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Projects > Community Centres Slums Slums are expanding very fast in Indian towns as migrants from rural areas come in search of work, especially at times of drought and other natural calamities. Most slum dwellers live in terrible conditions with little or no education and health facilities. Jambubdvipa has helped establish 19 community centres in the slums of Bombay, Nagpur, Agra, Modi Nagar, Amaravati, and Pune. These are run by its local partners who take an integrated approach to educational, health and cultural development. Each community centre houses two a number of activities, which include:



Kindergartens Most slum children do not have the opportunity of kindergarten education. The result is that they are unable to compete in the primary schools and, becoming discouraged, drop out from school. In the kindergartens teaching and educational aids are provided, local women are trained as kindergarten teachers, and from time to time in-service training is conducted. Adult Literacy Classes Most women in the slums are illiterate. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between illiteracy of the mother and infant health and mortality rates. Adult literacy classes are therefore extremely important for the young.



Study classes Even in very good schools classes tend to be very large, making tuition classes outside school hours necessary if the child is to progress in his or her studies. This is even more the case in the slums which are crowded and poorly lit making it very difficult for children to study at home. However, most children living in the slums just cannot afford to pay for tuition. Community Centres not only provide cheap or free tuition but also give the students a place where they can study. Sewing Classes Most people living in slums are extremely poor with unreliable incomes. These classes help women become more economically secure and independent. Crèches These help working mothers most of whom do labouring work. Asvaghosha classes Asvaghosha is the name of the great Bodhisattva who, according to legend, taught the Dhamma through playing the Veena, an ancient Indian musical instrument. Young people are trained in local theatre and singing traditions so that they can communicate social and Dhamma messages to people in slums and villages. Muktavishkar This means free expression. These classes encourage children to express themselves creatively, a chance most get little opportunity for, living in the terrible conditions that they do. Music classes The young Scheduled Castes are often very talented in music but are given no encouragement or facilities to develop. Hence the importance of these classes. Sanskar Classes These play a very important part in introducing children to Buddhist teachings and ethics. Sports and Karate classes These help children develop both physical health and confidence. Health work consists of health check-ups for mothers and children, vaccinations and nutrition supplements for malnourished children. Photo – children outside community centre, or inside.

Projects The Nagarjuna Institute Women's Development Centre Gujarat Earth Quake Work Community Centres Kondhanpur Retreat Centre Tsunami Rehabilitation Work Mumbai Flood Relief A Right Livelihood Initiative: Jambhala Past Projects Ven Hsuen Tsang Retreat Centre Dhamma Tapes Project Latur Earthquake