Saturday, June 27, 2009

Goodwill International - update 2008-09

Summary of report for 2008-09.
Goodwill continues to provide literacy classes in its Neelasandra Centre for around 26 children, both boys and girls, coming mostly from nearby slums. The classes are held five days a week.
The children learn various subjects like English, Kannada, Mathematics, etc. Notebooks, pencil, slate and everyday lunch is provided to all, while some children are given an opportunity to learn computers, so that they may get attracted to attend their classes regularly. Gradually the other children will also be introduced to computers.
The staff work very hard to teach the students, but the students do not come regularly to the classes. The two teachers check out on all the students and convince them to come to class everyday, but the parents are the main drawback because they do not encourage their children. The reasons are – one, Most parents are working as manual labourers, maids, daily wage construction workers etc., and their jobs demand their being at the workplace quite early in the morning. Because of this there is no one to wake up the children, give them proper breakfast etc. 2.T here are at least four or five children in many families, in which case the older siblings have to take care of the younger ones.

The children are very happy once they come into the centre. After the classes, they do not like to go to their homes. The only problem is to bring them to the classes. Still the organisation has managed to keep around 20 students who attend classes regularly. The curriculum includes arts and crafts, games and outings to parks.

Nearby schools are requested to admit these children into the mainstream education. There is a positive response, so long as there is written parental consent and GIA’s request, also in writing.

Some of the parents are hesitant to send their children especially girls to a place far away from home. So, the organization is trying to rent a small place in the slums itself, so as to encourage such parents to send their children to school. There is readiness among some of the slum residents to help find a place.

Total Grant so far: $ 8,500