Marginalized children living in orphanages, institutions and extremely impoverished slums have access to live saving programs but little more. Children can only succeed if they can survive and thrive! We convert rickshaws into Mobile Play and Learning Centers (aka Makers Spaces) to bring STEM learning to extremely vulnerable children. Just as important, our mobile centers provide play, exploration and connections to local communities.
Children living in orphanages, institutions and extreme poverty are ignored by their local communities, face gender and class discrimination and live isolated lives. They are too often deprived of play, learning and nurturing connections with adults and mentors. India has over 12,000 licensed orphanages which house approximately 600,000 children. Already educationally disadvantaged, these children are at high risk for school drop-out, trafficking, servitude and early marriage.
Through the Mobile Play and Learning platform, children engage in STEM activities which develops their critical thinking, problem solving and ability to collaborate. Age appropriate workshops will stimulate an interest in furthering their educational and future employment opportunities. Marginalized children will become connected with mentoring adults, develop confidence and create hope for their future.
Children in orphanage care or living in extreme poverty eventually transition into the community. The project will provide over 200 extremely vulnerable children with opportunities to pursue higher education and gainful employment which lifts them out of isolation and poverty. Without these skills and connections, children are at extreme risk for trafficking, forced marriage, unemployment and homelessness.
