Hasiru Dala, an organisation of waste pickers and informal waste workers in Bengaluru has been relentlessly working for giving recognition to the waste workers as green workers and uniting them into the changing dynamics of the solid waste management system of the city and other parts of Karnataka.
The organisation has been trying to bring the stories of waste pickers through their work. While they build towards bringing social security, recognition and alternate employment for the adults, they recognise that it’s also important to engage with the community at a deeper level. The organisation now want to invest in the future of their children.
These kids face multiple challenges, including a high rate of dropouts from schools, minimal support and direct care from parents, the risk of various illnesses because of unhygienic conditions, and of course, the fear of substance abuse.
The basti/settlement at Banashankari in Bengaluru is one of the forty bastis where members of the organisation reside.
Hasiru Dala plans to start a community library near the basti to work towards strengthening the voice within the community.
The library will house books in four different languages (English, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil) serving over 200 children from the community.
The objective of the library is to create a comfortable space for dialogue with children through the written and illustrated words. It is a medium to bring the world to them, help them understand it in their way, and in that process build their unique voice.
The community library will have weekly read aloud sessions, arts-based activities, game time, and theatre workshops. It will also be a room for children to ‘be’.
The organisation needs your help to bring voice and dignity to this community. Invest in strengthening the voices!
You can help them
For Library: Donate gently used books for children from 3yrs to 15 yrs (in English, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil).
For Game Room: Donate puzzles, Legos and other play and learn materials.
You can drop off or mail your package to the following address. Please call the coordinator before dropping off the package.
1) DROP OFF AT KASTURBA ROAD HASIRU DALA A/B Block, 4th floor, Golden Orchid, 10/8 Kasturba Road, Bangalore 560041 Landmark: McDonald’s Drive Through
Book Dropping Time: Monday- Friday (10:00- 17:00) and Saturday (10:00-13:00) For telephonic coordination- Devaki Samuel: 9986808866
2) DROP OFF AT J P NAGAR 159, 17th Cross, 30th A Main, J P Nagar 6th Phase, Bangalore – 560078 Landmark: Frank Public School
Book Dropping Time: Monday- Friday (10:00- 17:00) and Saturday (10:00-13:00) For telephonic coordination- Lakshmi Karunakaran: 9886284921
3) DROP OFF AT SARJAPUR A305, Purva Sunshine Apts Opposite Kaikondrahalli Lake, Sarjapur Road Bangalore 560035 Landmark: ICICI bank
Book Dropping Time: Monday- Friday (10:00- 17:00) and Saturday (10:00-13:00) For telephonic coordination- Anuradha Sainath: 9980023180
4) DROP OFF AT NEW BEL ROAD 6A, 3rd Cross, Jaladarshini Layout, RMV Extension 2, Off New BEL Road, Bangalore – 560094 For telephonic coordination- Manish Gautam – 9611185362
Book Dropping Time: Monday- Friday (10:00- 17:00) and Saturday (10:00-13:00)
If you would like to volunteer at the various events at the library, write to [email protected]
