Education & Health via Sports to Indian Slum Kids

RAJ (14 yrs)(Name changed to protect identity) IS THE LIVING PROOF THAT A LITTLE CONCERN IS ALL IT TAKES TO HELP ACTUALIZE AN INDIVIDUAL’S POTENTIAL…

In 2009, Raj joined the children collective’s of SCSTEDS. Since then, his life has changed dramatically.

It was in October 2008 he took refuge under his maternal aunty residing in Vyasarpadi as both his parents lost their dear lives in an accident. Raj was suddenly affected psychologically and was finding difficult to cope up with the new neighbourhood where every day life was a challenge. It was during this scenario that Mr. Thangaraj of SCSTEDS intervened. He admitted Raj in the neighbouring school and familiarised Raj with the SCSTEDS’ children collectives.

Shortly after joining the Children Collectives, Raj was referred to join the football team of SCSTEDS. Being part of a team, Raj developed employable skills, like showing up on time, working well with others and self-confidence. He stayed connected with his team mates and mentor, Mr. Thangaraj who helped him balance his school education and Soccer practice sessions. Raj participated actively in the children collective activities. His constant involvement and dedication for soccer made him an important forward player in the under 14 STEDS team.  After participating in more than 30 games representing STEDS, Raj was directly selected for the Tamilnadu State under 14 team. Last week he travelled all the way to Mumbai to participate in a soccer match representing Tamilnadu state. This young aspirer tells, “I am happy that I could represent Tamilnadu now. One day will come and I will make into the Indian Football team. This achievement is because of SCSTEDS. Master Thangaraj identified my potentials and guided me throughout. I will equally concentrate on my studies and make STEDS proud”

Young Raj has discovered his love for soccer. He now is one role model for all the children in the slums of Vyasarpadi. He continues to motivate and encourage young children to concentrate on schoolings as well sports.

Raj is presently studying in class 9 at the Corporation Higher Secondary School located at B Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi.

Diya (Name changed to protect identity) (14 yrs) was working with a detergent manufacturing factory before she was identified as a drop out from school in the year 2011. Diya was forced to take up the job, to economically support her family, when her father was diagnosed for Tuberculosis. In the factory, she was engaged in the packing section. She has to wrap the soaps in the wrapper and for a day she used to wrap hundreds of soap. She was paid a sum of Rs. 1500 for the work she performed.

One of Diya’s friends is an active member of the SCSTEDS-Children collective. During one of the meeting
that particular friend revealed Diya’s state and requested the group to take immediate action. SCSTEDS’s representative spoke to Kanmani and understood her interest towards education. Her parents were counselled about the ill-effects of child labour and the importance of education. Her parents agreed to send Diya to school. Now Diya is re-enrolled in class 8 and continuing her education with pride.

Status of Children:

More than 650 children play soccer and 95 children are into SCSTEDS foot ball team under various categories ranging from sub-junior, junior, senior & super senior. Around 142 children play chess and 253 children are carom players. They also play in  and district level teams. 75 children are into the scouts & guides team of SCSTEDS.

Last year, more than 200 children in the intervention slums were engaged into the summer camp activities. Foot ball coaching, basic computer education, chess, carom and social education through songs was imparted to the young minds. This summer camp exclusively aimed to develop their physical strength and mental development.  All the above children actively,participated in the Football, chess and carom competition.