Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family. – Kofi Annan

Let us remember: One Book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world – Malala Yousafzai

Every eighth urban child in India in the age-group of 0-6 years stays in slums, according to ‘Slums in India – A statistical compendium 2011′ published by the Union government.

“… about 7.6 million children are living in slums in India and they constitute 13.1 per cent of the total child population of the urban areas of the 26 States/ Union Territories reporting slums,” the report compiled by the National Buildings Organisation (NBO) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation says. (As quoted in thehindu.com, on 15Oct2011)

“Children” who are considered as the future of a nation and tomorrow’s citizens were living in distraught conditions of poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, child labour and abuse. Many of them were school dropouts who were wandering on roads aimlessly. All these problems were rampant in such clusters of the society.

We at Tapasvi, wanted to make a difference for these kids and hence started the Akshara Jyothi project to support their educational needs. As a part of this project we have donated books, guides, stationery, bags, etc and have been actively engaged with other volunteers who tutor them for free.

Our volunteers not only guide the children about how education is necessary for their livelihood but also run awareness campaigns on the importance of education for their parents. They scout for wandering kids and kids who are working as labourers or waiters, collect information about them, and counsel their parents on various parameters that contribute to child growth. Education is their primary step towards a better future. Tapasvi offers complete support for the education of children who are interested in studying further till they get employed. In a few cases, Tapasvi takes care of their hunger too. Our volunteers take personal care that the dropouts have enrolled back at school and have started attending their classes diligently.