Meet the Good Samaritans who've turned a high-heeled hangout into a learning haven for the unfortunate
Meet the Good Samaritans who've turned a high-heeled hangout into a learning haven for the unfortunate
Here's the story of a Stephenian who decided to step things up. So what's new, you'd ask. The fact that he created a knowledge centre out of Khan Market, and spun a success story for slum kids in Saket.
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Study buddies: A class in progress at Kutumb |
Kapil Pandey started Kutumb in 2002 and got it registered in 2003 as an NGO. Earlier, he used to teach underprivileged children in the Khan Market park, now theu00a0 parking lot. Now, the students have a garden and auditorium to themselves, apart from three hours of uninterrupted study time in the evenings. Kutumb classes run six days a week in Saket, near the PVR complex, and at Junior Modern School near Khan Market, between 5 and 8 pm.u00a0
Around 35 destitute kids find hope and lessons in life here. The curriculum isn't just about books and current affairs; it helps children delve into their inner selves, too.
Khurseda, a nine-year-old girl who is living on the streets with her parents, and was begging before joining the school, is now a changed li'l citizen. Previously, she did not feel like studying, but Kutumb took the challenge and Khurseda can't wait for dusk these days.
"Ours is a completely voluntary organisation", says Kapil Pandey, director.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Many students of Delhi University, to, have joined hands with the NGO of late.
The aim is to impart knowledge in living, art and crafts, dance, music, theatre, football and puppetry, among other subjects.
Kids from the family have showcased what they've learnt throughu00a0 theatre programs, street shows and an innovative football match, 'Goal of Life'.u00a0
"Working with these slum children has been an enriching experience. They pick things fast, and understand things easily," says Ryanka, a volunteer from Lady Shri Ram College, who teaches geographyu00a0 at Kutumb.
"Spending time with these kids creates a positive felling in me; I personally enjoy the company of these kids'' says Anushri, another volunteer from LSR, who's the science mistress around.
Ryanka and Anushri have been working with Kutumb for the last two years, and now, they're both heading the programme.u00a0
Founder Kapil, on the other hand, has his own advertising company to keep the kitchen fires burning.
"Many private donors have offered financial support, but we did not take any help from the government," prides Kapil. He is quite busy with his own officialu00a0 work, but always stays in touch with the organisation, and meets the kids once in a week.u00a0
Students feel lucky. Lalit, for instance, joined school six years ago. He dropped out of school because of the financial problems. He learned soccer in the organisation for three years. Now, he's plays football mentor here. Others like Anand, Rekha, Asha and Priya, too, like Lalit, once studied here and are now teaching. Legacies, as they say, never leave.
