Slum development 
GOAL India's Slum Development programmes are being implemented at different locations across Kolkata in response to high population density, appallingly bad living conditions, and lack of clean water and adequate sanitation, all of which are major contributors to the chronic health problems of urban slum-dwellers.
GOAL is supporting the provision of basic education and healthcare services to a number of desperately poor, semi-permanent squatter communities that live alongside the railway tracks on the fringes of Kolkata.
GOAL is also working with a local partner in slum and urban settlement areas in the Mahestala municipality of Kolkata, providing clean drinking water; installing latrines; giving support to education services, and raising public awareness of the benefits of community development. In particular, GOAL is keen to raise awareness of basic health issues.
We are building or rehabilitating community centres, community latrines, and training local birth assistants.
Access to proper water and sanitation facilities, and good hygiene habits, have been proven to have a positive effect on the general health, enrolment and retention of children in primary education.
Consequently, alongside another local partner organisation, GOAL is providing water and sanitation facilities for teachers and pupils at primary schools in slum areas of Kolkata.
We are also training the recipients in best hygiene practices and the upkeep and maintenance of the new facilities.
For general information on GOAL's work in India, click here.