Colony 3 and 4 Khakarmongali, right bank of Gaghar River, Panchkula
Why
Migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in search of employment encroached on a 100-acre plot of government land. The highly congested slum has existed for over 40 years.
Living conditions are sub-standard with no sanitation. The government has provided residents with voting cards and two water tanks that cater for the entire slum at a ratio of 100 people per water tap.
Men work mainly as drivers or labourers and women often work as maids or domestic help.
There is widespread gambling and alcohol abuse amongst the men and loitering and substance abuse by teenage boys.
Children usually have one parent due to the high incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse. Their daily routine includes attending school, collecting wood, fetching water, a meager lunch of rice with salt and afternoon employment such as watering gardens and delivering pamphlets to homes.
Half of the children do not attend government schools. There is little or no awareness of the importance of education; hence the need to make very basic education available.
Tuition Centre
Provides afternoon tuition for 50 children.
Distributes toys and living essentials such as blankets and thermals.
Organises field trips, functions and celebrations of festivals.
Services
A fresh, nutritious meal is provided daily.
A paediatrician provides treatment for children and adults twice a week.
The students' hygeine has improved tremendously due to awareness created by volunteers and medical care.
Vision
To instil values, hope and the confidence to realise dreams.
To create a thirst for knowledge, and nurture self-respect and respect for others.
To alleviate poverty through empowerment.
To create global citizens through breaking down barriers of nationality, religion, caste and creed and emphasising our shared humanity.
