As Biocon Foundation’s effort to increase access and exposure to learning opportunities from children, the Aata Pata Wadi project was launched in 2009 with its first Aata Pata Wadi (after school resource center) in Thithimati in Kodagu district of Karnataka.

This after school resource center is the first of a number of such centers that the Foundation hopes to establish in the near future. The aim of these centers is to provide an open and fun learning environment for children, many of whom come from marginalized communities thus enabling them to nurture their interests, learn new skills and awaken their spirit of enquiry.

Objectives:

• To provide access to computer aided leaning
• To emphasize experiential learning and extracurricular activities
• To boost language skills
• To provide life skills education

Each center is equipped with computers, a children’s library, science equipment and games/sports material. The center coordinator and teacher manage the daily activities at the center.

The children’s daily nutrition is supplemented by healthy refreshments and a health drink that is provided every evening, as they arrive at the center after school. The center is designed to bright, airy and comfortable and has separate toilets for boys and girls. This also reinforces awareness of basic hygiene and related habits.

The centers aim to cater to the needs of children from 5th to 7th std in government schools in Karnataka and based on the principles of Child Rights and Child Participation.