Reality Gives Student
A seasoned Dharavi entrepreneur, Kannan never needed English to build a successful business.
The problem came when his children went to school… “I went to a parents’ evening for my kids,” he says, “and I couldn’t understand what the teachers were saying. It felt bad – I had to ask my friends to translate for me and it was at that moment that I knew something had to change.”
Kannan has been attending English classes at the Community Centre for three months now. “Education broadens the mind,” he explains, “you are blind without it. Learning English means I can communicate with people from all over India and all over the world. It feels amazing to be able to speak English, and I like to listen to the news in English to improve my skills.”
For Kannan, balancing daily classes at the Community Centre with managing a business can be tough. “It’s hard to fit everything in, but education is so important in life and the Community Centre does good work. I’m more confident now that I speak English – it has improved me as a person.”
A seasoned Dharavi entrepreneur, Kannan never needed English to build a successful business.
The problem came when his children went to school… “I went to a parents’ evening for my kids,” he says, “and I couldn’t understand what the teachers were saying. It felt bad – I had to ask my friends to translate for me and it was at that moment that I knew something had to change.”
Kannan has been attending English classes at the Community Centre for three months now. “Education broadens the mind,” he explains, “you are blind without it. Learning English means I can communicate with people from all over India and all over the world. It feels amazing to be able to speak English, and I like to listen to the news in English to improve my skills.”
For Kannan, balancing daily classes at the Community Centre with managing a business can be tough. “It’s hard to fit everything in, but education is so important in life and the Community Centre does good work. I’m more confident now that I speak English – it has improved me as a person.”
Reality Gives Student
Meet Sharda, a student on the Reality Gives Youth Program.
Originally from Karnataka, Sharda moved to Mumbai 15 years ago and lives in the heart of Dharavi with her husband and sons. “I come from a village,” says Sharda, “things are different in Mumbai. City life moves so quickly. It’s hard to keep up when people around you are speaking English. I needed to find a way to understand what was going on.”
“A friend recommended this English class to me,” she explains, “I love learning English – especially in class where we get to read aloud and do drama – that’s probably the most fun part.”
For Sharda, learning English was about more than just getting to know the city around her. “I have two boys at home and their English was much better than mine. I wanted to communicate with them more – now they practice with me so we can all improve together.”
The confidence and skills Sharda is building on the Youth Program have propelled her towards a new career. “I dream of being a teacher”, she says. “I need good English to achieve it. My family have been a great support to me. My sons and husband are proud that I am learning a new skill and that I have plans to build a career of my own. I am looking forward to learning more English and reaching my goal.”
Reality Gives Student
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
