DSS aims to combat illiteracy in communities of construction sites workers in Maharashtra. The real estate boom in India has resulted in numerous construction sites in many of the major Indian cities. In Pune alone, there are over 1,500 such construction sites which in turn demands a huge labor force most often comprised of illiterate villagers from the neighboring states. These laborers and their families live close to the construction sites in labor camps or slums. Children from these families do not attend school due to factors such as poverty, accessibility to education and lack of motivation and as a result a large number of kids are left out of the formal school system.
From one of the surveys by DSS in Pune, an estimated 40,000 children at such construction sites had no access to education. DSS believes that if a child cannot go to school, then the school should be taken to the doorstep of the child. DSS seeks to educate illiterate children at these construction sites through their uniquely designed programs so that these children can have the opportunity to be a part of the formal education system.
To create basic literacy classes and inculcate good values for children of construction workers in the age group of 5-15 years
To impart education in basic hygiene, conduct health camps and health check-ups for these children.
To channel children in the NFE classes into the mainstream educational system such as municipal schools.
To engage and involve the parents of these children to achieve DSS’s objectives.
Of the children attending these NFEs, 200 kids appeared in equivalence exams conducted by Pune Municipal Corporation in February and April 2009 out of which 162 successfully passed the exam and were admitted to mainstream government schools.
01DSS seeks to educate illiterate children of construction sites in Pune through their uniquely designed programs so that these children can have the opportunity to be a part of the formal education system.
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