After School Programme for Underserved Children

Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” - Anatole France

Dear friends of Maitri,

Through the generosity of your donations in the last quarter, Maitri has made great progress in encouraging young minds to learn and grow, even in the face of adversity.

With your invaluable support, Maitri has continued its efforts to mobilize young people to shape their future. Volunteers from TeachIndia, a corporate social responsibility initiative of Times of India,  have given a 3 month spoken English course for youth ages 18+. The course culminated in a job fair organised by TeachIndia, which gave the youth the opportunity to apply for work positions with various corporations. The success of the English classes gave the youth valuable spoken skills, and several youth were selected for positions at the job fair. The next TeachIndia 3-month spoken English course will begin next month.

Starting June 2, Maitri is also holding 1-month long English literacy classes in three groups, for all ages of children and also for young women who wish to learn the language to improve their position. Also, on June 1, Project Maitrigram began a 15-day summer camp with 50 slum children enrolled. During the programme, 6 Maitri volunteers are teaching the children English vocabulary, phrases, and greetings. The children will learn to sing songs and recite poems in English and in Hindi. In addition, the programme will give children the chance to create arts and crafts.

Beginning 15th of June, Maitri is collaborating with CSSG (Creative Services Support Group) to provide 10 girls aged 18+ with the opportunity to attend 2 months of cooking and baking classes organized by the Institute of Hotel Management. At the end of 2 months, girls who do well during the course may be hired by the Institute of Hotel Management followed by an overseas opportunity for a deserving student with Chefs from Michelin Starred Restaurants.

Mahima has grown up in the slums of New Delhi, where children face many challenges. But she is committed to becoming better educated for her future. She often comes to the office to receive help from our staff and Maitri interns when she has questions with her upcoming reports or reading assignments.

Mahima is 14 years old, and she has her whole life ahead of her. When asked what her favorite subject was she replied, “English, because it is easy for me to learn.” Her favorite English word is “Mother,” she says, “because my mother is very sweet.” She says her favorite things about Maitrigram are studying and playing, because she is learning. Mahima says her favorite book is “English Grammar” as it has helped her learn to read, write and speak English.

While Nahima has strong work ethic, she is also very humble. When she is older, Mahima dreams of becoming a doctor so that she can help her patients overcome their sickness and diseases. She likes working with others and helping with their troubles. 

Today's young people are a powerful force, both individually and collectively. But hundreds of them have been failed by the world, lack of access to basic rights, and dont have a genuine chance to reach their potential life. Thanks to you, underprivileged children like Mahima the chance to gain a future of economic mobility and personal fulfillment through education and English programmes.  

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• Maitri's junior students singing "We will overcome"