Waste-pickers and fisherfolks live on fringes of the society, doing things that nobody otherwise would take up, sometimes out of necessity to feed the family and other times to continue the family tradition. Being an informal sector, they are devoid of any social benefits including education, healthcare. But they are the ones who need the most to lead a dignified life, starting from basic education, health & hygiene, and a sustainable source of income. Children of these families face deeper prejudices and inequality from an early age.
According to our partner NGO Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre (DBRC) 99 % of Waste Pickers and fisher folk in Guntur, Krishna, and other districts of Telengana and Andhra Pradesh, are illiterates and the same is with their children. Most children from these communities join waste collection at an early age. According to DBRC there are cases where children had joined schools but were discriminated against due to their looks and family profession, making them drop-out and adversely affecting their confidence.
Due to COVID-19 lockdown schools have opted for alternative education methodologies depending on internet connectivity for taking up online classes. Because of this shift children residing in the slums are deprived of education. Taking cognizance of the situation DBRC started Outdoor Learning Centres (OLCs) in 25 slums in Guntur and Vijayawada with the support of the local individuals and enrolled 750 children in the last 6 months.
However, as the numbers grow in size, DRBC is finding it difficult to provide the best education as well as extracurricular activities.
“Since these children are from economically weaker section, they have little resources, including clothes, underwear, books etc. We want to provide them with new clothes in this new year, as they have always worn clothes that are discarded. Some people might think it is not important but to them it is, because they have never owned anything that is new, they do not even understand the importance of wearing underwear and having a clean set of clothes. I feel it is my privilege if I am able to provide for them not only good education but also teach them a dignified way of living,” says Jones, Communication and Documentation Officer
Currently DBRC is looking to fund all the centers to support the holistic education of 750 children from waste picking and fishing community. These center will eventually help these children develop interest in education and mainstream them in the government schools during the next academic year. The cost of each center per month is Rs. 7000 per month.
Your contribution will help children gain an education they rightfully deserve.
The total cost for sponsoring one child for a period of six months is Rs.1400 and the total cost of sponsoring 25 Outdoor Learning Centres for a period of Six Months is Rs. 10,50,000.
| S.No | Name of the Activity | Unit Price | Per Centre Cost | No. of Centre | Total Cost for 1 month | Total Cost for 6 months |
| 1 | Nutrition for the Children (30) | Rs. 5 x 30 Children x 25 days pm | 3750 | 25 | 93750 | 562500 |
| 2 | Teacher Honororium | 1 | 2000 | 25 | 50000 | 300000 |
| 3 | Stationary | 1 | 250 | 25 | 6250 | 37500 |
| 4 | Sports kit | 1 | 1000 | 25 | 25000 | 150000 |
| Total | 7000 | 25 | 175000 | 1050000 |
Indiadonates is a tax exempt entity, and all donations made through Indiadonates will be tax-exempt under Section 80G of Income Tax Act.
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Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre (DBRC)
Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre is an NGO which evolved in 1992 as a movement for promotion of livelihood, dignity and self-respect of Dalit Bahujan Communities. DBRC provides information, knowledge and capacity building to Dalit Bahujan Communities for their social, economical and cultural empowerment. DBRC focuses on empowering the Dalit Bahujan Communities with special insight on women, childr...read more
