In Calcutta, Lengri Khuli is a squatter colony of the southern Tangra area, where there is a preponderence of tanneries. The people are tribals from the Chattisgarh area of Madhya Pradesh. Being a zone with a high level of economic activity, Calcutta is a natural magnet for street children. The kids live on the streets, on railway platforms, under bridges, inside sewage pipes laid out for construction, etc.

IN BRIEF

The school would serve as a prep center for 50 children to help them integrate easily into mainstream local schools. This project is co-funded with Asha-L.A.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The objective is to identify as many out of school children as possible in the various poor areas of Calcutta (slums, squatter colonies, etc.) and mainstream them. Their work is community based, consisting of reaching out to community leaders such as ward councelors and various local leaders. Social workers are sent to parents (usually mothers) to persuade them to send their children to CINI Asha's centers. This involves establishing relationship of trust with children, providing them with a safe and supportive atmosphere, teaching them subject matter to prepare for school at a level appropriate to their age, placing them in schools, mentoring them through school, and also finding them jobs after school.

Funding is requested for running one drop-in center serving 50 children. A request for $2200 is proposed, covering teaching expenses, educational materials, uniforms, shoes, etc.

LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Teachers are hired from the local area who design a syllabus with the help of local schools and educators. The objective is to prepare the kids in one year course to prepare them for a class appropriate to their age. Courses include literacy, math, science. Children range in age from 4-16, most are between the ages of 7 and 10.