The idea of creating the Children's Resource Center is to take education one step ahead of our Alternative learning centers or schools. In this center, opportunities for learning are provided in a non school environment.

This center has a library, study room, computer facilities, craft workshop, environmental science lab and play facilities. All these things are made accessible to any child who wants to learn. There is one full time cadre and three senior students volunteer in the center. They help children in library and using the computer. They conduct classes in origami, electronics, electrical work and science toys.

A variety of activities like science demonstrations, celebration of important days, dance programmes etc., take place here. There are plans to make this a great place for children from the neighboring villages to come and learn a variety of things here in a free environment.

This centre was initiated in June 2002, and the number of children coming to this centre has been slowly increasing. Every day, about 60 children use the library, 20 children use the computers and 20 children use the science lab. About 30 children come and play in the centre's play grounds. Weekend science demonstrations attract about 50 children. Dance performances, puppet shows etc. had attracted a large number of people (300-400) from the entire village. There are plans to conduct monthly cultural programmes for children, to organize workshops in drawing, painting etc. and exhibitions on science, environmental and other themes.

Support for the centre has come from ASHA - USA and many individual friends.

Children attending the government schools do not have all the opportunities that the children in the Collective's learning centres enjoy. The working children have still less opportunities. These are not very big things but these are the minimum things that every child should have - opportunities for playing, singing, dancing, story telling etc.

Children's Camps are conducted to provide the children not attending the Collective's learning centres opportunities to learn and enjoy doing various things. Minimum of two camps are held in a year, with 50 children in each camp. The Collective also reaches out to more children in this area through the camps. The camps are held both for working children and school going children.

Activities in the camps depend on the age level of the children and their interests. The duration of each camp is about 10 days. These camps are held in Timbaktu Badi where sufficient infrastructure has been created for children to stay. It is a great place for developing environmental awareness and love for nature. Yoga, Nature Walks, Folk dances, Singing, Dramas, Painting, Clay Modeling, Origami, Electronics, Science Experiments, Storytelling, Discussions on sociopolitical issues etc. are some of the activities that are chosen for the camp.

Students who have passed out from the learning centres and who are presently studying colleges and the teachers have become very good resource persons on some of these topics. Resource persons from outside also come and conduct some activities. These camps are slowly influencing the educational philosophy of the government schools.

Children carry home and to their schools the message that education should become more joyful and meaningful. The camps also bring out the hidden talents of the children attending them. Cadres identify the children for the camp and make other logistic arrangements. The expense for one camp is approximately Rs. 50000 which includes food and accommodation.

Support for the camps have come from many different sources over the years. MISERIOR - Germany through NEG - New Delhi, TDH - Germany, ASHA - USA, Lily Foundation - USA and many different individuals and friends.