SPARK, started as Shishu Shiksha Ghar, is an individual initiative undertaken by Ms. Shima Modak for providing education to the under-privileged children at Harijan Colony, Anjalee, Shillong in January 2010 without any support or assistance from any department or agency. It opened educational centres at different localities with the concept: “if children cannot go to school due to different crises
then why not school be brought at their doorsteps”. These centres comprise children of all categories such as rag pickers, domestic helpers, child labours, street children, slum, children, cow boys, beggars, children of single parents, orphans, etc. Initially, there were a total of 73 children attending the centre and today, we have more than 350 children enrolled in the school and showing utmost interest in learning and actively involving themselves in the various activities of the school. The centres are presently operational in five different locations namely Anjali, Paltan Bazaar, New Shillong (Mawlong) and Mawiong in East Khasi Hills District and Rangman in Ri-Bhoi District. However, the number of enrollment is increasing day by day. Each of these centres have been divided into various sections on need-based. Since the target children are mostly working children therefore the school timing has been fixed according to their flexibility, i.e. 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., from 2.00 P.M. to 5.00 P.M. 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 6:30a.m. to 9:30 a.m. accordingly. These educational centres were initiated with an understanding about the vulnerable condition of the slum areas where these children live may come into conflict with law if today we do not guide them and leave their needs for education unaddressed. Also, as we all know, education is very important aspect of one’s life which brings about a positive change in one’s life. Furthermore, these children like any other fortunate child are entitled to all the four basic rights of a child such as right to survival, development, protection and participation as per UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) which was also signed by India in 1992. And, these children being more vulnerable require more care, love, concern and protection. Amazingly, some of the parents of these children showed eagerness to send their children for education so that their children could be benefitted and lead a rightful life. Therefore, a joint decision along with the community was taken to introduce the non-formal school at the first location , i.e., Harijan Colony, Anjali, Shillong in January 2010 to address to the educational needs of the distressed children as well as render services towards ensuring the rights of the children. Since then, SPARK has been functioning successful with the valuable support of the parents, community people and many concerned adults. For the year 2010, the centre did not receive any financial support from any agency or department. It was run with the minimum facilities such as basic teaching learning materials for the children and all expenditure towards the same was incurred by the Ms. Modak at personal level. However, a shed for teaching was being provided by a Church at Punjabi Line and food and eatables being sponsored by different shops on celebration of special days such as 15th August, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, Diwali, Christmas and other special occasions. Also, few of the concerned people were encouraged and motivated to join the initiative and hand their help hand for the cause of the children. They agreed and were involved as part-time teachers rendering services towards the children on totally voluntary basis as there was no fund to pay them any honorarium
Even amidst a lot of difficulties and constraints due to lack of funds, space, in-different attitude of the community as well as parents of the working children, SPARK carried forward its initiative and continued working hard for the cause of the under-privileged children ensuring their basic rights including their right to education. However, it was in 2011 when SPARK saw a new light of hope towards fulfilling its objective when it was finally identified by the DMC, SSA, East Khasi Hills Districts and was provided financial support since 2011 as a result of continuous advocacy and networking with the Education Department. Today SPARK has been able to successfully address to the educational needs of the under-privileged children and bring about a positive change in the lives of these children through Education. Besides, it has gained recognition and awards for its effort of working for the cause of the children as a whole.
