450,000. That’s the approximate number of children below the age of five that die each year from diarrhoea- which is becoming increasingly prevalent in India during the rains. The looming threat of Cyclone Nisarga amplified this issue. While most adults would say with utmost confidence, that the only resolution to alleviate this would be to build better large-scale drainage systems or to provide better housing. A group of young leaders of change came up with a far more plausible solution. They had a simple yet focused objective: provide children with good quality raincoats, to protect them from the harsh monsoon weather.

14-year-old Avantika Swali started helping children in Dharavi Schools at a very young age. The looming threat of Cyclone Nisarga amplified this problem. She took it upon herself to design a raincoat prototype that was trendy & wearable with the help of her mother. While producing the raincoats, she ensured that each raincoat would cost just INR 500 – whilst still maintaining its superior quality. In her words, ‘A cool hoodie will ensure that the head is protected and the wearer feels empowered.’  A core team was made and the initiative was called The Raincoat Project to help at least a 1000 children.  Ms Priya Aga, (her son Shawn is also doing the campaign), introduced Avantika and her mother to Fueladream.com. Through the campaign, they intended to create ripples but they made waves across Mumbai.