Education

TO EDUCATE A CHILD IS TO REDUCE POVERTY

Our Education programme promotes academic pursuits throughout early education to higher studies with tutoring support and scholarship assistance to help students reach their full potential.

Education as a fundamental right has resulted in increased enrolment in schools and colleges. Parents in communities recognise that providing their children with quality education is a crucial step towards improving their lives and living conditions. Today, private and government run educational institutions offer numerous facilities to ensure access to learning for all children and youth.

However, the nationwide lockdown in India resulted in a steep drop-out rate, especially among students from low-income group families. Uncertain financial situations compelled many to prioritise income over higher education. In addition, others with low learning abilities struggled to cope with their curriculum and lost interest in studying.

As most of our sponsored children are first-generation school-goers, it is crucial to equip them with a roadmap, supporting their academic pursuits to enable a fair opportunity to succeed. For students in schools and colleges, there are several aspects related to education. Meeting requirements are critical to our objective to make them complete their education.

Our Education Programme addresses these areas of need through strategic interventions, including Early Childhood Care & Development, Group Tutoring, Scholarships, Emotional Wellbeing, and Social and Financial Enterprises.

EARLY CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Our Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programme takes an integrated approach to provide a holistic learning experience and overall development for children aged between 2 and 6 years. The programme focuses on educating both the child and their caregivers about children's issues. One of the primary goals is to encourage caregivers to enroll their children in nearby Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres or preschools. Based on the existing government curriculum for early development in children, our training components include preschool sessions for the children and awareness sessions for the mothers. Children's sessions are activity-based, enabling them to develop motor.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

The closure of institutions and the restrictions imposed during the Covid19 lockdown had a significant adverse impact on all of us, but it was especially challenging for children and youth. The intensity of isolation and anxiety about an uncertain future took a toll on their overall well being.

We understand the importance of addressing the issues of emotional well-being among children and youth.

Through our Emotional Wellbeing Programme, we aim to develop resilience among them, equipping them with the necessary skills to cope with psychological setbacks and adapt to adverse situations. The primary objective of this programme is to teach children and youth how to effectively manage stress and emotions, foster perseverance, build trust, and develop strong relationships. By focusing on these critical aspects, we help them build resilience and develop a clear vision for their future.

Our workshops, which are based on the “Turning Point Resilience Manual,” cover various topics including the ability to self-calm, self-care, emotional expressiveness, and seeking social support. These workshops provide valuable tools and techniques for participants to enhance their emotional wellbeing.

Here are some inspiring success stories of individuals who have benefited from our Emotional Wellbeing Programme. These stories serve as testimonials to the positive impact our programme has on the lives of children and youth

GROUP TUTORING SUPPORT

While schools follow a set curriculum, the teacher-student ratio may vary, where individualized attention is essential for students who struggle to grasp certain subjects. Additionally, many children in our communities are first generation learners and may lack support at home or face challenges such as limited space or an inconducive environment for studying. One of the primary causes of children losing out interest in education or becoming school dropouts and also not completing graduation is falling behind consistently in academics and finding it difficult to catch up. Our group tutoring classes aim not only to bridge the gap in providing focused attention and guidance to understand the subjects and excel in their academic curriculum but also to create opportunities for school drop-outs.

SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ENTERPRISE

For families earning daily wages, the concept of saving or setting aside funds for the future is almost non-existent. While many have opened bank accounts, saving, and managing money remains a significant challenge. Saving and financial management are crucial elements for achieving economic stability, and it is important for children and youth from communities to inculcate habits that result in financial prudence. Our Social and Financial Education programme aims to educate children and youth about the importance of money, saving, planning, and budgeting. Through this programme, participants gain a deep understanding of financial concepts and develop practical skills to make informed financial decisions. As part of the programme, participants can choose live projects that allow them to apply the lessons they have learned. This hands-on approach helps them develop a strong foundation in financial management and empowers them to become agents of change in their communities and in their own lives. In addition to financial education, our training module also guides children and youth in personal exploration, understanding child rights, and embracing social responsibilities. With a comprehensive approach, we aim to empower young individuals to become responsible and informed citizens that contribute to the society. In addition to benefiting children and youth personally, our Social and Financial Education programme has a ripple effect on their families and communities as well.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

To encourage student retention at primary and secondary academic levels, we provide grants through our Scholarship programme to support school fees, stationery, and uniforms. Similarly, students at higher secondary levels receive scholarships to support subject-specific tuition, complete projects, and purchase items related to their chosen streams of education. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when most institutions were shut, we distributed more than 2,925 tablets to students in higher grades, enabling continuous learning. These tablets have benefited students in gaining subject-oriented knowledge, completing live projects, and even utilising the devices to enhance their online businesses.