Educating domestic workers for a better life
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=197624
Express News Service

Chandigarh, August 20: NATIONAL Domestic Worker Movement organised a
training programme for domestic workers at Sacred Heart School,
Sector 26, today. The theme was Distance Education and Learning Web
Society. Around 60 domestic workers attended the programme.

The school holds classes every Sunday for the domestic workers as
they cannot study throughout the week. The programme was organised to
encourage them to take exams through the open schools. Of the 60
workers, 37 are preparing for Class X and six for Class XII exams.
The remaining are taking the basic literacy course.

Renu Gandhi, Senior Project Officer for Adult, Continuing Education
and Extension, Panjab University, said education does not only mean
producing white-collar workers, but to guide the youth for taking
informed rationalised decisions.

Coordinator AIDS Helpline Dr Avnish Jolly while talking about
adolescent education made the students aware about the prevention and
causes of AIDS.

``I would like to improve the conditions in my house after getting
better education. After studying, I would also get a better job,''
said Suman, a student. Her views were echoed by the others present
there.

Sister Namrata, a social activist, talked about the plight of the
domestic workers. ``They do not come under any law. So no minimum
wages are decided and they are made to work for 16 - 18 hours, at
times without holidays. Educating them would improve their
condition,'' she said.