Boy's Observation Home, Pune

Website case study BOHP

Observation Home for Boys, Shivaji Nagar, Pune

The Boys Observation Home in Pune, has approximately 200 children (orphans, those with a single parent/poor economic conditions/court committed/in-conflict with the law). There is an in-campus school up to the 7^th standard. As a practice earlier, boys who passed the 7^th standard were sent to other government institutions for further schooling. The Management team at the Home however, felt that several bright students lost out on the opportunity in other institutes and that academics upto the 10^th standard, was best addressed by themselves. Accordingly, since 2008-09, the Home decided to retain some of their brighter students and sponsored  their education(8^th, 9^th and 10^th standard)  in nearby schools. 

CSA’s Role

Optimising  rehabilitation outcomes being CSA’s objective, we found in the home an opportunity of working with an identified group and nurturing them into contributing members of society. Focusing on  education, personality development and guidance, we began by starting  coaching classes to help the children with their academics.  In addition, we focused on making their lives cheerful and happy. We organized several activities such as summer camps, festival celebrations, Awareness programs, Hobby classes,   games, competitions etc. We also, provided them with recreation facilities.

We next focused on vocational training -beginning with a group of children in conflict with Law and consequently, out of the mainstream of education. CSA started a tailoring unit and organized dance classes for the children.  Our hope is that equipped with a skill that can provide employment in due course, the boys would be much better prepared to face the challenges of life as an adult. We also organized short-term skills development craft programmes.

Achievements

Our success is primarily manifested in the immense change that is seen in most of the inmates who are  now, cheerful, confident and ready to accept challenges. In terms of academic performance, as compared to 2 and 1 students who had passed the 10^th standard examination in 2009 and 2010 respectively, 8 out of 9 boys passed out in 2010. One of them obtained 80% marks and has now sought admission for a diploma programme in Engineering. All of them participate in several hobby classes and  are visibly creative.

Going Forward

In addition to ongoing educational support (coaching, books and other material, uniforms, footwear, etc.), hobby classes and recreational activities/facilities, CSA have started spoken English and personality grooming classes. It is our expectation that many from the group could and would qualify for jobs in BPOs. We want each one of the group, to grow into a self reliant and responsible adult.

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