NEW DELHI, 11 March 2006 — Queen Rania of Jordan is in New Delhi to participate as a key speaker at a two-day conclave, organized by the weekly India Today and she took out time yesterday to visit an “alternative learning center.”
She visited Ritinjali Learning Center at Kusum Pahari slums in South Delhi. The 100-odd underprivileged children were simply thrilled by the visit. Queen Rania inquired about their welfare and keenly watched their class activities.
Some of the elders who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the special dignitary were pleasantly surprised when she shook hands with them.
Mesmerized by Queen Rania’s warmth and charm, the children were a little curious to find her without any majestic costumes or royal paraphernalia they had in mind. A small child even queried: “Where is the crown?”
Later, after seeing the paintings and sketches drawn by the children, appreciating their efforts, the queen said: “These kids are very enthusiastic.”
Sushma Tyagi, coordinator at Ritinjali said that one of the aims of the center is to train young girls in stitching, beauty treatment and self defense so that they can be Independent.
Established in 2003, the center has helped around 100 children to get jobs. Earlier, the majority of them worked as rag-pickers.
Before leaving the center, Queen Rania planted a sapling near the school compound. As a member of UNICEF Global Leadership Initiative for Children, she has keenly pursued such activities.
