Home visit in Sai Bangoda

Sai Bangoda is an old tribal area in the centre of Mumbai city away from the hustle bustle of the city. Thanks to the government policies, this area is still protected and therefore one can witness nature’s beauty with a green cover amidst a concrete jungle as you pass by. However, there is a huge contrast as there are tall buildings bordering Sai Bangoda while the centre houses tribal people who have inhabited and established themselves here since a fairly long time. The irony is that this tribal, although part of a Metro Mumbai city are unfortunately unaware about the facts and importance of education and still tend to follow their ancient tribal lifestyle.

Mumbai Smiles Foundation stepped in here to create awareness about the kind of development that has been happening in the very world they are residing in. Since three years we have been running three preschools in this area. As a team we not only motivate them to take education but also, take initiative in conducting follow-up meetings with the parents to improve our work.

Recently Bapu, Field Coordinator of Preschool Education team along with the preschool teachers Laxmi and Shalini visited some of the parents to get the feedback about the school and overall progress of their children.

The meetings unfold lot of surprising information about the parents. Some of them were unaware that they were a victim of child marriage. Many of them had more than 2 children at the age of 22-25. Though it was a challenge convincing them for taking education, they seemed to be happy with their children and their progress.

They expressed their gratitude towards Mumbai Smiles Foundation.