After School Programme for Underserved Children

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.