Ray of hope: Secunderabad's Uttam Nagar RWA gives slum kids a chance at a brighter future

SECUNDERABAD: In a classic example of giving back to society, Vivekananda Upper Primary School in Uttam Nagar Colony provides free and subsidised education to poor children from adjoining slums like Ekalavya Nagar, Indira Nehru Nagar, JLNS Nagar, Addagutta Basti and Bapuji Nagar. The school runs entirely on the income generated by the resident welfare association (RWA) through fundraising activities and donations.Set up in 1982, the school has a playground, smart class and computer lab.
K Raghavendra Rao, general secretary, RWA, said that the school is a result of their continued efforts to provide help to those who need it. “Most children belong to economically backward families. Some come from broken homes. The school is only a stepping stone for their future endeavours,” he said. The RWA office is located on the school premises and students also take an active part in the welfare activities of Uttam Nagar Colony RWA.

Uttam Nagar RWA, which came into being in 1971, is now a bustling association. Not only does it work with municipal officials and NGOs, but also takes a keen interest in solving problems of residents. “We look into water supply and land grabbing issues and try to tackle them,” says Romeo Tharsisius, president, RWA. Apart from key civic issues, RWA also focuses on education, sanitation and upkeep of the colony.
The association has now applied for permission to establish a high school but the request has been stuck with authorities for over six months now. “The request to establish a high school has been stuck with the Directorate of School Education for half a year. Officials are citing regulations; but the very same regulations have been violated by schools in the city for years. Here, we are attempting to do good but are facing unecessary hurdles,” Raghavendra Rao said.
However, the RWA is not one to give up. With generous donations from old residents – over 300 families reside in the colony behind Safilguda railway station – RWA hopes to impart education to more children. Through the school, RWA members sensitise students and residents on day-to-day issues. “We believe issues such as waste management, improper roads, sanitation, etc., can be handled at our end. We take up door-to-door campaigns on these issues with students and eduacte residents on the issues,” Rao said.
“We want youngsters to be part of our efforts and bring a change in the lives of the disadvantaged sections,” he added
RWA members also hope to receive support from GHMC so that they can take up more welfare activities in the colony.