SHILLONG: A month ago, NESFAS launched a project to build social distancing rooms for community elders, who are traditional knowledge holders.
Nongtraw in East Khasi Hills was a pilot effort to work with the community to break the spread as the elderly fall in the vulnerable group for COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, Barno Dohling, Binsen Rani and Rolin Ranee, three of the identified elderly shifted to the newly created distancing rooms that were built specially for them keeping in mind comfort and self reliance.
The plan of action was to ensure independence with comfort and amenities like cooking, washing, toilet, rest space and most importantly resilience from climate.
On the other hand, Binsen and Rolin already had separate rooms that were in a good condition and NESFAS helped contribute in building the toilets with running water. The organisation also contributed beds and mattresses to the two men to make their rooms more comfortable.
The rooms were finalised and ready for the occupants to shift last week. After a trial test by the community members, the three elders shifted to the rooms on Thursday.
Dohling (75) said, “Having my own space with an attached bathroom is very convenient as I don’t have to go out every time I need to use the toilet. It is extremely helpful especially during the rainy season.” He added, “I am thankful to NESFAS for coming up with this project and for the respect and recognition that I have received as a knowledge holder.”
Ranee (94), who is also an expert basket weaver, said, “It is a blessing to sleep on a bed with a proper mattress and pillow. I am also glad that I don’t have to walk for long to fetch water as I have been provided with a water connection inside the bathroom.”
Anita Roy and Phrang Roy, chairman of NESFAS, contributed 30,600 on April 26 which is part of the larger seed fund of Rs 1 lakh that was shared for retrofits with other villages. Also, the community contributed 50 per cent of total cost and the other half raised by NESFAS staff and friends.
Architect Paolo Carlucci from Rome and architect Ajay Nayak from Mumbai helped ideate and design the retrofits and construction requirements online with Pius Ranee, Assistant Executive Director of NESFAS being the point of connection who shared the drawings and facilitated the instructions on ground.
The design was based on local context, material availability in the market, affordability and least wastage without compromise on safety.
The community appreciated the holistic thought.
Pius said, “In Meghalaya 4.7 per cent of its total population is above 60 years of age. By initiating such initiatives to set up isolation rooms for them, it has helped and encouraged the communities we worked with to care for its elderly population, as they are the true wisdom holders of our communities.”
There are about 100 vulnerable elderly people who have been identified in our partner communities who need our immediate assistance” he added.
The initiative of building isolation rooms has set an example for other communities to also take similar action,” Carmelus Ranee, headman of Nongtraw, said.
