Telangana has a diversified character in terms of its socio-economic status and Brick making industries are one among the supportive industries. The laborer’s for this industry migrate from their native state and reside near brick kiln sites. They mostly bring their children along with them to avoid any security concern or to take support from them in brick making. However by doing this, the families make their children deprived of education, recreation and their childhood. Children also face physical and sexual abuse by the owners and contractors at the sites.
During a field survey by Children of India Foundation, it was found that around 70 children of migrant families from different districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are living in and around 5 brick kiln sites of Langal Mandal of Nagarkurnool district and Pangal mandal of Wanaparthy district. The younger children are seen roaming without any parental care and support putting them in danger of accidents. They can’t continue their studies as there is no facility of a place, teacher or education materials at these sites. The elderly children just roam around with their families without any purpose. These children are prone to abuse, exploitation and trafficking. To safeguard them from these violences, CIF came up with a short term project for these children to continue their education and get quality time to engage in play and recreational activities.
The project activities at glance
- Every child was provided with mid-day meals and educational materials such as slate, chalk pieces, note books, pen, pencil and drawing materials such as crayons and sketch pens.
- Sports materials such as skipping ropes, ring balls and volleyballs were provided to the children to engage them in physical activity.
- Two tutors from the local villages were appointed to take remedial classes for the children in improving their education and to guide them on using play materials in a safe place. Parents were motivated to encourage their children and transportation to attend classes was arranged.
- For smooth conduct of these activities local media persons, local police officers, PRI members and the local partner NGO of CIF were involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring process.
Project Cost at a glance
From the total allocated money of Rs. 42,250, cost of education material for 70 children was Rs. 13,750/-, cost of playing materials for two centres was Rs. 6,000/- and honorarium of tutors for two remedial coaching centres was Rs. 22,500/- (Calculated as Rs. 250 per day per tutor x 2 tutors x 45 days).
Result of the project
- All children in both remedial coaching centres are now studying 3 hour per day regularly.
- Children enjoy playing with play materials regularly at least two hours in the evening every day.
- One of the brick kiln owners in Lingala mandal hired an auto and helped the children to reach the centre regularly.
Stories from some mouths on the project
There are 6 to 7 brick clin sites here in this area where people from many districts of Telangana and from other states are working. Many times children also work with them. Keeping in view of this, the support of remedial coaching centres along with the playing materials is a noble idea. It is really helpful for the children. I will also ask my reporter friends to support these children.
I am working as the Vidya Volunteer in this centre. Initially it was difficult for me to gather the children in the centre. Now children come here voluntarily even before I reach the centre. Though I am getting honorarium but that is not important. I am happy that I am helping these children in their education.
