protocols on use of land, restrictions on work timings etc.), support from the community has always sustained them. In two villages, 30 members from each village were actively involved in the building work, even fetching bamboo from as far as 2km into the deep forest. Many would pitch in, even after their hard day’s labour at nearby estates. Some magnanimous community folk came forward and offered their government allotted homes to operate as Big Rooms. Five out of ten Big Rooms are an outcome of such generosity.

The Big Rooms are a hub of activities today. Children enjoy studying at the Big Rooms; in fact they prefer it over travelling long distances to their regular schools through harsh weather and daunting forest terrain, the risk of animal attacks looming. The Big Rooms are closer home and also provide an atmosphere that is more suitable to their learning requirements than their regular school where the medium of instruction is in the state language. Over 150 children benefit at these centers of learning. Adult literacy classes see over 40 adults attend twice a week. Literacy material production is ongoing. Around 55 women are learning tailoring and other crafts (making mats, soft toys, baskets etc.). They sell their produce at the daily local market, sometimes fetching up to INR 400/- per basket.

With the establishment of Big Rooms, even Government officials (on their scheduled visits to the villages) find it convenient to gather community members at one place and hold awareness sessions on schemes (social security & others) that would benefit the community. Further the availability and assistance of community development staff at the Center as well as basic amenities like a whiteboard is of great value. Most recently, a community facilitator, Geeta*, filled in and submitted applications for 25 community members that will help them access their entitlement to government allotted homes.

Construction of Big Rooms across JaiKriba village

Over 150 people have benefitted through medical camps conducted at Big Rooms across various locations. In a highlight from one camp, several children suffering from scabies made a full recovery with a simple treatment prescribed by the doctor.

“I’ve seen firsthand how communities operated before the introduction of Big Rooms versus how they operate now. We’re definitely seeing more empowered communities, pursuing every opportunity for growth and development. We remain committed to working alongside these communities for their total transformation.” shares Kalyan GMC*, State Coordinator of South Zone, Community Development.

Overall, the ‘Big Rooms’ (Community Centers) are strengthening and uplifting the community by offering various essential services and resources. By providing these resources, the center aims to address the social, economic, and educational needs of the community.

Big Rooms play a pivotal role in the overall development and well-being of these tribal communities.

*Names changed to protect identity