In Search of Enlightenment: Curriculum for the Children at Risk in India.

N

9

Children; Disadvantaged Environment; Disadvantaged Youth; Economically Disadvantaged; Educational Opportunities; Educationally Disadvantaged; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; High Risk Students; Literacy; Nonprofit Organizations; Nontraditional Education; Poverty; Poverty Areas; Program Descriptions; Slum Environment; Volunteers

"Udbhas," which means "expression," is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 to spread literacy and promote post-literacy education among the underprivileged children in the slums of Calcutta, India. This paper describes the creation, work, and benefits to children of Udbhas. The paper notes that most of the organization's teachers are volunteers; classes are held in the open air with no permanent building. Forty children from the slums comprise the student body, and classes are held every day from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. There are no tuition fees, and books and pencils are given free. In addition, Udbhas provides the children with free breakfast daily and clothes several times a year. The paper includes brief personal stories from children who have benefited from participation in Udbhas and concludes by noting that educators are in a position to bring organizations such as Udbhas to the notice of society, and thereby help more children. (EV)

2000

ED439795