How We Work at VOICE

At VOICE, we teach the three R's - reading, writing, and 'rithmetic; languages - English and Hindi; and vocational skills like tailoring, painting, making stationery, screen-printing, and now even computer literacy. The educational process is made fun through the inclusion of songs, games, stories, and even dramatics.

The children are paid for the work they do, and are even taught to save and bank their money.

In an effort to broaden their horizons, they are even taken on field trips in and around Mumbai, and sometimes as far as Agra and Rajasthan. These camps give the children a sense of family and togetherness, apart from being educational.

Intially, the parents or relatives are reluctant to allow their children to stop begging, or give up their money-generating work. So we go to the railway station and informally talk to them, share their concerns, and over time, try to win over their confidence.

Emphasis on vocational skills is particularly strong for those children who cannot go to formal schools. VOICE also carries out small money-generating activities for the children like making 'diyas' (earthen lamps) during Diwali, and making wrapping paper, paper bags, greeting cards and more at one of our local centers.