trip to ananya - part1

One more visit to ANANYA. But every time this place shows you some new aspect of life. Yesterday we went there just to spend some time with the kids whom we teach computer in our Dream Computer Program.

Dream Computer Program

Dream Computer Program is one of the most important activity of Dream-a-Dream.

For those who do not know, what this programs is, here is a small introduction-

Dream Computer Program was started with just one aim in mind, to show the world of computer to kids from underprivileged background. To show them and make them aware about wonderful gift of technology called computer. This program never aimed at making software engineers; and still it maintains the same philosophy. But over the years with our experiences we could give some direction to this program.

Now this program runs over the academic year with an intention of serving at least a bunch of kids with so much of interest in computers that they can get a vocation of it. The process is simple. There are levels (equivalent to class in normal schools). Kids go from one level to another on the basis of their interests. We don’t do any filtering as such. Who ever I interested, we intend to cater to his/her need to whatever extent we can.

The classes are conducted on Saturdays at KAPS IT solutions in Ejjipura. The program has patrons in the likes of KAPS IT, Mr Rajkumar, Mr. Girish from HP, Shashank from Dream-a-Dream, and many volunteers from every walk of life. Right now we are in process of starting our pilot batch for level three (level 201 in our terminology) from august second week.

Ananya

Ananya, run by Dr. Shashi Rao, is an informal school catering to the needs of children from disadvantaged background. These are the kids who either never went to a formal school or dropped out due to various reasons. Some of them have worked to earn their daily bread.

These kids then became part of Ananya family. At Ananya, they learn to ask and learn to act.

Ananya is not a formal school. There are no classes, no compulsions. There are just subjects, subjects like maths, science, English and Hindi. They attend the class for the same. Classrooms could be any place, garden, dining hall or the small hut in the open air.

You can learn any time of the day though there are some fix timings for these classes. There are not many textbooks. You learn what you see and learn what you feel. The teachers cater to all the questions from the curious kids. A kid will learn through experience and only those things, which he finds interest in. lots of activities keep happening and the kids get chance to explore all of them. Which ever they like, they can continue.

Every year, there are groups formed which are based on the learning aptitude of the kids. There are NO EXAMS. Kids don’t pass or fail. According to their interests, at later stages they are provided appropriate vocational training.

The kids stay at Ananya throughout the week. Over the weekend they have the freedom to go home or stay back at Ananya. Most of the activities take place on the campus only; for some other they might need to go to other places.

Right now there are 62 kids on the campus. The kids are enrolled start of academic year and activities and progress of each kid is minutely monitored throughout the year. Anyone can come and join the place.

To be continued…