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1/6, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi |
Swati brings computer education to the slums.
August 2001: Joginder Singh, 22, is a Computer trainer for the Child Relief and You (CRY) supported project Swati, a project run by the Rajiv and Neelu Kachwaha Trust which has been working with the slum children of TIGRI and Kanak Durga slums of RK Puram sector 12 since 1990. Joginder has been interested in computers ever since his tenth class. Currently he's studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree from Delhi University through correspondence and also training 35 kids of Swati in computers.
Students at a Swati-run art competiton
The Computer class is one of the
most popular programs
that Swati runs. In
fact the demand is so great that Joginder finds it hard to cope with it
part time. He joined SWATI last December with a hope to earn some income
to sustain his studies and ever since, he wants to share everything he
knows about computers with the children. He also plans to update his own
knowledge of computers through training himself in areas that are new and
up-coming.
For the 35 students who are part of the
computer course, training is imparted in Microsoft Office, Corel Draw,
Adobe Pagemaker, Windows 95 and 98. Joginder soon plans to start
programming classes in FoxPro and C++ as well. It is essential for the
student to be in class 10th or above to get admission into the computer
class. Swati has 3 computers that were donated to them on which the
training is imparted. Children are keen to learn computers and utilize it
as a means to a better future.
Computers in the basti, Monday to Friday,
9.30 am to 4.30 pm, 6 classes, 35 students. Sounds like a dream. Joginder
is only too happy to be part of this. Joginder is very dedicated and goes
out of his way to try and teach the kids computer applications.
Projects like Swati and people like Joginder make the difference in the lives of slum children and it is such projects that CRY continues to support over the years. CRY has been with Swati for the last 10 years and has been contributing towards the education of underprivileged child through funds and training of teachers, supporting their salaries, buying books and stationery. Today, these children are going to schools, attending NFE centers and remedial education classes to supplement school, and also getting vocational training - typing, sewing, knitting, crochet work, beauty culture and of course, computers.
Rajesh Munshi
August 2001
Editor's Note: India Together is
working with Child Relief and You (CRY) to regularly bring stories of
successful development efforts on behalf of the children of
India. For more information on the project please contact the
CRY Office at :
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