SAFEE Foundation is creating a haven for the slum children to learn and grow in a happy environment
The ‘josh’ in the tiny make-shift school room, in Saidabad, is high despite the not-so-cool walls and ceiling. Their vibe is infectious. Over 200 children are learning how to spell, communicate and weave a simple sentence in English. Unmindful of the blazing evening heat, the kids are learning enthusiastically. The summer classroom run by SAFEE (Surepally Access for Education and Enviornment) Foundation, which started in 2021, stands for the hope that inequalities can be addressed and the parity can be reduced.
UPLEVELLING IN LIFE
The classroom is one of their initiatives. The summer school this year, with 200 children from the adjoining slum areas, taught basic life-skills, spoken language, hygiene, etc. The residents in the area have been concerned about their girl child’s safety after the rape of a minor in the locality two years ago. A few likeminded individuals who worked on the rape case decided to join hands to do something for the local kids. There was a drastic school dropout, especially among girls, and SAFEE has been working towards convincing the parents to send their wards to school.
LIVING AND THRIVING
Sujatha Surepally, a professor at Satavahana University, founder member of SAFEE Foundation says, “the Foundation has been working in the slum for the last three years. The organization works towards turning unsafe places into safe spaces imparts education for people of all backgrounds to live and thrive in all aspects of life without any social, economic or gender-based discrimination or inhibitions. As the school is in the slums and in the neighborhood, the parents are willing to send their wards.”
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR
SAFEE provides a support system for poor students, dropouts and adults by establishing reading rooms and libraries (physical & digital). They also work on skill development by imparting and enhancing skills related to technology to fit the job market. “From arranging for teachers to volunteers who can teach anything from photography to teenage hygiene, we want the kids to be on par with the urban children. We also tie up with other non-profit organizations to conduct books and stationery drives so that students get well educated,” says Sujatha.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Sponsor books, benches, study lamps, shoes, stationery
• Donate laptops, calculators, old but usable tablets and smartphones, bags and educational toys and board games (the slums have no space for kids to play)
• Donate comics or educational books (basic English only)
• Volunteer your time to teach them singing, dancing, poetry, drawing, etc.
• Be the networking point for organizations and individuals in conducting social welfare activities
Safee Foundation, Rd No. 10,
beside Bilal Masjid, Industries Colony,
Green Park Colony, Saroor Nagar
East, Saidabad, Hyderabad
Tel: 99639 17634 / 90006 55007
