Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS) is committed to enhancing resilience and safety among Dalit and Adivasi communities in Bihar by organizing workshops on climate change safety measures, disaster response, emergency preparedness, first aid, and protective plans. By establishing "Safety Champion Friends," DVAS aims to increase resilience and safety.
Through focused initiatives, DVAS empowers marginalized communities with the knowledge, preparedness, and strategies to effectively tackle the impacts of climate change and prevent disasters.
Climate change has created various challenges for Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized communities in Bihar. However, some positive impacts can also be observed.
Firstly, awareness of climate change has increased community cooperation and organized efforts within local communities. Dalit and Adivasi communities are now raising their voices for their rights and resources, leading to progress towards social justice.
Moreover, the crisis arising from climate change has provided new opportunities in the field of education. Girls and young people are being empowered through education and training on climate change issues, enhancing their skills.
For women, this is also an opportunity, as they often play a primary role in facing the impacts of climate change. By participating in climate change-based programs, they are gaining opportunities to become economically independent.
In Bihar, the positive impacts of climate change are especially evident through the protective programs of the Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS). These programs not only safeguard the lifestyle of these communities but also provide them with resilience against climate change.
Under the committee, various agricultural reforms and water conservation projects have been implemented, helping local people achieve food security through sustainable agricultural techniques. Such efforts provide women and young people with opportunities for active participation in farming, making them economically empowered.
Protective programs have increased awareness in the community, helping people understand and adopt better measures to cope with the impacts of climate change. Programs providing climate education to children are bringing positive changes in their thinking.
Through these collective efforts, a new hope and self-reliance have emerged among the Dalit and Adivasi communities, enabling them to actively move forward in adapting to climate change.
Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS) plays a crucial role in disaster prevention. We implement comprehensive strategies to prepare youth from marginalized and vulnerable communities for natural and man-made disasters, ensure rapid response, and minimize losses.
DVAS empowers the youth of the Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum by training them in disaster and climate change coping and protective measures.
During disasters like COVID-19, DVAS distributed relief to 6,500 families, including urban poor and homeless families in Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, Samastipur, Banka, Nalanda, Munger, and Begusarai. With the help of partner organizations, dry rations, hygiene kits, and nutrition kits for pregnant women and newborns were provided.
Health workers, ASHA, Mamta, and paramedical staff were given PPE kits and trained on COVID-19 safety protocols. The youth of our Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum actively participated in vaccination campaigns, ensuring proper community coverage.
For its excellent performance in disaster management, Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti was honored with the "Corona Warrior Award."
DVAS is dedicated to strengthening community resilience and promoting sustainable solutions that protect lives and livelihoods. Join us in building a safer, more resilient future!