Jeevan Dhara – Light the Candle
Jeevan Dhara – Light the Candle’ is one of our initiatives that aim to mainstream school dropouts and foster the entire development of school-age children, particularly girls from the impoverished slum neighbourhood of Madangir, Delhi. Presently 75 children are availing the support here. The program started in April 2021 and is now going strong with the financial & moral support of ‘Light the Candle International Inc.’ and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed organization for its on-going generous support.
The target group, slum residents are particularly vulnerable because of their low income and educational attainment, which hinders their children’s intellectual and physical development. The majority are either renters or residing in one-room homes that the state government has allocated. The majority are labourers who moved for work from neighbouring states. They work as sweepers, housekeepers, minor shopkeepers, and so forth. They were unable to integrate into society due to socioeconomic and educational disparities as well as their unsustainable state.
We are glad to state that we have made obvious progress in their lives since inception and can continue to help them to reach new heights. All the kids are doing well in the activities and advanced to the next grade. They are receiving good grades in their regular education. Some of them placed first and second in their classes and the kids and their parents are quite pleased with their performance. Parents are encouraging and motivating their children to make more progress by spending more time with them. Parents’ appreciation and encouragement unlock the children’s capabilities. Tuition classes, study aids, books, school bags, stationery, wholesome meals for kids, etc. are the key supporting activities.
Moreover the school curriculum, we organize supporting activities, such as:
- Regular reading, writing practices and periodic tests,
- Moral books & newspaper reading to enhance their capabilities,
- Conduct Computer classes every weekend that provide an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their digital skills,
- Personality and skill development programs,
- Cultural programs,
- Quiz contests,
- Exposure trips,
- Monthly health & hygiene classes and distribute health & hygienic care items to all the students,
- Students learn different forms of exercises through physical training to make them more happy & energetic,
- Indoor and outdoor games to reduce stress, refresh their minds and to help concentrate in their studies,
- Art & craft works, painting competitions to develop their concentration in work, imagination and creative skills,
- Conduct moral value classes for instilling important ethical principles and fostering personal growth,
- Distribute Uniforms, Stationary items, Umbrellas, School bags, and Woolen inners to all the students,
- Observe national & international days of importance to make the students aware of it,
- Organize summer camp to make the children more active,
- Conduct counselling for parents and students.
At Vinaya Bhavan Maternity Centre in Madangir, it is being carried out with the assistance of SMMI Sisters (Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate).
The officials from Light the Candle often visit the Centre and evaluate the program execution, operations and advancement.