Monimala
Serampore, on the outskirts of Kolkata, is home to an extensive slum community. About half the women have been abandoned by their men. Their children fend for themselves while the mothers work as maids to provide minimal subsistence. Many of these children have never been, or are ever likely to, go to school. They are the street children, with nothing but a cardboard or plastic shack to call home.
In 2005, Shadhika helped in setting up Monimala. It had two main objectives: 1) to provide a safe and healthy environment for young street children, and 2) to prepare them for school and, once in, to help them succeed as students.
Children are divided into two groups. Their ages range from two and half to about ten years old. The first group consists of pre-school age children plus those older ones who had never been to school. They are fed, clothed, and groomed to prepare them for school attendance at the appropriate time. The second group are those who are in school for half a day. They are provided a place to study and do homework, and with tutoring to help assure that they can progress along with regular, middle class attendees. Monimala's capacity is for 50 children.
Although Monimala now boasts over 50 children in its care, the rented facilities are still the same as in 2005, when the organization was first set up. Despite this obvious handicap, the dedicated teachers of Monimala have done such a phenomenal job of educating the children in their care that they are now ready to take the state’s high school exam in the vernacular. Younger children have been introduced to English and are taught using the Montessori method.
Additionally, Monimala aims to grow healthy children. In addition to breakfast and lunch every day, they are given vitamin, iron, and calcium supplements. Their mothers have been enrolled in the nutrition program.
In another slum outside Kolkata, called Talpukur, Monimala has opened an extension unit. Classes are held in a two-room house for 15 children.