Rising From the Ash Heap:
Waste Collectors
Assert their Humanity

Waste collectors work at the bottom of India's vast heap of unorganized labor, a position they occupy in many countries. As untouchables (or dalits) they are some of India's most vulnerable people, according to Amnesty International. Not merely members of a low caste like other poor workers, they are casteless and shunned by the caste system altogether.

This month, Changemakers Journal presents two photo essays documenting waste collectors' successful struggle to be acknowledged and properly rewarded for the important services they provide to society. The first presents the work of Milind Ranade, a social entrepreneur from Mumbai (Bombay) who is transforming society's view of waste collectors – so they gain recognition as legitimate and productive citizens who provide an important service to Indian cities. The second focuses on the El Ceibo Cooperative in the streets of Buenos Aires.

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Go to the Changemakers Library for selected Internet resources about Broken People – Caste Violence Against India's "Untouchables"