Mohammed Shafique, 14, used to work at a tile shop before the staff at this creche convinced his parents to allow him to study. He is the oldest student in his class, and the teacher gives him extra classes so that he’s equipped to attend a municipal school soon.
Work and play: Toys and picture books keep the younger children. Abhijit Bhatlekar / Mint
The children also get their first lessons in sex education. In fact, even the parents are brought in for these lectures, where they are given information on AIDS and family planning. Khajuria adds that there’s a huge risk of young girls getting molested when left alone all day at home and that’s why they encourage parents to send them to the creche.
On my way out of the Vivarea project site, I see a 12-year-old girl washing dishes outside her home. Khajuria tells me that the girl’s sister, who works as a maid, doesn’t allow her to join the creche because she needs her to do the housework. A boy of about 18 steps out of the house. Khajuria is worried—she has never seen him there before. The girl says he’s a cousin who has come to the city looking for work. Khajuria takes her inside her house, and asks if he has tried to touch her. I leave Khajuria and Ghadi there as they explain “good touch and bad touch” to her.
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If you want to volunteer
The organization requires volunteers who can raise funds to sponsor events, equipment and technical guidance. Other volunteers can spend time at the creches and help teach and play with the children or cook for them. “Anyone is welcome to volunteer as long as they are dedicated. We need people who can take an initiative and add to our efforts. They need to spend a consistent amount of time with us,” says Neeta Khajuria, general manager of the creche. You can also donate toys, books and stationery, besides clothes for babies.
022-22020869
011-23347635
020-25513804
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Rs5,000 for this charity can
Support comprehensive development—health, education and nutrition expenses—for 10 children a month
Support nutrition expenses for five children for a year
Support one ‘balwadi’ teacher for a month
Rs25,000 supports a small child development centre for a month
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People like us
Deepalaya, Delhi
Money: There are two main sponsorship programmes. The integrated child development sponsorship, which includes education, health care, field trips and talent development, costs Rs7,000 per child per year. The education sponsorship, which covers only education fees, costs Rs4,000 per child per year. Donors can contribute any amount to other initiatives such as the mobile health clinics or the emergency medical fund.
Time: People can volunteer in a number of areas, including education, community programmes, talent development and administrative duties.
Contact: ‘www.deepalaya.org’ or call 011-28525788
Akanksha, Mumbai and Pune
Money: Any sum can be donated to sponsor computer classes, art classes or a sports programme. People can also buy products bags, cards and photo frames made by the children.
Time: The Akanksha volunteer works directly with the children. Volunteers need no prior experience.
Contact: ‘www.akanksha.org’ or call 022-23700253.
Butterflies, Delhi