This weekend we were quite disappointed to learn that a couple of the kids have dropped out of school and have started working at the shops in the slum; one of them being Shahrukh Khan.
It seems that the kids themselves would rather go to school than work, but their parents insist that they do otherwise. These kids earn anywhere b/w 400 and 800 rupees a month working at these places, which is not a very small amount of money for these guys.
The teachers at MC said that they will speak to their parents; if they fail to make an impact then we may have to step in. I’m quite appalled that it’s so terribly difficult for parents to understand that their kids tomorrow is more important that the extra money today.
Do people have suggestions on how we should try and tackle this issue? Swapna suggested that we try and teach then crafts which can be sold to generate money for these kids.
I agree with the idea of teaching the kids to make some handicrafts so that they are able to earn a living later in life too. But I don't think we can give the kids money individually by selling their items. The money could just be used for buying stuff for them like clothes, books, food etc. But giving their parents that money doesn't make much sense to me somehow. If anyone else has some other viewpoint on this or other ideas we could discuss on the same.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you talk to Mr. Vijay Bajpai , founder of Parichay. He had similar experiences when he started.
ReplyDeleteThere were very few students in the beginning. After 3-4 years, seeing the results, more children are coming than the school can accomodate.
Let us analyze us this way..
ReplyDeleteIf we consider the case of Shahrukh, he says that he want to go to school but his parents want him to work. The reason may be extra income...
I think that we can talk to parents and explain them that what they are doing now may be correct as of now but in long terms this is not good for them as well as their children. Do they want their children to work like them in a construction site or want them to go to office and be a responsible person.
Krishna is right in saying that once we are successful in sending two kids (as planned) to school others are going to follow.
let me introduce kp (Krishna). HE was the first AID volunteer to get associated with Parichay. He has loads of volunteering experience. Good to see him sharing his knowledge for the cause we are here.
ReplyDeletePresently he is working in Intel Bangalore. Although he is far from Delhi we can clearly see that how he feels for the activities in delhi.
Kp you inspire us. Keep inspiring :)
lets "BE THE CHANGE".
I think that teaching the kids is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteSince the financial conditions of these guys are not good, it is very difficult to convice their parent, to lets these guys from stop working.
What else can be done is that you can ask these parents, that if they could allow these kids to spend sometime on teaching & playing also.
This way the kids can learn something and would also not loose the childhood(in just working only).
In a weekend, a small group of these childern can be interacted with those from your previous blog.