ANANDAN -- Project under consideration for funding

Funds requested $500 (one time)

Project Description:

Anandan is a center for education started by a group of socially aware
persons. The objective is to provide a healthy, positive environment
for children from economically backward community. The children form
under privileged homes do not get the opportunity to develop to the
fullest extent. Even those going to school lack proper education. It
is too exam oriented and in the process the basic foundation
suffers. There are others who do not get the opportunity to go to
school. They have to look after their younger siblings, do household
chores and the older children have to go out to work. The project was
taken up with the idea that while the schools cater to the child's
academic development, the center would aim at all round growth.

A survey was carried out in the slums around Lake Market in
Calcutta. A social worker visited the homes and selected 15 children,
in the age group 5-12 years. The selection was doen based on their
need and keenness. On 16th April, 1999, the center was started with 15
children of both sexes. Some are school going children, while there
are some who have never been to a school. After attending regular
schools in the morning, the children come to Anandan from 12:30 -
3:30pm. Here they are taught general knowledge, elocution, mental
mathematics, languages, pattern drawing, drawing, singing, and
dancing. They are also helped with their school work. Stress is laid
on personal hygiene, cleanliness and general awareness. The children
are given refreshments at the end of the classes.

There is one paid teacher adn all the others are voluntary
workers. The center is run with donations from the volunteers and a
token fee of Rs. 10 per month from the students.  At present the
classes are held in three rooms in a volunteer's house.

With help and assistance from individuals and organizations, this
service could be provided to a greater number of kids and facilities
could be improved. A larger premise could be rented which would be a
permanent center for children. Books and equipment could be
purchased. Trained teachers could be hired and voluntary workers could
be given a proper training.

The organizers hope that Anandan will succeed in its endeavor to
educate these children and help them develop their total personality
and become useful and responsible members of society.


Concerns about the Project:
	 
	 - how effective will this short time education be? do the
	   children study ahead after this stage?  - how soon do they
	   need the money?


Current decisions and status:

	We should not impose our objectives on them, but offer
	suggestions and let the organization develop its goals.

	This project has potential for Asha to get involved

	Current state is to try to get in touch with the contact
	people and get into dialogue with them


Current Contact Person: Karna Basu, karna.basu@yale.edu