Slums to School: A New Beginning for the Children in the Slums of Varanasi

The Slums to School project, initiated by the Varanasi Province of the Indian Missionary Society (IMS), is dedicated to providing children from the slums of Varanasi with the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty, exploitation, and child labor. This initiative specifically targets children engaged in begging, rag-picking, scrap collection, and child labor, aiming to offer them access to basic education and prepare them for a brighter future.

Through the establishment of Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC) in 8 slums, this project will provide foundational education, fostering essential skills in children, while also introducing them to cultural activities and a broader worldview. After a year of preparation, children will be ready to transition into formal schooling, giving them the chance to build a better life.

Key Objectives:

1. Prevent children from entering into rag-picking, begging, and child labor.
2. Establish Early Childhood Learning Centers in 8 slums to provide basic education.
3. Open up children’s minds through play-based learning, cultural activities, and exposure visits.
4. Ensure children transition smoothly to formal schooling after one year of preparation.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Children will no longer engage in rag-picking, scrap collection, begging, or child labor.
2. Establishment of Early Childhood Learning Centers in 8 slums, with 120 children attending annually, totaling 360 children over 3 years.
3. Children will develop a broader worldview through exposure to cultural activities and diverse environments.
4. Increased awareness among parents and slum dwellers about the importance of education.
5. Children will be well-prepared for formal schooling by the end of the year.
6. A higher enrollment rate of children from the slums into formal schools.