Phulenagar is a slum in Bombay with over 2000 households and a population of approximately 12,000.
Most adults are illiterate and belong to low castes.
About 40 percent of men in the age group 18-35 years are either unemployed or work as casual laborers in construction. Prior surveys indicate that a majority of the parents desire that their children be imparted useful skills that would enable them to earn their living. Although men were divided in their opinion, typing and carpentry were the two most desired skills. Most slum children go to the nearby Bombay Municipal Corporation school that provides education through the 7 th Grade. Although most students pass their examinations, their standards are poor.