Education India Project #18694

After School Programme for Underserved Children

by Maitri India

After School Programme for Underserved Children

Project Report | Mar 18, 2015
Hope and fulfillment

By Anna Marie Lopes | Programme Officer - Communications

Reproductive health meeting

Fewer people live in poverty than 10 years ago. If we continue, we could end poverty in one generation - Jeff Skoll

Maitri believes that education is not only a right but an essential tool for children's empowerment. Our after school programme has in a big way contributed to many underprivileged children's enjoyment of this basic right. More over, at present the programme has a total of 104 students that are being benefitted by accessing supportive education at Maitri's 3 co - located centres.

In the pursuit of our mission we can not forget your contribution and support. The timely help given has enabled us not only to continue the work that we are already doing but has also expanded our reach. Further more, you have supported and encouraged children who will one day grow to be educated adults. Not only will they one day be placed well in their professional careers but will also be well adjusted in the social strata.

Maitri has begun in collaboration with TeachIndia, English literacy classes for youth. Currently 13 students are enrolled in this programme. Further more, a health camp was held last month, in 2 co located slum areas every week to create awareness on general hygiene and oral health. In addition, two health meetings were held with young girls in the community to educate them on reproductive health and sanitation. Lastly, a clean hand campaign was hosted, attended by 20 students who were taught how to wash their hands correctly among other hygiene methods.

Your commitment for the cause has helped us to overcome challenges and we have been able to bring substantial changes in the lives of underserved children and expect to continue this in the near future also. More importantly, many families have been made proud by the achievements of their children.

Rekha comes from an impoverished family in a nearby local slum, where she lives together with her parents and siblings. Since her father works all day as a driver and her mother is unwell, Rekha shoulders most of the household responsibilities. The constant pressure to run the household while taking care of her family has made it difficult for her to pursue her education. Rekha is determined to study, succeed, and become financially independent. But these things are difficult to achieve without the proper support that she needs. Her drive to learn and grow brought her to Maitri's after school programme, where she has been taking sewing lessons along with her non-regular college courses. Rekha is proud of the basic skills she has gained and is excited to learn to sew more intricate things like Women's suits. Rekha appreciates being able to sew clothes for her family and dreams of opening her own tailoring boutique in the future.

Rekha has a lot of responsibility having to look after her siblings and mother, which is a task that is both time-consuming and requires a lot of energy. With these kinds of obligations, it is difficult to pursue one’s own ambitions. Rekha works hard to fulfill their family duties, while also learning new skills that can benefit her economically as well as give her more opportunities.

Today, starting at 9:00:01 EDT, GlobalGiving will be matching donations at 30% until 23:59:59 EDT until matching funds have run out. There will also be two $1,000 prizes awarded at 23:59:59 EDT on March 18th. A small support from your side can bring profound change in the lives of many underserved children.

Ready for their workshop on general hygiene

Dental health camp

Rekha

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Feb 4, 2015
Nurturing generations

By Anna Marie Lopes | Programme Officer - Communications

Mahima reciting a poem at Maitri's Tutorial Centre

Dear Maitri Friend,

Our world is home to 1.8 billion young people and the youth population is growing fastest in the poorest of nations (UNFPA, state of world population). In fact, never before have there been so many young people and never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress. There fore education is critical to define our common future.

To meet the needs and aspirations of underserved children in Delhi Maitri started its after school programme in February 2008. Since then the organization has supported and mentored close to 1000 children who were deprived of standard education, school activities and tuition support. Maitri has been providing these children from local slums with education through subjects like English, Maths and Science. It is our endeavor to increase skills and knowledge of these children and enable them to become innovators, thinkers and problem-solvers.

Maitri is currently empowering children with knowledge about hygiene and hygienic living while they are also given opportunities to develop their skills in art and music. Children who are in senior school are supported with career counseling, helping them make a healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood to expand their future.

Since December 2014, Maitri has engaged with 100 students with supportive education under the guidance of four educators. More over, we have strategically initiated a basic computer programme since January 2015 for underserved children to teach them the basics in computers and to learn its functions. The main focus is to equip students with computer literacy which will help them in the essentials of today's tech world to pursue careers in the future. Towards this effort Maitri has been able to procure 6 computers and have children be trained in different groups twice a week. In addition, 100 young girls and women are enrolled in Maitri's s empowerment program in designing and tailoring course since September 2014. This course in skill building encourages them to be self sustained and pursue self employment opportunities. Finally, all students attending Maitri's after school programme are provided with a milk drink, fruits and biscuits to improve their health and to ensure zero drop out rate.

Mahima's story is one remarkable example of impact:

"I study in 6th class and have been a part of Maitri's programme for four years. I have a younger brother and two older sisters. My father works as a security guard and my mother works as a cook in homes. Maitri has given me the self-confidence and the skill to interact with people and to also engage in public speaking. I have learnt this by taking part in cultural activities. I used to get very nervous before but the teachers at Maitri have encouraged and helped me learn. The teachers have also helped me to improve my reading skills and work on subjects that I find difficult in school. I enjoy this because at my school the teacher does not have time to help all the students. I’m lucky that Maitri provides me with an environment to study because I don’t have that at home as our house is small and very noisy. Also, my parents are not educated because of which they are not able to help me with my studies. Someday, I want to become a doctor. I know that it will be difficult but because of my hard work and with Maitri's support I believe I will be able to do it!"

With a busy family life and an overcrowded school, it can be difficult for a student to devote proper time and attention to schoolwork. Without proper guidance and encouragement they can lose interest and also drop out of school.

Mahima has been part of Maitri's programme right from the day Maitri started the supportive programme, to get the extra help with her schoolwork. This has given her the chance to have the standard of education she should have, to give her and children like her an opportunity to get an education they deserve that will enable them to stand on their feet. More over, being with Maitri has brought about a sense of confidence, dignity and values in life to all students.

On behalf of the organization, I would love to tell you how important your role has been in helping us empower such Mahimas in Delhi, India. The contribution that you continue to invest in the lives of these underserved children will not only give them a broader opportunity to learn and but also enable us to take care of their growth and development.

Today we have an opportunity to define post-2015 sustainable development framework, built on lessons learned, that empowers youth and includes specific indicators and targets on education, skills development and employment, health. youth participation and leadership.

Young people must be at the centre of our vision for sustainable development to drive the future we want. Thank you for investing into their lives. Your donation is indeed a valuable asset.

Embroidery classes for underserved girls and women

Maitri's computer class for underserved children

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