Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
From a den of externed criminals to a learning centre
AMBERNATH: A name plate made from scrap compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs) welcomes you to this educational-cum-activity centre at the Vandrapada slums in Ambernath.
A makeshift swing attached to a tree, a colourful deco window and a huge wall with inspiring quotes greets the visitors to the centre.
Vandrapada was until recently known as a place where externed criminals resided. It is an infamous haunt of bootleggers. Most families here practice bootlegging.
However, at the centre, children are seen planting saplings in the lawn using compost. An activity-cum-education centre, Lunar Education was set up by James Serrao, 33, a school teacher in Badlapur, to cater to the underprivileged students. This proved to be a boon to children whose parents lost their lives during the pandemic.
Serrao, who himself was devoid of education when young, wanted to make sure no one in the slums missed out due to online classes. The centre imparts knowledge and life skills on spoken English, basics of Computer, innovative teaching of concepts, gardening, composting, conservation of nature, confidence development, reading and writing skills.
Serrao said, “When I decided to start a learning centre at VanI drapada, I was actually scared as the place is known for criminals. I managed to convince some parents and that’s how the centre began. Today, most of the parents have the mindset to educate their children,” said Serrao.
In terms of cleanliness also, the area has changed. The locality did not have a garbage bin to dump household waste. There was litter everywhere and stray dogs roaming around. It has become clean now, thanks to a garbage bin bought from the money won by the students of the centre in an inter-school talent competition.
Serrao added, “When the lockdown was imposed, several parents approached me to send their child here as they had lost their jobs and could not afford to pay internet charges for online learning. We don’t charge them for anything as most of the projects and studies we do here are from scrap or reusable items.”
The centre caters to children from 9 to 17 years.
Shruti Ravindra Yadav, 37 and a mother of three girls, was clueless of her 15-year-old elder daughter’s education as school lectures went online last year. She lost her job of taking tuitions while her husband, a daily wager, also had no work. They could not pay fees for their daughter.
“My daughter, Komal, is very good at studies. It was heartbreaking for us as we could not afford to send her to school. For months, she was at home doing nothing while her classmates were attending online lectures,” said Yadav.
However, Komal is now attending lectures at the Lunar Centre, where at least 50 children from different slums in Ambernath attend. The classes were conducted in three batches with proper social distancing norms followed by the students and the teachers till the recent lockdown.
“I came to know about this learning centre through a friend and decided to send my daughter there. I can see her growth in studies while her confidence has also improved,” added Yadav.
The senior children also help the younger ones at the centre. “This, I feel, is an achievement for me,” Serrao said.
Sadhna Janrao, 55, grandmother of nine-year-old Anmol, said “My grandson can speak English very well and I feel proud about it. He is so confident and wants to succeed in life. This fills my heart with joy. During the lockdown, we have suffered a lot as my son, who is disabled, lost his job of selling footwear on the streets of Ambernath.”
Anmol said, “The centre is like a family to me now and I learn several things here. I am more confident while speaking in front of the class or with others.
was sad when I realised I could not continue my schooling.”
Raisa Shaikh, 30, a resident of Kailas Nagar slum in Ambernath, sends her three children to the centre after her husband, a labourer, lost job in lockdown.
“We don’t have any income right now with the lockdown imposed again. We are eagerly looking for some work. Since my three children are attending the class at the centre, it is a relief. We don’t have to pay anything for this and that is a blessing.”
A police officer from Ambernath (West) police station, who did not wish to be named, said, “The Vandrapada area was known for criminals indulging in crimes like pick pocketing, thefts and assaults. Externed criminals used to take shelter in this slum. Now there are fewer criminals here. Earlier, people were scared of entering Vandrapada. Now, the mindset of the families is gradually changing.”