Learning Centre for waste pickers children, India

Namaste, dear friends and donors!

Greetings from BASS, India.

We are happy to share with you the latest progress of our learning centre for the waste picker children in Guntur from September to December 2023. This centre was established two years ago to rescue 50 children from child labour and enrol them in formal schools. Most of these children belong to families who survive by collecting and selling waste in the slums.

Our learning centre operates twice a day, in the morning from 7 am to 8.30 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 7.30 pm. We have two dedicated teachers who care for the children and help them with their academic and personal development. They teach them various subjects according to their class levels and assist them with their homework. They also instil good habits, manners, and values in the children. The children are very happy to attend the centre daily.

We are proud to report that 40 of our children have been admitted to local formal schools and are doing well in their studies. They have also improved their attendance and participation in school activities. They have stopped accompanying their parents for waste picking and have gained more confidence and dignity. Their parents are also supportive of their education and growth.

The new academic year 2023 started and is continuing and the children are performing well in their academic skills and have made good progress. Their attendance in the school has improved. During December, the Michoung cyclone severely affected the location and the waste picker families’ huts. The stagnated water stayed in the slums for one week. Some of the children fell sick and recovered lately. But now the situation is a little better in the location. The families need new tarpaulin sheets to cover their huts to protect them from sun, rain, and winter.

The centre also provides daily breakfast in the morning and an evening meal to the children to ensure their health and well-being.

However, we are facing some challenges in running our project due to lack of funds. Fortunately, we received $1015 during this quarter, which is able to operate the centre for three months. Thank you so much for your help.

We humbly request you to kindly donate whatever amount you can to help us continue serving these 50 children. Your contribution will make a huge difference in their lives and futures.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

With gratitude,

BASS Learning Centre Team