Day Care Program. This program provides working parents with a safe, caring place to entrust their children between one and four years old. Just as important, it also enables them to earn a living and have hope for their families and their future. There are 70 kids in this program.
In addition to a free mid-day meal, every child receives packages of personal care items for themselves and their families - blankets in winter, toothbrushes, toothpaste, coconut oil (for the hair), soap, etc.
Anurag Child Development Center and Unnati Bal Vikas Kendra. These two programs offer after-school activities and services for children. There are 590 energetic boys and girls between 4 and 17 years old in this program. Compassion International has been partnering with Anurag for several years and is active today in sponsoring several kids in this program.
Children attend a local government-run school and come to the Anurag buildings after school. At Anurag, they eat lunch and then proceed to their
Although all Indians have access to free public education, children who can’t afford the uniforms, shoes and basic school supplies often don’t attend school. Moreover, since classes run only in morning, schools do not provide lunch or a place to go after school. There are also very few extra-curricular activities the children can join.
To fill the gap, Anurag provides its after-school kids with a midday meal, a variety of extra-curricular activities, tutoring, as well as basic personal items, clothing and school supplies.
Enrolled in the various Anurag (pronounced ah-noo-rahg) programs are children from the ages of 12 months to adults nearing 80! Anurag offers a day care facility for infants and toddlers, after-school program for children, a government-recognized sewing and tailoring school for young adults, computer courses, adult literacy programs for women, and a healthcare clinic. In 2006, Anurag launched a primary school.
ANURAG Society
Hope and a Future for Lives Ravaged by Poverty
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
Adult Literacy Program. The illiteracy rate in India for adult women is close to 50%. Any woman from the community who is illiterate or those who have had very little schooling can enroll in Anurag’s Adult Literacy program.
Many women in this program are mothers and grandmothers of kids at Anurag. Parents of Anurag children have to sign forms or fill out other information, like sign for the quarterly personal care packages from the day care or after-school programs. Many are not literate; they can’t even sign their own names. It then becomes mandatory for these parents and guardians enroll in the adult literacy program.
Community Awareness Seminars. Every year Anurag holds seminars and informative talks on health, hygiene, HIV - AIDS, tuberculosis, Drugs, Alcohol etc. Parents of Anurag children are encouraged to attend and these talks are also open to the community.
OTHER SERVICES
Anurag Primary Healthcare Clinic. The clinic provides general first aid and immunizations for Anurag students and workers. People in the community can also take advantage of the clinic services by paying a small, affordable fee. The clinic also runs an “open clinic” every year where people from the community can get health check-ups and other test including gynecological exams and blood tests.
Every Anurag child gets a free annual physical exam that includes dental and eye check-up.
Vacation Bible School and Saturday Bible Club. Every summer, Anurag holds a Vacation Bible School for 10 days. This has been successful and last year more than 1000 children attended from Lado Sarai and nearby communities. Children at Anurag can also attend weekly a weekly Bible club and learn stories and lessons from the Bible.
Anurag Covenant Primary School. This is the most recent addition to Anurag's roster of programs. Currently, there are 83 kids in its first year of Kindergarten and First Grade. There are plans to expand the school to additional grade levels. Students attending this school are charged a modest, affordable tuition fee.
PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Sewing and Tailoring Vocational Training. This is a one-year program for girls who have at least a 10th grade education. The Indian Department of Labor has recognized this vocational training program, which means students follow a government syllabus to earn a certificate which is recognized across India. The age of the typical student ranges from 15 to 26.
After finishing the course and passing exams, they are able to get jobs in this industry or enter an accelerated specialized programs like embroidery or commercial knitting at Anurag.
Computer Courses. Student can enroll in computer classes that familiarize them with basic computer and internet knowledge.
various activities that include finishing their homework in supervised classrooms, dancing and karate classes, and games.
