Empowering Children in Peenya through Education

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.