Introduction

Since its inception during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, SIA has focused on this very important project. To help the most deprived during this crisis, we were already active and distributing ration kits, cloths, blankets, mattresses and relief material in the poorest slums, the places having migrating communities, and the families staying under plastic shelter in open or on the roadside. While distributing such relief material to such families, apart from education on protecting the family members from COVID, we also conducted education and awareness campaigns on the importance of family planning, health and hygiene; education and awareness campaigns on the importance of education (especially the girls) amongst such families. For this Action Research project on “Education to the most deprived, innocent children engaged in begging or selling articles on the road, from the families staying under plastic shelter in open or on the roadside”, this was an entry point activity with an aim to address the complex issue of education of such children.

Extremely poor families of the Marginalized and most Deprived sections migrate to big cities like Pune and Mumbai from different parts in search of livelihood. They stay in miserable conditions. Most of such families change their place and despite best efforts and counselling, they avoid sending their children to school. We witness many such children engaged in begging or selling articles on the road in Pune and Mumbai city. To address the complex issue of education of such innocent and most deprived children, in a holistic manner; and to do policy advocacy to the government; we more vigorously worked on this action research project of education of such children.

Admission in residential schools and education of these innocent kids is the only solution to protect them from begging and working. Therefore, we strived hard to get admissions of such kids most preferably in government or government added Residential schools (आश्रमशाला) or the institutes having residence facilities. This is the only way to keep the children in the proper environment and protect them from begging and child labour. This also ensures the continuity of their education.

We had already established our bond with such families and the children, through certain entry point activities during Covid. We increased our one-to-one interactions with parents of such children and did our best possible counselling.  Though it was extremely difficult, we worked persistently and patiently, and kept convincing such parents to send their children, particularly the girls, to such residential government schools instead of engaging them for selling, begging, etc. We motivated such children by giving them uniforms, nutrition kits and education-related material and the parents by felicitating them and giving them dresses, ration kits, etc.

As an example - with an aim to motivate more and more such families and get their willing support to send their kids to schools during the next academic session, we also distributed blankets, mattresses, 656 ration kits and 475 sweet boxes during 2021 Diwali and 320 ration kits and 680 nutrition kits during post-Diwali period.

You can read more about our running project on community education here.

Community Education for Marginalised Children

At Sanchi Integration Association (SIA), we believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering the most vulnerable members of society. Our Action Research Project on Community Education focuses on providing access to education for children from some of the most marginalised communities, including those engaged in begging or selling goods on the streets. These children, often from families living under plastic shelters or in extreme poverty, are denied the opportunity to attend school and build a better future.

Children should never have to beg for a living or work to support their families. Yet, this is the harsh reality for many kids from migrant or displaced families in urban areas like Pune. SIA’s education program seeks to address this issue by enrolling these children in residential schools, where they can receive a stable education in a safe, nurturing environment.

Since 2020, SIA has been working tirelessly to enrol street children into government residential schools, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed academically. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every child has access to education, and we are committed to working persistently, even in the face of difficult challenges.

Key Activities

Enrolment in Residential Schools
The most effective way to help these children is by ensuring they are enrolled in government or government-aided residential schools. These schools provide not only education but also housing, food, and a safe space for children to grow, away from the dangers of street life. Since the project’s inception, SIA has successfully enrolled over 120 children, helping them escape a life of begging and child labour.

‍Support for Families
Convincing parents to send their children to school, particularly girls, is often a challenge due to cultural and financial barriers. SIA provides continuous counselling and support to families, helping them understand the long-term benefits of education. We also provide essential items such as ration kits, clothing, and hygiene materials to support these families, making it easier for them to prioritise their children’s education.‍

Providing Educational Materials:
To ensure that children are prepared for school, SIA distributes uniforms, books, stationery, and nutrition kits. This not only helps children integrate into the school system but also relieves some of the financial burden on their families.

‍Health, Hygiene, and Family Planning Campaigns:
Alongside our educational efforts, SIA conducts awareness campaigns for the families of street children. These campaigns focus on health, hygiene, and family planning, helping families understand the importance of overall well-being and its connection to education. We emphasise the education of girls and the benefits of family planning to create a more stable environment for children.‍

Persistent Documentation Efforts:
A major barrier to school enrolment for street children is the lack of essential documents like birth certificates and AADHAR cards. SIA helps families navigate the process of obtaining these documents by organising visits to government offices, assisting with paperwork, and ensuring children have what they need for school admission.

Our Impact So Far

Children Enrolled: Since the launch of this project, over 120 children engaged in begging or street vending have been enrolled in residential schools.

Continuous Family Support: SIA has distributed over 1,000 ration kits, clothing materials, and hygiene supplies to families of these children, ensuring their needs are met while promoting education.

Counselling and Advocacy: Through persistent counselling efforts, we have helped families understand the value of education, gradually shifting mindsets and increasing school attendance rates.

Challenges We Face

Working with street children and their families presents unique challenges. Many families rely on their children’s income from begging or street vending to survive. As a result, convincing them to prioritize education often requires long-term, patient counseling and ongoing support. Additionally, some children who are enrolled in school face the risk of dropping out due to family pressure, cultural factors, or financial difficulties. SIA is committed to addressing these challenges through persistent efforts, continuous family engagement, and ongoing monitoring of enrolled children.

How You Can Help

• Sponsor a Child’s Education: Your contribution can help cover the costs of school uniforms, books, and nutrition kits for a child in need.
• Donate to Family Support Programs: Help us continue providing essential ration kits, clothing, and health materials to families who rely on their children’s income to survive, allowing them to send their kids to school instead.
• Volunteer with SIA: Get involved by volunteering your time to help counsel families, distribute materials, or assist with school enrolment processes.

Looking Ahead‍

SIA’s Action Research Project on Community Education is a long-term initiative that seeks to create lasting change in the lives of street children. By ensuring access to education, we are giving these children a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. While the challenges are many, we remain committed to working tirelessly, persistently, and patiently, knowing that every child we help enrol in schools represents a step toward a more just and equitable society.