Community Resource Centers: Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa needs no introduction. This child prodigy won the World Youth Chess Championships under-8 in 2013 at just 7 years old and claimed the under-10 title in 2015. But what if Praggnanandhaa hadn’t received the necessary resources or support from his family? The world might have missed this remarkable gem if his talent had gone unrecognized.
This scenario plays out far too often. Across the slums, villages, and underserved communities of India, countless talented children remain hidden in the shadows. While enrolling them in schools seems like the obvious solution, is it enough?
The Reality of Education in India: Is Enrollment Enough?
According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, over 86.8% of young people aged 14 to 18 are enrolled in educational institutions. However, one-fourth of them cannot fluently read a Class II-level text in their regional languages. This data highlights a fundamental flaw in our education system — while enrollment is increasing, the system is failing to provide quality education. Instead of fostering critical thinking and creativity, our education system focuses on rote learning, prioritizing syllabus completion over meaningful understanding. Factors like inadequate resources, outdated infrastructure, and parental ignorance worsen the situation.
A child has the potential to become anything. However, the challenge lies in providing the right environment and opportunities to nurture their talents. Talent is abundant, but opportunities are limited.
A Holistic Approach: The Key to Unlocking Talent
Like a young sapling, a child needs a nurturing environment to thrive — one where they feel safe, supported, and have access to the same resources as their affluent peers. This is where organizations like the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) step in. CYDA is a youth-centric organization dedicated to empowering young people, and ensuring they grow into healthy, responsible, independent, and productive adults.
In 2020, CYDA established its first Community Resource Center (CRC) in Pune’s Yerawada area.
This center serves adolescents from 5th to 10th grade, providing them with a holistic development platform. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were forced to close, CRCs became hubs for children, ensuring that learning continued for those most in need. CYDA launched four Community Resource Centers (CRCs) across Maharashtra to support underprivileged children. These centers have become a lifeline for over 400 adolescents, providing a safe and nurturing environment for education, personal growth, and development, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The CRC Model: Beyond Remedial Education
CYDA’s CRC offers remedial and life skills education to students from marginalized communities who cannot afford private schooling or have dropped out. Trained facilitators use practical examples and hands-on learning techniques to teach concepts in a way that students can understand. Instead of memorizing facts, students at CRC are encouraged to learn by doing. They are also given opportunities to make and learn from mistakes — a critical aspect often missing in traditional schooling.
At the CRC, peer education is a crucial component. Students become Peer Educators, helping their friends learn in a more enjoyable, interactive manner, which fosters collaboration and deepens understanding.
More Than Academics: Cultivating Well-Rounded Individuals
The CRC is not just about academics; it’s a hub of creativity and exploration. Students are introduced to the latest gadgets and technology to keep them updated with the world around them. They also explore sports, martial arts, and music and are encouraged to discover their unique passions and talents. Exposure visits are organized to enhance their learning experience further, broadening their horizons and fueling their imagination.
Parents as Partners: Empowering Families for Better Growth
CYDA firmly believes parents are central to a child’s development, and every child thrives best in a supportive home environment. However, for parents from marginalized communities, the daily struggle to meet basic needs can overshadow their ability to recognize and nurture their child’s potential. Understanding this, CYDA facilitators step in to bridge the gap. By holding interactive meetings with parents, they empower them to participate in their child’s growth and education actively. This collaboration transforms parents into key partners in unlocking their child’s potential.
Voice from the Ground:
Bushra Ishaque Sayyed, Aspiring Teacher
I used to find Math and Science tough. I couldn’t afford private tuition due to economic constraints and felt stuck. But when I joined the CRC, things started to change. I began to enjoy Math and Science for the first time — it was fun! The facilitators answered all my questions more simply. I also got a chance to explore my love for music, dance, and painting. Scoring 87.80% in my SSC exams was memorable; it boosted my confidence immensely. Now, I enjoy Math and Science and have chosen them as my main subjects in higher education.
Jyoti Kadam, Mother of Aditi Kadam
I’ve seen a drastic change in my daughter’s personality, skills, and behavior since she joined the CRC. I always wanted her to learn new skills and participate in different activities, but she was very shy and lacked confidence. Slowly, though, she began participating in activities at CRC, such as martial arts, dance, music, and street plays. This boosted her confidence, and now she’s even taking part in school events. I can’t tell you how proud I feel when she wins awards. She has indeed found a better version of herself.