Slums, we all have seen. Meagre space, low incomes, illiteracy, dirt – the hallmarks of life in slums.

The Need - Kannagi Nagar's slummers

In 2000, the Chennai Corporation moved the slumers in the city to decent habitats - at “Kannagi Nagar” at Thuraipakkam, 30km from Chennai. At present, over 10,000 families reside in this colony for rehabilited slummers.

During surveys to learn about the need for Medical Help for the slummers at Kannagi Nagar, HOPE Foundation's staff. found a lot of children in the streets, with both parents at work or too busy to attend to them. For parents, education was not a priority, nor did have the money to pay any fees. They also could not recognize the waywardness and criminal tendencies their children were likely to gain.

HOPE Foundation's Free Nursery and Primary School

In 2001, HOPE Foundation started a school with a crèche, LKG and UKG with the purpose of imparting nursey and primary education in English medium to the children from Kannagi Nagar. When not teaching, the two staff cajoled and coaxed parents to send their children to the school.

At present , the school runs in a house in Thuraipakkam, on the ground and first floor - 2000 sq. ft. 180 students study here – from UKG till Std. VI., following the Tamil Nadu Matriculation Board. Every scrap of space here is used to seat the children. The Head Mistress, 7 teachers and a maid run the affairs of the school.

The School is recognised by the District Education Office. Children here are disciplined - speak English - participate in annual games in the school - and try out dance and other arts to entertain parents visiting the school on Special Days. The school regularly displays educational CDs and Videos. Teachers take extra classes for the difficult lessons. Slow learners get extra help. During vacations, the dedicated teachers take the children out to see the world outside their colony and school – to MGM Amusement Park, Birla Planetarium, Vandalur Zoo and Tidel Park.

The Future

The school has come a long way. From campaigning for students, to regular attendance and now, to the rush of parents and students for admission. That too, from even outside the colony. It has earned the respect of Kannagi Nagar as well as the surrounding community! For HOPE Foundation, the school is more than a day care center. Expectations of the parents also have gone high.

How you can help...

- Contact : Mrs. Malar Prabath
E-Mail: malar_prabath@hopeww.org