Alam is a factory supervisor and hopes to move up the ranks. Like the 200 other ‘students’ of Govindpuri slums who brave the biting morning cold to attend English classes at the Katha English Academy, Alam knows the only way he can do better at work is by learning to speak like his bosses.

Katha started the English classes a month ago in Govindpuri as part of its Katha Khazana programme. The curriculum is designed to help the slum dwellers find they way around with the language. Everyone who attends—it’s an eclectic mix of housewives, factory supervisors, beauticians, government school students and shopkeepers—pays Rs 75 a month. The organisation aims to help 1,700 students speak, read and comprehend English by the end of this year.

Like Alam, Kamlesh, a beautician, says speaking to her clients in English makes her feel confident. After classes every morning, she makes it a point to quickly revise her lesson—if she is lucky, she gets to apply some of it at work. Kamlesh hopes to open a beauty parlour of her own some day and thinks her English will come in handy.

“English is the international language of business and knowledge of the language is vital. The inability to speak English ensures that these people are trapped and only get to do menial jobs. It is for this reason that Katha developed this English academy,” said Parvinder Kaur, director of Katha Khazana.

The curriculum is interactive and consists of four modules that have songs and games. Module 1 is basic knowledge of the language—nouns and phrases, alphabets—and Module 2 is about being able to communicate at a basic level and involves some writing skills. Module 3 enhances writing and communication skills and Module 4 is for advanced learners.

Katha plans to organise seminars to give the students the much needed exposure. There will also be mock interviews, role plays and debates. Classes are held thrice a week. “We are looking for volunteers to teach English at the academy. Housewives, college students, corporates are all welcome,” said Kaur.