By Elsa Varghese | Senior Manager Partnerships
Ayush (9) has been associated with OSCAR for the last three years. He started attending football and life skills sessions following the example of his two elder brothers who also used to attend OSCAR sessions. Ayush and his siblings were recently orphaned after losing their mother to lupus in 2021 and their father to jaundice a few years ago.
Belonging to a low-income community in Rabodi, Thane, Ayush has rarely had positive role models. He was initially abusive, rude and would litter the streets in his area. However, after attending OSCAR sessions, his coaches explained to him the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and discipline. These lessons struck a chord with Ayush and he slowly improved and developed his character.
He regularly attended school till the lockdown caused disruption with his academics. He, unfortunately, missed a year of online learning due to a lack of internet and phone facilities. However, the OSCAR Digital Learning Centre in Thane has been very useful for him as he is able to attend his school lessons. Along with his online classes, Ayush also participates in our courses for beginners where they are taught about the basics of computers and practice a variety of software including paint and tux typing. With the support of his grandparents, OSCAR is offering guidance to Ayush to keep him focused and in school. To his credit, he is showing a willingness to learn and regularly attends classes.
Hundreds of children like Ayush were left behind during the COVID wave. Experts suggest only 8% of homes with young members have computers with net links in India. Among the poorest 20% of households, only 2.7% have access to a computer and 8.9% to internet facilities. Digital Learning Centres like OSCAR's were the only support that these children had during these challenging times. More than 359 children and young people are attending our computer courses this quarter and we look forward to many more benefitting through these centres in the coming months!
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