Karmayoga Samaj Trust is a Non-profit Social Welfare Organization with focus on Health and Education. As part of our initiative to bridge the digital divide we are running a computer literacy program for slum (Jhuggi-Jhopdi) children at Kamla Nehru Nagar Slum, Patna. Kamla Nehru Nagar Slum is a big slum adjacent to GPO and Ashok Cinema, near Patna Railway Station. The slum is inhabited mostly by daily wage earners, vegetable sellers, rickshaw-pullers and other economically disadvantaged sections.
During our interactions with children we found that while a majority of them were going to school, that is Govt. school, the quality of education they were getting was quite poor. What was especially noticeable was that none of them had any books apart from the SCERT (State Council of Education Research &Training, Bihar) books. Even these books are provided to them 3 to 4 months late. We did not find the SCERT books satisfactory. But due to weak economic status these children cannot afford standard reference books.

The good thing we noticed was that, along with boys, most families were also sending their girl children to school. Many of the children expressed desire to be teachers, bank officials and for other respectable jobs. Also, it made us happy that the children were not lacking in motivation and desire to do something. But clearly if they are ever going to be able to achieve their dreams they will need good reference books, competition books, general knowledge books, newspapers, etc. It was in this context that we decided to start a functional library for them, one that could meet their basic requirements.Since a full-fledged library is, at present, neither necessary nor within means, we are aiming to start a library with only the very basic facilities. Nor is it necessary for the books, furniture, etc. to be new. If they are in good working condition, even second-hand items would serve the purpose. Below, I am providing a list of items needed:-
1. Two almirahs for books (Almirahs should have shelves with glass doors that can be locked).
2. Two tables and chairs/benches for seating at least 10-12 children.
3. A computer with internet connection.
4. NCERT books on all subjects from classes 6 to 12.
5. Standard reference books, practice papers and question banks on Maths, Science and English from classes 6 to 12, e.g. Maths by R.S. Agarwal and R.D. Sharma etc.
6. Books on Maths, English, G.K. and Reasoning for competitive exams and practice sets.
7. Books on English and Hindi literature for general reading.
8. All such books which help in character formation and raising the general moral, psychological and intellectual standards of the children.
9. Donors for bearing monthly expenses on the subscription of English and Hindi newspapers, at least one each.
10. Anything else that might help us run the library.
Anyone and everyone who can contribute even a small part of the above requirements are most welcome to do so. All contributions will be gratefully acknowledged. Whatever we do to uplift these children eventually helps our society and country. For all our efforts our reward is with God.