Latika Vihar is a neighbourhood activity centre for children. Open to all, regardless of ability or income, the centre offers a wide range of fun activities in an atmosphere of celebration and cooperation. Competition is discouraged in favor of full participation for all and children are free to do as they please – the only ground rule is kindness.

Enrollment at Latika Vihar ranges from 40 to 125, depending on the time of year, with peak membership in the summer.

At the centre, we have a toy room, a library, a dance and music room, extensive outdoor equipment, a potter’s grove and a bamboo weaving hut.

Every day, at least four different activities are offered, including cooking, art and craft, music, dance, pottery, basket weaving, drama, sports and story-telling. Children are free to participate in whatever captures their interest. There is no pressure to do anything in particular and if a child begins an activity and then decides it’s boring, he is perfectly free to drop it mid-stream. Some children prefer to spend all their time in the sandpit, others play only cricket, still others like to sit with their friends and giggle and chat.

Our core team at Latika Vihar consists of an administrative coordinator, a development coordinator, a coordinator for junior activities, a sports and games coordinator, a special educator and a helper. Resource people come in for one, two or three days a week, depending on the interests of the children. We change activities regularly according to what children ask for and we offer special events whenever possible. Recently, we have had a magic show, a movie, a picnic and a fireworks display.

The main thing at Latika Vihar is having fun in an atmosphere free from competition or pressure to perform. It’s a place where children feel safe and free and special. It doesn’t get much better than that.