After School Programme for Underserved Children

Maitri friends,  

Since we last connected with you, students part of Maitri's afterschool programme from Delhi’s three slum communities have had many opportunities to learn and have fun.

About 50 children participated in a fifteen days summer camp and approximately 17 older children completed an English Speaking course. Further more, on 15^th of August, children celebrated India’s Independence Day in all three centres by participating in essay writing and drawing competition on the theme of "India." The celebration ended with distribution of prizes and snacks and juice for all children. In addition to these events, children have been regularly learning at the after school tuition classes and keeping up with their academics.

 Summer Camp

Students had a wonderful time at the summer camp held for them. Activities included learning songs including "We Shall Overcome" and "We Are The Word." Songs taught reflected important values such as the importance of equality of every individual regardless of his or her social or economical background. The children also learnt various sports and games during their three weeks with us.  We also showed the children the famous cartoon show ‘Tom and Jerry’ which they thoroughly enjoyed. In the wake of increasing incidences of sexual harassment, we also conducted a one-hour session on good and bad touch with all the children. It is our desire to see each and every one of them have a safe and happy childhood.  

English Speaking classes

About seventeen children attended English Speaking classes facilitated by Maitri interns. We are making efforts to augment the confidence of underserved children to see English as a language and not mere text. The aim of this class was to help children overcome the fear and hesitation to use simple English in their daily conversation.

Vocational Training

It has been a great joy and highlight of the last quarter for Maitri India, to see unemployed youth, from the same slum communities where we run our afterschool programme, graduate from vocational training in Culinary and Events Management.

 In partnership with Creative Services Support Group, Maitri could enroll seven unemployed boys for a two-month training on Event Management. These young boys, after completing their high school (class 12) couldn’t afford to pursue higher education because of their poor economic background. Unskilled and young, they lacked good employment opportunity and earning ability.

 “When I got the opportunity through Maitri to attend the training in a well known Institute of Hotel Management, I was thrilled”, says Abdul. The boys successfully completed the training in August. “It was great fun and learning. We were introduced to all kinds of cutlery and their proper use, setting up table for the events etc.”, says Randeep. Of the seven boys, four boys have already landed well paying jobs.

Similarly, seven underprivileged girls attended two-month course on cooking. The girls successfully completed the course on 14^th of August. “I learnt how to make delicious snacks like rolls, samosa and dhoklas”, said Reena. After completing the course, two girls have landed interview with professional chef. Once selected, they will intern with the chef for a year. One of the girls has decided to join the six-month training where she will be able to learn much more while the rest of the girls are looking for jobs. 

Links:

• Junior kids singing at summer camp