Dr. Avnish Jolly 16th May 2008,Chandigarh: Mrs. Reshma Singh, a social activist inaugurated a library for the slum children at the Yuvsatta Centre at Bapu Dham Colony, Chandigarh. The books were procured with the help of donation collected by volunteers of an organization for the Cause. Volunteers who have been visiting this slum regularly felt that most of the children are not in position to afford books other than their syllabus. To make them creatively busy and enhance their information skills they needs story books, animation series, books on basic science, computers and spoken English. On the opening day, children were scampering for books showcased in their centre. The books will be issued to them, as well as, they will be allowed to read what they like at the centre. Through this activity they students will spend their time productively rather roaming in the streets.
Under the auspicious of Yuvsatta, children of the colony have already been bringing out a newsletter called Jugnu, to address problems of their area. They are exposed to better opportunities in learning by organizing interaction with various subject experts from time to time. Pramod Sharma, Coordinator of Yuvsatta, informed that more books will be added as funds are available; also, soon they intend to install computers for starting vocational training also for the youngsters, which will also connect the children to the unlimited world of knowledge through internet.
On the same lines in the pilot project Nehru Yuvk Kender Sangathan under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of India established the Recreational Activity Centers for the welfare of adolescents in the Sixty Three Districts at national level through their Teen Clubs for the rural children. These Clubs not only run the libraries independently but also organizing other activities viz. educational tours, theater, sports, quiz, exibitions etc. for the welfare of the community and decentralization of power from the last two years very effectively. Earlier this year a week long interaction and exhibition on the various activities undertaken by these clubs was organized at national level during the National Youth Festival – Chennai at Government School, Marina Beach Chennai. Various formal and non formal activities were organized by Government of India.
It was a matter of great honor for the Chandigarh and Volunteers that Mr. Pritpal Singh, Local Peer Volunteer from Village Khuda Lahora not only got the National Youth Award this year but also invited by Japan Foundation for one month orientation and advance leadership training on developmental issues specially related to children at Japan. Mr. Pritpal Singh emphasized that society can sustain with social action and discipline only.
On this occasion Dr. Satinder Dhillon, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Chandigarh Administration and Pooja Sharma, Member, Chandigarh Social Welfare Board were also present there and orient themselves to start same model in other slums too. I hope Nehru Yuvak Kender Sangathan will also start same kind of activities in all the districts at nation level for holistic development of the children.
