Saksharta Ki Aur

Every child deserves the best. Some get it on a platter, while others are not that fortunate. They are unaware, afraid, reluctant, restricted, or shy. “Education for All” is still an uncompleted task, since approximately 17% of children aged 5 to 14 are still out of the school, and 36% of the total population of India were illiterate. This overall picture of education in India implies that educational opportunities and attainment for the urban deprived are much lower than for the affluent sections of the population. The recent rapid urban population growth and relative lack of attention to urban poverty, has possibly exacerbated multi-dimensional deprivation, including deprivation of education, in urban areas.

Privartan runs Project ‘Saksharta ki Aur’ wherein children of Urban slum areas and underprivileged families are motivated to attend the evening classes. It is upon the fortunate ones to go out of their way to light lamps of new opportunity in each young life. Children, women and youth of the community are actively involved in the work, sharing moments, meals, singing, and fun. As the spaces develop, so do the stake holders. Future beneficiaries join hands, local entrepreneurial people—especially the women—often take charge, and the centre runs virtually on successfully. Slum children often take up household or other chores to help the family. It is imperative to time their visit for non-formal education for least disruption to this need. 3-5 PM is usually a good time. It takes some cajoling initially, but soon enough, the advantages become visible, and the children themselves become agents of change. In addition to education, Parivartan ensures that the children are not deficient of study material. Stationary items are also therefore distributed through these classes.

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