Category: Happening

For years, 51-year-old Hirabai Nathu Gaikwad began her mornings before sunrise, carrying baskets of fresh fish to the roadside near Aundh Jakat Naka in Pune. Alongside her two sons and two daughters-in-law, she worked tirelessly every day, selling fish to keep her family afloat.

Home was a cramped one-room house shared with her son, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild. Despite working hard, the family lived in constant financial insecurity — income from fish vending barely covered food, medicines, and daily needs. Accessing government services and welfare schemes was another struggle with documents and procedures often confusing and out of reach.

A Medical Emergency

Six months ago, Hirabai underwent bypass surgery after a serious heart condition. The treatment was made possible through benefits under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, facilitated by a team of Community Facilitators belonging to a community forum that manages the local Single Window service. The family believed the worst was behind them. But just a month later, her health deteriorated again. Doctors informed the family that she needed open heart surgery, costing nearly ₹4.5 lakhs. “We were shattered,” recalls her son Mayur. “We had no idea how we could save my mother.”

Barriers Beyond Money

Though the family knew that government healthcare schemes could help, they soon faced another obstacle: Hirabai’s ration card had become inactive. Without it, linking services such as the Ayushman card was impossible. “With every passing day, we were becoming more scared,” recalls Rohini, Hirabai’s daughter-in-law. “The surgery was urgent, but we felt stuck.”

However, timely guidance from the SWF enabled the family to reactivate the ration card within 24 hours, unlocking access to Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya benefits. “We did not know where to go or what documents were needed but everything was explained to us by the SWF member,” said Mayur.

A Surgery That Saved a Life

Thanks to this intervention, Hirabai successfully underwent open heart surgery free of cost and is now recovering at home. “Without this support, we would never have managed such expensive treatment,” says Rohini.

While financial struggles continue, the family now feels far more confident about navigating government services and healthcare support in the future. “Sometimes we struggle because we simply do not know the process. When someone guides us properly, it changes everything,” said Hirabai.

For Hirabai’s family, the support extended far beyond healthcare — it meant crossing barriers of documentation, digital systems, and government procedure at one of the hardest moments of their lives. Her story shows how a single reactivated document, paired with the right guidance at the right time, can be the difference between crisis and survival for families like hers.

 

“Until a year ago, I thought my higher education journey would end in a Government Degree College near my home. Studying in a university like Azim Premji University was something I had only heard about. I never imagined that one day I would receive an admission offer from there.”

I am 17 years old and live in Ramachandrapura in Bengaluru’s Majestic Cluster. I come from a not-so-well-off family. My mother is a single parent and works as a tailor. Growing up, I saw how hard she worked every day to take care of our family. Because of her, I always believed that education was important, and I tried my best to do well in school.

I scored 75% in my SSLC examinations and later joined the Commerce stream in a BBMP Government PU College, where I scored 82% in my PUC. I enjoyed studying and wanted to continue my education, but I never thought too much beyond what seemed possible for someone like me.

As I was finishing my PUC, I had already decided that I would join a Government Degree College and pursue a BCA course. It felt like the safest option. To be honest, I did not know much about universities outside Bengaluru or the opportunities available after PUC. Looking back, I feel many students like me do not lack ability. We simply do not know what opportunities exist or how to reach them.

That changed when I heard about Azim Premji University through the youth program. At first, I was excited, but I was also nervous. The admission process involved online classes, preparation sessions, and interviews. At home, I did not always have the internet access or space needed to attend classes regularly and prepare properly. There were times when I wondered whether I would be able to prepare properly at all.

That was when the Community Learning Centre became an important part of my journey

For several months, I attended online preparatory classes from the Community Learning Centre almost every day. Many days, I stayed there until late evening attending sessions, completing assignments, and preparing for the entrance examination. It became a place where I could concentrate on my studies without distractions and access the internet whenever I needed it.

The people associated with the program also encouraged me throughout the process. They helped me understand the admission process, prepare for interviews, and complete different requirements. More importantly, they kept reminding me to believe in myself when I started doubting whether I could actually make it.

The journey was not always easy. Some of my friends asked me why I wanted to move away from Bengaluru. Others told me that staying in a hostel and adjusting to university life would be difficult. At home, my mother was worried about what would happen if I did not get selected. To be safe, she got me admitted to a Government College as a backup option.

Even then, I felt I had done my best, so I decided to wait and hope for the best.

A few weeks later, I received a call that changed everything

I was informed that I had cleared the admission process and that an offer letter had been issued to me. I still remember the excitement I felt that day. For a few moments, I could hardly believe it. Something I had never imagined for myself had suddenly become real.

Today, I am preparing to begin a new chapter of my life at Azim Premji University. For me, this is not only about joining a university. It is about proving to myself that where we come from does not decide how far we can go.

I am also happy that I am not the only one. This year, 2 students from the communities supported through the program secured admission to Azim Premji University. Along with me from the Majestic Cluster, Preetham K from the Nagarabhavi Cluster was also selected.

This experience has changed the way my family thinks about education. My younger brother is currently studying in SSLC, and I keep telling him that he should also explore opportunities like this when he completes his studies. I want him to believe that he can dream bigger than what seems possible today.

When I think about my journey, I realise there are many young people in communities like mine who are talented and capable. Sometimes what they need is not more talent, but information, guidance, a place to learn, and someone who encourages them to try.

My story is not just about getting admission to a university. It is about what can happen when someone gets an opportunity they never thought was possible. It is also a reminder that a student’s future should not be limited by their family’s income or where they live.

– Ashini

Beyond One Student’s Success

Ashini’s journey reflects the experiences of many young people living in Bengaluru’s informal settlements. While they often have the ability and determination to pursue higher education, many are unaware of the opportunities available to them or lack the support needed to navigate admission processes.

Through Community Learning Centres—set up as part of the Azim Premji Foundation’s urban poor project and implemented by CFAR—the program is helping create pathways that connect talented first-generation learners to quality higher education opportunities via youth engagement initiatives at the settlement level, structured guidance, online learning support, mentoring, and sustained accompaniment. This year, 2 students from program-supported communities, Ashini from the Majestic Cluster and Preetham K from the Nagarabhavi Cluster, secured admission to Azim Premji University.

Their journeys show that when young people receive timely information, guidance, encouragement, and access to learning spaces, they are able to pursue opportunities that may otherwise seem beyond their reach. Their stories are not only personal achievements but also reminders of the potential that exists within communities when young people are given the chance to explore, aspire, and succeed.

Denied for 3 Years. Now Helping Others Access Their Rights

In the winding lanes of Khanpura, Ajmer, Shanno’s home stood as a place of contrasts—two stories unfolding under one roof.

To an outsider, the building looked “large”—big enough to disqualify her from receiving basic food rations. But inside, the reality was stark: six families, including Shanno and her two sons, were crammed into a single structure.

For three long years, this gap between perception and reality kept a widowed domestic worker struggling to feed her children.

“I felt like I was shouting into a void,” Shanno says. “I would go to the offices, fill forms, and wait. But nothing happened. I started to feel that people like me are meant to be forgotten.”

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Turning Point

The change came not through another application, but through connection.

That connection began at a social security camp organized by CFAR’s Single Window team, a community-based platform that helps people access government entitlements and resolve service gaps, at a local madrasa. At the camp, Shanno found people willing to listen and help. The team not only processed her case but also bridged the gap between her lived reality and the system’s assumptions. They verified her situation, advocated on her behalf, and ensured her voice was finally heard.

Sultana, a Single Window member, vividly recalls her first meeting with Shanno:
“When I met Shanno, I saw a woman exhausted but still holding on. On paper, it was a ‘large house.’ But when we visited, we saw six families sharing one space. My role wasn’t just to file a report; it was to make sure her reality reached the right people. When she finally received her first ration after three years, it wasn’t just a delivery—it was a moment that reaffirmed why this work matters.”

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A New Future for the Family

The support didn’t stop at food. Once the door was open, the team helped Shanno access the Palanhar scheme—a program specifically designed to support the education and care of children who have lost a parent. With this steady support, Shanno’s two sons are now enrolled in school, trading a life of uncertainty for a seat in a classroom.

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From Seeking Help to Becoming a Champion

But the story doesn’t end there. Shanno didn’t just reclaim her entitlements, she transformed her experience into purpose.

Knowing that many others face the same barriers, she became a “Champion” at the neighbourhood help desk. Each afternoon, she now supports multiple women in her neighbourhood—helping them navigate digital platforms, understand government processes, and organise their documents.

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The Ripple Effect

Shanno’s impact is now felt across the heart of her settlement. In Khanpura, a neighbourhood of 150 vulnerable households, she has become a vital anchor for her neighbours. Since becoming a Champion, she has already personally supported 25 families on their journey toward social inclusion—ensuring that others in her community can access their rights and essential support within weeks, rather than the three years of silence she once endured.

One of the many people she has supported is Suwa Bai, her neighbour, who was struggling to access her widow’s pension.

“I was afraid of offices and complicated processes,” Suwa Bai says. “But Shanno sat with me at my doorstep and said, ‘If I can do it, so can you.’ She didn’t just share information; she gave me confidence. Because of her, my children now have what they need.”

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Shanno’s journey shows what a “caring neighbourhood” truly means. It goes beyond schemes and systems—it lives in everyday acts of solidarity. In neighbours who step forward, who listen, and who refuse to let others remain unseen.

As Shanno says, with a quiet smile:
“I used to feel invisible. Now, when someone stops me on the street to ask for help with a form, I feel like I finally belong.”

Stories like Shanno’s reflect CFAR’s belief that when communities lead and systems respond, dignity becomes possible. Strengthening such community-led platforms is at the heart of building more caring and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Every morning at 6 am, Lakshmi Digambar Tupdhar sets out in her bright pink e-rickshaw, navigating the bustling streets of Pune. For this 36-year-old mother from the Tadiwala Road slum, the daily drive is more than a routine—it symbolizes courage, independence, and transformation.

Life in a marginalized community meant constant financial strain. Living with her husband and two daughters in one of Pune’s marginalized communities, she struggled to make ends meet. Their daily income barely covered basic needs, leaving little for education or healthcare. “I would lie awake at night, worried. My elder daughter needed tuition, and my younger one new shoes. But how could we afford that?,“ she recalls.

Her turning point came during a community meeting where officials from Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department introduced the Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme. The initiative offered women a pathway to ownership through a cost-sharing model: 10% personal contribution, 70% bank loan, and 20% government subsidy.

Initially hesitant due to social stigma, Lakshmi feared ridicule. But with consistent encouragement from Shilpa Kegale from the Pune Municipal Corporation and Vanita Gaikwad and Nisha Naidu of the Single Window Forum Members, set up by Centre for Advocacy and Research-to facilitate community to secure entitled schemes and services—she began to see the opportunity not just as a livelihood, but as a legacy for her daughters.  “They told me don’t think about what people will say, think about what you want for your daughters,” she said.

On August 12, 2024, Lakshmi received her e-rickshaw from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Holding the keys, she felt the weight of possibility. “When I held those keys, I started crying. It wasn’t just a vehicle, it was my chance to change everything,” she recalls.

The early days were challenging. Pune’s chaotic traffic tested her nerves, but support from passengers—especially women—boosted her confidence. Over time, she became a familiar and trusted presence on the roads, with many commuters preferring her rickshaw for the safety and dignity it offered.

Lakshmi’s income has improved but the real transformation is within. She no longer sees herself solely as a wife or mother, but as a woman who stands on her own feet. Her story has inspired three other women from Tadiwala Road to apply for the scheme, proving that visibility spurs possibility, as seeing is believing.

Young girls in her neighbourhood now look up to her. “When I drive through my neighbourhood, young girls watch me.  I want them to know that women can also do anything if they have courage,” she said. Her elder daughter, dreaming of becoming an engineer, sees her mother’s journey as proof that ambition and resilience can rewrite destinies.

For Lakshmi, the Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme is more than a livelihood—it represents dignity, empowerment, and hope. Each ride she completes is a step toward a better future, not just for herself, but for the next generation. “I don’t want my daughters to live the kind of life I did. I dream of giving them a better future, and to fulfil that dream, I drive my rickshaw with pride every day,” says Lakshmi.

What began as a modest effort at the APMC Yard gate in Bengaluru has now grown into a city-wide movement. In August, Daksha Samuha Sanghatane, a community-based organization and Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), launched a second breakfast cart at Kurubarahalli Circle, building on the success of its first cart introduced in July. The goal: to ensure no worker starts their day hungry.

By 6:30 AM each day as the city begins to stir, Kurubarahalli Circle buzzes with activity. Construction workers, garment workers, pourakarmikas (PKs), and others gather in search of work. Their day begins with long hours of physical labour—lifting, carrying, sweeping, and stitching—yet most of them start on an empty stomach. Some leave home at dawn with no time to prepare food, while others cannot afford to eat until much later. Without food, they face hours of intense physical labor, often resorting to spending ₹40–₹50 at roadside eateries later in the day.

The breakfast cart changes that. Serving over 150 workers each morning, it offers fresh, hot, hygienically prepared meals. More than just food, it affirms dignity—workers receive nourishment as a rightful start to their day.

The first cart at APMC Yard proved the power of community-led action, serving hundreds daily and inspiring expansion to Kurubarahalli Circle—home to some of Bengaluru’s most marginalized communities. The response has been overwhelming, with growing support from workers and local residents.

“Earlier, I would come here at 6:30 AM and work till 9 without food. By then, I was already tired because none of the hotels would be open at that time. Spending Rs. 50 on breakfast every day was a burden,” says Kavitha, 34, a garments worker. “Now, I can eat properly in the morning and also save money. At the end of the month, it makes a big difference.” For workers like her, saving Rs. 1,200 a month means paying school fees, buying household groceries, or managing medical expenses.

For Narasimha, a construction worker who has spent over a decade at this junction, the initiative is not just about saving money—it’s about empowerment being able to priortize the essential needs.  “This food helps me save at least Rs. 40 a day. That money goes towards my children’s school books. For us, even a small saving matters,” he says with quiet pride.

The rotating weekly menu includes vegetable palav, chitranna, rava idli, bisi bele bath, dosa, and on Saturdays, 300 idlis with 150 vadas. Every item is cooked fresh, served hot, and completely free.

Anand Raj, who manages the breakfast cart, arrives by 6:15 AM every day to get things ready. “By the time I open the vessels, there is already a crowd waiting,” he says. “Most of them come regularly now. They know we will not miss a single day.” Supporting him is Babu Rao, a long-time volunteer who helps maintain order and ensures everyone is served. Rao eats only after all others have been fed, a quiet reminder that this initiative belongs to the community.

Cleanliness and hygiene are strictly maintained. “We clean the cart and vessels thoroughly before serving. We also request workers to keep the space clean,” says Anand Raj. “Over time, they’ve started taking care of it themselves. This is their space too.” This shared responsibility shows that when people take ownership, dignity and discipline naturally follow.

What makes this effort unique is its community-driven model. It is founded on solidarity. Community members participate in running the cart, helping workers save ₹40–₹50 daily while building a culture of collectivization. It is about ownership, not dependence; claiming rights, not receiving favors.

The Kurubarahalli cart is part of CFAR’s broader mission to strengthen Bengaluru’s urban poor settlements—from healthcare access to social security—through community-created solutions grounded in dignity and rights.

For the workers, this cart is the long overdue relief from hunger, strength to work without exhaustion, and the comfort of knowing that someone has seen their struggle and acted upon it. Lakshmamma, 52, a pourakarmika who sweeps nearby roads, puts it simply: “We feel respected.”

Since its launch, the cart has served thousands of meals. Demand is growing, and plans are underway to expand capacity and variety. The vision remains clear: no worker at Kurubarahalli Circle should begin their day hungry.

Each plate served is more than a meal—it’s a quiet act of justice. It reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t always require grand gestures; it simply needs to listen, respond, and endure. At Kurubarahalli Circle, the breakfast cart stands as a powerful symbol of community-led care, proving that when people come together, no one has to be left behind.

From September 17 to October 2, 2025, Pune came alive with Swachhotsav, a vibrant celebration of Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0. More than a symbolic campaign, this initiative marked a strategic leap toward building a robust, multi-layered cleanliness ecosystem—anchored in governance, regulation, service delivery, and citizen participation.

Between September 25 and October 1, the Center for Advocacy & Research (CFAR), in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), spearheaded a series of targeted interventions to reinforce Pune’s sanitation framework. These efforts were designed to strengthen the city’s multi-layered sanitation ecosystem, addressing gaps in governance and citizen engagement that have historically limited Pune’s potential, despite its reputation for an effective waste management system.

A key highlight of the campaign was a capacity-building workshop for 104 officials, including Deputy Sanitary Inspectors (DSIs) and Sanitary Inspectors (SIs) from Zones 2, 3, and 5. The session focused on operational excellence, covering critical aspects such as strengthening citizen accountability in waste management, enforcing regulations and penalties for non-compliance, and leveraging digital tools like PMC Care for streamlined service delivery.

Legal experts from DLSA provided insights into the regulatory landscape, emphasizing enforcement mechanisms and offered practical guidance on record-keeping and operational efficiency. These efforts aimed to empower frontline officials with the tools and knowledge to drive systemic change.

This year’s school admission drive in Pune’s DP Road, Nagar Road, and Yerwada wards became a powerful initiative focused on enrolling out-of-school children. From April to June, Community Mobilisers (CMs), supported by the community conducted door-to-door outreach to identify and enroll vulnerable children, spurred by the shared conviction that education is a pathway to dignity and opportunity.

Unlike previous years, the campaign prioritized group meetings in community halls to engage parents, fostering wider participation and peer exchanges, which enhanced awareness of enrollment and the documentation required for it. The team also committed to strengthening school retention through consistent family and school follow-ups. These efforts targeted areas populated by daily wage earners and migrant families facing limited access to resources and faced huge challenges in furnishing all the documents required for enrolment.

CMs identified 333 children across the three wards who were dropouts, had never attended school, or were left behind due to migration or poverty (87 in DP Road, 37 in Nagar Road, and 209 in Yerwada). These children were primarily served by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) schools offering free or subsidized education in Marathi, English, and Urdu.

A major obstacle was the stringent documentation requirements (birth certificate and Aadhaar card) for PMC school enrollment, which many families, particularly migrants, lacked. Consequently, 240 children could not be immediately enrolled. CMs provided guidance on obtaining these documents and educated families on it and provided personalized support throughout the process.

For the parents of 93 children who got enrolled, they found the CMs’ assistance invaluable. One parent recounted how CMs helped correct discrepancies between their daughter’s birth certificate and Aadhaar card, enabling her admission to Genaba Moje School. Another shared how CMs facilitated their child’s admission to Balance Urdu School.

Parents found the experience deeply rewarding. With CMs guiding them through government procedures, referring them to local PMC schools, and providing clear, step-by-step advice, parents secured necessary documents and gained confidence in navigating the system.

Another parent recounted being guided to Vandana Madam at a nearby school, resulting in Amina’s successful admission to Senior KG.

Family counseling proved critical. CMs addressed the common misconception among daily wage laborers that early childhood education was not a priority. Through one-on-one sessions, they emphasized the developmental, cognitive, and social benefits of schooling, reinforcing education as a necessity.

One community mobilizer shared an experience about successfully enrolling a young girl, who was six years old and had never been enrolled in any pre-school or even in the anganwadi program, into Dhole Patil English Medium School. The primary document used for her enrollment was her birth certificate. However, just having the birth certificate did not make matters easy as the details mentioned on her birth certificate did not match those on her Aadhaar card. Furthermore, the child’s family did not possess a bank passbook, which is required for certain formalities. Undeterred, the community mobilizer extended assistance to resolve these issues.

 

Sharanamma, a thirty-four-year-old resident of the Sanjay Gandhi Nagar settlement in northern Bengaluru, Karnataka, is overjoyed that her seven-year-old daughter, Sneha, who is studying in the first standard at the Government Higher Primary School, no longer misses school. Reason! Sneha receives nutritious meals regularly at the school, something Sharanamma has found difficult to provide at home. Eggs are now being served at the school as part of the mid-day meal programme.

Providing a nutrient-rich meal is not always possible for parents like Sharanamma from the marginalized communities living in the settlements of the city.  “We try our best with the money we have. Sometimes, when we can afford it, we buy fruits, but daily eggs are expensive. One meal with an egg for each family member would cost us around Rs 100, which we cannot afford regularly. It’s good that children can get eggs at school,” she says.

“While I want my child to study a lot and grow up, a nutritious meal is important for a child to be able to study better,” she added.

There are other families too who are experiencing this change. Nagarathna, another parent, said her daughter Shilpa, studying in 6th standard, along with her brother’s children, now attend school regularly. Earlier, she often had to skip work to look after sick children. Now, with improved health due to better nutrition, she can continue her job without worry.

Serving eggs at school to transform lives of children

At a time when malnutrition continues to be a serious national concern and rising costs, and stagnant wages are making it difficult for parents like Sharanamma and Nagarathna to consistently provide a healthy diet to their children, the government decision to serve eggs is helping these families to combat malnutrition while simultaneously encouraging school attendance. This small but powerful change has begun to transform the lives of children at the Government Higher Primary School and their families living in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar.

Situated in a community where most families depend on daily wage labour and struggle to afford basic nutrition, the school had long faced high dropout rates and poor student health. Children from settlements like Sanjay Gandhi Nagar and Ashraya Nagar often missed school, sometimes accompanying their parents to construction sites because there was no one to care for them at home. Even though the school was included in the mid-day meal programme, the absence of a regular protein source like eggs meant that children were not motivated to attend daily, and malnutrition was widespread. This changed when eggs were introduced 6 days a week as part of the mid-day meal.

Improved school attendance

Children are not only attending school regularly now but are also more alert, active, and eager to participate in learning. The improvement is not just felt at home but officially recorded too. Today, the school is witnessing a daily attendance of 80 to 95 percent, and parents are noticing a real difference in their children’s health and enthusiasm for school. Families that once struggled with the constant burden of sickness and school absenteeism now have hope.

CFAR intervention

CFAR has been working in the Sanjay Gandhi Nagar settlement for the past three years under its social inclusion initiatives, with also a strong focus on improving education access and outcomes. Our Community Associates, in close collaboration with School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members and the school headmaster, have been identifying school dropouts, linking children to educational entitlements, and supporting families to prioritize education. Despite these efforts, challenges remained, especially related to children’s nutrition and regular school attendance. But the recent intervention of the Karnataka Government introducing a regular protein source like eggs under its mid-day meal program has added a crucial advantage, leading to this remarkable transformation.

Drop in anemia cases

Shoba, an SDMC member and parent of three children studying at the same school, observed the fall in anemia cases among children after the intervention. “Earlier there were many cases of severe anemia, with children having hemoglobin levels as low as 7 to 8. “We used to organize pediatric check-ups and saw that children were coming in very weak. Now, after six months of receiving eggs daily, cases like Vaishali, who is 12 years old, have shown remarkable improvement, with hemoglobin levels rising to 10. Earlier, many children were falling severely sick, but now we see healthier, more active students,” says Shoba. “Eggs are an important source of protein and contain almost all essential vitamins, making them a crucial weapon in tackling children’s high levels of malnutrition,” Shoba further added.

Fostering social inclusion

This transformation is not only enhancing school attendance and child nutrition but also helps children to eat together and thus break some of the social norms around gender, caste and religion. According to Shoba the most significant aspect of the mid-day meal scheme is that children from different backgrounds are interacting, sharing meals, and sitting together, reducing class barriers and fostering social inclusion.

This remarkable story of the Government Higher Primary School in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar shows how a simple, thoughtful intervention providing an egg a day can change lives, boost education, and build healthier futures for children from the most marginalized communities.

 

Peenya is one of Bengaluru’s oldest industrial hubs, attracting construction workers from different parts of the country. In recent years, the city has been expanding with rapid industrial development and growth. However, behind this growth lies a story of resilience and hardship of these workers, who migrated to the Peenya with dreams of a better future for their families.

Living under temporary tents and sheet houses, the lives of these workers are marked by economic struggle and social exclusion with limited access to basic rights and dignity. Their children are deprived of quality education as they struggle with lack of resources and facilities.  With little privacy or quiet space in their 10/10 small living huts makes concentration in studies difficult. As a result, many children face the risk of school dropout as they struggle to complete their homework, leading to a fear of facing their teachers and falling behind in the classroom. This fear and lack of support at home often result in children abandoning their education altogether.

CFAR initiative

Recognizing these challenges, CFAR (Centre for Advocacy and Research) has established a Community Resource Centre (CRC) in the Peenya cluster, providing the necessary support to children for their study and personal improvement. The centre not only facilitates community engagement and development but also acts as a learning hub for children eager to learn and grow. Operating from 4:30 to 7:00 PM daily, the centre welcomes 60 school students from classes 2 to 9, and provides a quiet place to study and engage in various activities. By identifying and addressing the needs of children and providing them access to resources, CRC fosters a supportive environment for the children from the marginalized community.

CRC: Building creativity and confidence

For children like Kiran, what CRC offers is more than just educational support. While homework and project work are prioritised, the centre also encourages children to explore their interests in singing, dancing, and painting. This holistic approach to education builds their creativity and helps them build confidence in their abilities.

“We observed during our area visits that children were not doing their homework and were going to work in factories in the evenings. Their families were not prioritizing their education, so we decided to provide them with a place that fosters a suitable learning environment. Initially, parents were unwilling to send their children, but after several meetings, we were able to convince them. We believe the number of children attending will continue to grow,” says Basamma, a community volunteer from CFAR, who is in charge of the children’s activities at the CRC.

As a result of this initiative, school attendance has increased, and continuous monitoring is taking place, involving children, parents, and teachers. Moreover, CFAR has also started a crèche for the children of construction workers, which helps school-going children by taking care of their younger siblings until the evening.

Meeting aspirations of children

Through CRC, CFAR aims to bridge the gap between the children’s aspirations and. their living conditions. By providing access to essential educational tools like a kid’s library and resources, the centre empowers these young minds to dream big and work towards a brighter future. The positive impact of the centre extends beyond academics, fostering a sense of community and belonging among the children.

The centre’s success lies in its ability to create an environment where children feel valued and supported. This healthy atmosphere enables them to overcome the challenges posed by their living conditions and empowers them to pursue their educational goals with determination and enthusiasm.

In Shiv Nagar Colony, Kengeri, the 64 Pourakarmikas houses built in 2013 under the Karnataka Slum Development Scheme have faced serious structural issues over the years. Water leaks from overhead tanks, moss-covered floors, and crumbling infrastructure have created urgent repair needs, particularly affecting children and the elderly, raising safety and health concerns.

In response, Daksha Samuha, a Community-Based Organization supported by the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), took swift action. A team of eight Daksha Samuha members, including local youth, gathered photographic evidence and appealed to the Karnataka Slum Development Board for immediate repairs. Although the Board’s Commissioner initially recognized the issue, budget restrictions and administrative changes delayed progress.

Understanding the urgency, the Daksha Samuha team escalated their advocacy by meeting with local MLA ST Somashekar. Moved by the community’s determination, the MLA contacted the Slum Development Board Commissioner to stress the importance of the renovations. When the Board could not provide immediate funds, the MLA proposed financing through his MLA fund to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Recently, the BBMP approved an emergency allocation of 5 lakh rupees, enabling essential repairs to commence.

“We identified severe water leaks and slippery floors that endangered our community. It was hard, but we knew we had to act together for change,” said Saraswati, Vice President of Daksha Samuha and a Shiv Nagar Colony resident, expressing the community’s resolve.

Marideva, an official from the Slum Board, noted, “While our funds were limited, we appreciate the MLA’s intervention and BBMP’s release of emergency funds, allowing us to conduct essential repairs.”

This journey illustrates the community’s commitment to addressing their challenges and forging alliances for solutions. Daksha Samuha and the Shiv Nagar Colony residents remained patient and persistent, aiming to secure the necessary approvals for crucial repairs. Their ongoing advocacy not only highlights immediate challenges but also the progress made in engaging key stakeholders to enhance local infrastructure, emphasizing the power of unified community action in creating safer, livable environments.