Educating 400 Children in 8 Slums in Delhi/Gurgaon

The Breaktime Story:

In the heart of Gurgaon, the Sukarya NGO  Education on Wheels (EOW) bus was parked under the shade of a large banyan tree in a slum neighborhood. Inside, the classroom buzzed with the usual energy of children eager to learn. But today, something extraordinary was happening during the break.

A group of children had gathered around a small table at the back of the bus, their eyes fixed on a chessboard. The pieces were arranged meticulously, and the air was thick with concentration. It was as if they were preparing for the Chess Olympiad.

Ravi, a bright-eyed boy with a knack for strategy, was deep in thought. He moved his knight with precision, eyeing his opponent, Ali, who was equally focused. Ali, known for his quick thinking, countered with a move that left Ravi scratching his head. The other children watched in awe, whispering strategies and cheering for their friends.

The teacher, Ms. Anjali, smiled as she observed the intense game. She had introduced chess to the children a few months ago, hoping it would help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Little did she know, it would ignite a passion that rivaled any professional chess club.

As the game progressed, the children’s excitement grew. Each move was met with gasps and murmurs of approval. It was more than just a game; it was a battle of wits, a test of patience and intellect. The break time flew by, but the children were so engrossed that they barely noticed.

Finally, after a series of brilliant moves, Ali declared checkmate. The bus erupted in applause, and Ravi shook his hand with a smile. They both knew that this was just the beginning of their chess journey. Ms. Anjali gathered the children and praised their efforts. “You all played wonderfully,” she said. “Remember, chess is not just about winning. It’s about learning and growing together.”

As the children returned to their seats, they carried with them a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The Sukarya EOW bus had once again become a place of learning, laughter, and dreams. And who knows? Maybe one day, one of these young chess enthusiasts would represent India in the Chess Olympiad.

QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES: (September -December)

Project Goal:
To reach out to marginalized and working children (ages 6 to 14).
To educate street and working children to help them become knowledgeable, responsible, and contributing members of society.
To provide remedial education for school dropouts and support those struggling to follow lessons in school, enabling non-school-going children to achieve basic literacy and skills (functional literacy).
To mainstream children into formal schools through the Open Basic Examination (OBE).

Geographical Coverage:
Gurugram: Sarswati Kunj Camp; Badshapur
Delhi: Dalit Ekta Camp, JJ Bandhu Camp in Vasant Kunj;  Nangal Dewat Camp; Sapera Basti in Mahipalpur.
Population Coverage: 300 students
Beneficiaries Profile: -
300 students including: -
i. Dropouts, and
ii. Non-formal education

Abbreviations: -
OBE - Open Basic Examination
WASH - Water, sanitation, and hygiene
NFE- Non-Formal Education

Key Highlights of the Program:
Regular classes were conducted for 300 students, including monthly unit tests and parent-teacher meetings. A total of 928 classes were held from September 2024 to December 2024. Parents' awareness sessions were also organized, focusing on the WASH component and other social issues.
115 students received admit cards for the OBE Exam.
Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) was celebrated with active participation.
Diwali celebrations were organized for the children.
Children’s Day was celebrated with enthusiasm.
Christmas celebrations were conducted in all operational areas of the EOW project.
150 students were successfully mainstreamed into nearby government schools.