Laura

Laura

Reality Gives Student

“I first learned of Reality’s work by taking a tour of Dharavi, and approached the team about the possibility of working with them as part of my PhD research. Between June 2012 and October 2013, I worked with their Youth Empowerment Program, which helped young people with English, computer and soft skills, to develop a mobile app to support English language learning. I was able to work with Reality Gives managers, teaches and students, to design and trial the application, and it is still being used by students in Dharavi today. I got involved in some other aspects of Reality’s work: teaching English, developing curriculum, and fundraising activities. I treasure the experiences I had through volunteering with this wonderful project, and felt completely supported throughout my time in Mumbai. Reality’s team is a friendly and inspiring group of people making really positive change in a community. I’d thoroughly recommend working with such a great organisation.”

“I first learned of Reality’s work by taking a tour of Dharavi, and approached the team about the possibility of working with them as part of my PhD research. Between June 2012 and October 2013, I worked with their Youth Empowerment Program, which helped young people with English, computer and soft skills, to develop a mobile app to support English language learning. I was able to work with Reality Gives managers, teaches and students, to design and trial the application, and it is still being used by students in Dharavi today. I got involved in some other aspects of Reality’s work: teaching English, developing curriculum, and fundraising activities. I treasure the experiences I had through volunteering with this wonderful project, and felt completely supported throughout my time in Mumbai. Reality’s team is a friendly and inspiring group of people making really positive change in a community. I’d thoroughly recommend working with such a great organisation.”

Laura

“I first learned of Reality’s work by taking a tour of Dharavi, and approached the team about the possibility of working with them as part of my PhD research. Between June 2012 and October 2013, I worked with their Youth Empowerment Program, which helped young people with English, computer and soft skills, to develop a […]

“I first learned of Reality’s work by taking a tour of Dharavi, and approached the team about the possibility of working with them as part of my PhD research. Between June 2012 and October 2013, I worked with their Youth Empowerment Program, which helped young people with English, computer and soft skills, to develop a mobile app to support English language learning. I was able to work with Reality Gives managers, teaches and students, to design and trial the application, and it is still being used by students in Dharavi today. I got involved in some other aspects of Reality’s work: teaching English, developing curriculum, and fundraising activities. I treasure the experiences I had through volunteering with this wonderful project, and felt completely supported throughout my time in Mumbai. Reality’s team is a friendly and inspiring group of people making really positive change in a community. I’d thoroughly recommend working with such a great organisation.”

Laura

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.”

Laura

Reality Gives Student