Stories from the Field
Toilet for Better Hygiene and Security

Access to basic sanitation is a fundamental need, yet many families in rural India continue to struggle without proper facilities. Reeta Devi, a 38-year-old resident of Sarhara village in Hallia block, Mirzapur, faced immense challenges due to the lack of a toilet in her home. Her husband, Ram Sagar, is a casual laborer with less than one bigha of land, making it difficult to afford proper infrastructure.
With three children—Sonu Kumar (16), Soni Kumari (15), and Sakshi (10)—the family endured daily hardships as they resorted to open defecation. For Reeta and her daughters, the constant fear of harassment and insecurity weighed heavily on their lives. Despite appealing to local authorities for assistance, their requests remained unanswered.
Relief came when Ram Sagar learned about the AAK-Care Today Fund initiative. Seeing a chance to change their situation, he eagerly participated, contributing to the efforts to construct a toilet for his family. With AAK’s support, the long-awaited facility was built, bringing immense relief to the household.
Now, Reeta Devi’s family enjoys the dignity and security of proper sanitation. They regularly use the toilet and actively encourage others in the community to adopt safe hygiene practices. Grateful for the support, Reeta remains committed to spreading awareness about the importance of sanitation, ensuring that more families can benefit from similar initiatives.
This intervention is a testament to how AAK-Care Today Fund is creating sustainable change, one household at a time.