OKHLA
In 2003, Sophiya, one of our senior most staff, told us about the plight of children in the area where she lived. Okhla is a suburban colony in South Delhi more commonly known as Okhla Industrial Area. The ‘area’ is a mix of factories and slum tenements that are tucked away in-between the factories.
At that time, over 90% of children in the area did not attend school and were either roaming the streets or used by local mafias to steal and push drugs
The Okhla education centre began its activities in 2004 to address the problems of this extremely vulnerable group of children. Space was not easy to find and the only option was an empty spot near a garbage dump. It was ‘reclaimed’ and classes began under a plastic sheet held by bamboo poles. It took a while for the community to realise the worth of our intervention but they did and we could carry on unhindered.
Okhla is by far one of main the success stories of Project Why.
After School education program
Over 300 students are enrolled from primary to secondary level. Even though there is complete gender balance, girls are usually more in number.
Students have been doing exceptionally well. The biggest benefit to the community is that children are protected from addiction, crime, and unhealthy company. Student’s have set high aspirations; many wish to be in Indian Administrative /Police services.
Impact
- 4500 students completed school education
- Over 200 students have completed university education
PRIMARY LEVEL
NUMBER OF CHILDREN: 121
Boys 64 ; Girls 57
The Okhla primary centre was started with a bunch of eager children who were very excited to have their ‘own’ space and helped set it up. Many were not in school but soon with the help of their dedicated teachers were able to be mainstreamed. Over 150 children now study in the primary section of the centre where they not only learn academics but a host of creative and other activities.
SECONDARY LEVEL
NUMBER OF CHILDREN: 205
Boys 95 ; girls 110
The Okhla Centre began as a primary outreach programme but as the first batch of children reached class VI they urged us to begin a secondary section. We did as we were aware of the need and knew that without support many children were likely to drop out. Today the centre runs classes upto class XII. Many of our students have graduated and gone to pursue higher education and joined the job market thus breaking the cycle of poverty in which they were born.
Skill Development
Since 2007, computer courses are being offered to community youth.
44 students are currently enrolled.
Till date, 522 students have been successfully trained in various computer skills and have been able to secure dignified employment.
Okhla centre offers four different courses in computers. These are:
- Basic course – 6 months
- Advanced course- 6 months
- DTP course – 8 months
- Hardware course – 8 months
