Concept Note

SUPPORTING LEARNING INITIATIVES OF HABITAT LEARNING (HLC) CENTRE BY THE INDIA HABITAT CENTRE.

Introduction

India Habitat Centre has been conceived to provide a physical environment which would serve as a catalyst for a synergetic relationship between individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat related areas and would therefore maximise their total effectiveness. To facilitate this interaction, the Centre provides a superb range of facilities.

Background

The world is on the threshold of a new revolution where time and space will no longer be barriers for communication. While many have access to computer, there are still quite a few, who have no clue whatsoever to the so called Technological revolution. The need of the moment is to bridge the digital divide between the privileged and underprivileged, especially children on whom lies our future well being.

At the India Habitat Centre, the belief is that success entails commitment towards society and the underprivileged, especially underprivileged children. For this purpose, India Habitat Centre (IHC) set up the Habitat Learning Centre (HLC) in February 2002 conceptualised as a multi-purpose learning center aiming to provide underprivileged children access to information technology so that they are able to explore more and better options for a better quality of life. It also aims to train facilitators working in Bastis & Slums so that they are able to enhance the quality of their interaction with children and are equipped with efficient tools to impart IT education to children.

The centre will NOT be running courses that will provide certificates or diplomas. Instead, the centre aims to expose the computer illiterate to the possibilities that open up when the computer is used as a tool of learning. The wide expanse of the Internet will be another area of interest and developmental potential.

The centre has partnered with various NGO's, working in the field of child education, to push its initiative of spreading the web of IT. In this area the centre is a resource centre bringing together children from marginalized communities for programs that will provide them with computer literacy, curriculum enrichment, skill development, capacity building and training.

HLC's Objectives

Creative Space

Giving the children a creative space is important to bring their imagination to life and to develop inspiration, wide ideals and an active imagination which may constantly lift the child to a higher and finer level. Children are naturally curious and creative. At HLC children use graphics and animation programs which allow them to utilise their creativity and imagination to the fullest.

Window of Opportunities

Every child does not have the same advantages and it's not too difficult to see that there is still discrimination. HLC contributes to causes that create opportunities for underprivileged children and provide opportunities to groups of people who have suffered discrimination in the past.

Personality Development

Personality development can help one improve and achieve career goals. In this age of competition, a child has to be very intelligent and smart right from his childhood. Self-confidence must be increased in a child right from the beginning. HLC helps the children to recognize their abilities and build their confidence.

Linkages to Optimize Potential

HLC helps the children to recognize their abilities , build their confidence and optimize potential by providing them with computer literacy . Computer Education and spread of knowledge through the internet calls for better developed students and recipients of knowledge. In order to optimize the potential of underprivileged children HLC strives to offer the best possible advice by career counsellors in line with the qualifications, interests and future aspirations of the needy.

Activities