Mumbai: Construction workers live a nomadic life. Due to this, their children's education is ignored; it is not easy to take admission at schools and at times accessibility is not possible. Poverty and lack of education facilities results in the parents failing to provide the basic need for the growth and development of their child.

 

But it is also true that nothing is constant in the world. So even problems cannot persist eternally. Looking at children's plight, Meera Mahadevan initiated a programme for the children of construction site worker, in the year 1969 in Delhi. The idea behind this programme was to take care of the children when their parents were at work. Later, with her initiative, the idea was implemented for the Mumbai construction workers in 1972 and in Pune in 1980 under the banner of 'Mobile Creches'.

 

Since April 1, 2007, all three branches of Mobile Crèches have been running independently. In Mumbai, the initiative is known as Mumbai Mobile Crèches (MMC).

 

It runs under the guidance of young Devika Mahadevan. There are 120 people who help in shaping and nurturing a good life for these children. Devika Mahadevan says "Since its inception, the number of children has reached over half a million across three cities. In Mumbai, Mobile Crèches is the only organisation supporting migrant workers' children -- estimated to be over 30,000 in number."

 

Now, the MMC has increased its boundaries and has taken children upto the age-group of 14 years old from slumsunder their wings.

 

There is a day care service from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at every construction site. Here the kids are not only looked after but also provided with meals, education, entertainment and medication.

 

Every week there is a routine health check-up, where doctors visit the centers and do a through check-up of children.

 

Moreover, "The MMC tries to build partnerships and a common platform for joint analysis and advocacy on issues that surround the children," says Devika.

 

While central legislation (the Construction Workers and Other Building Worker's Act, 1996) exists and include a number of progressive welfare benefits for workers, including crèches for the children. Devika currently, is not very satisfied with the speed at which the work is taking place. She says, "Even after 13 years later, the Maharashtra government hasn't set up a Welfare Board to administer this Act. If government implements the act then larger section of children can be benefited."

 

 

* In 39 years, Mobile Crèches has worked with more than 200 builders for shaping lives of children.

 

* MMC reaches more than 5,000 children a year across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane by directly setting up schools and day care centres on construction sites.

 

* For more details visit www.mobilecreches.org or callat 022-22020869/ 32457774

 

Children enjoying themselves at one of the centres of Mumbai Mobile Crèches

 

URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_for-these-children-the-future-is-bright_1279226