BACKGROUND :
In a world where some feel left behind, a spark was lit by those who cared. They brought education to underprivileged children, shining a light on a brighter tomorrow.
In 2003, DPS Gurgaon opened its doors to not only privileged students but also eager minds from nearby villages and urban slums, giving birth to the "Shiksha Kendra" initiative. This initiative has now grown into a movement with approx 1800 students from underprivileged backgrounds getting free education with books, uniforms, snacks, and even transportation (pick up and drop off by school buses) included.
Example of students who come to SHIKSHA KENDRA :
THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION:
Many students at Shiksha Kendra face significant financial challenges back home as their parent/parents struggle to make ends meet. This makes it difficult for them to afford even basic necessities like clothing.
They do not have the financial resources to spend on clothes for specific occasions ( e.g. festivals). This leaves them feeling excluded or unable to fully celebrate an event or function - like a festival, a wedding, a birthday, etc.
They may/could experience a sense of insecurity and discomfort, hindering their ability to participate and enjoy such occasions fully.
This highlights the pressing need for our support in providing something unique that will make every student feel special, valued, and confident while boosting their self-esteem.
THE SOLUTION IS TO GIVE THEM FESTIVE/TRADITIONAL OUTFITS:
- Kurta /Pyjamas for Boys (Cotton)
- Blouses, Dupatta, and Lehenga for Girls. The Lehenga will be stitched from a unique material called CHEENT.
This simple yet meaningful act ensures that every child feels pride regardless of their circumstances. It also will instill pride in their cultural heritage.
THE RIGHT TO DRESS IS THE IMPACT WE WILL MAKE.
Pic: The proposed design of the outfits.
This is being done in partnership with the Delhi-based NGO -Samarpan Foundation. They also run schools for underprivileged children and in addition, have a unique program for tailoring that supports and provides a livelihood for women from urban slums in the Kishangarh village of Delhi near Vasant Kunj. The outfits for boys and girls at Shiksha Kendra will be tailored and stitched by these women.
The cost of the outfits will work out to approximately INR 1000 per child. The funds used will be allocated to students at Shiksha Kendra first. If we collect in total more than INR 18L (i.e. enough for the 1800 children at Shiksha Kendra) then the additional funds will be used for similar outfits for students at SAMARPAN FOUNDATION schools who come from underprivileged homes.
Me and my classmates from Grade 11 are coming together through this crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for this unique initiative. Together we aim to raise INR 20L or more.
THE IMPACT YOU CAN MAKE :
Pic: The above pictures show the Kakoli and Muskaan at home, and at school and also show them in the festive dresses that we plan to give them. The above design is indicative.
Let's help Kakoli, Muskaan, and all the other students at Shiksha Kendra by providing them with a unique festive outfit.
IF YOU FUND,
Fund INR 1000 and impact a student.
Fund INR 2000 and impact 2 students.
Fund INR 3000 and impact 3 students.
All funding has 80G tax benefits as SAMARPAN is a registered NGO.
REPRESENTATIVE IMAGES OF HOW THE FESTIVE ATTIRE CAN LOOK:
LOCATION MAP:
The students at Shiksha Kendra come from nearby villages and slums in Gurgaon.
ABOUT ME:
My name is Sheeana Mehta. I am 16-years-old and a Grade 11 student at the DPS Gurgaon, Sector-45.
I am very passionate about helping others, especially those who are less privileged than I am. Helping and benefiting others makes me truly happy. It is a joy to make a difference in another's life, to see them smile.
With a passion for uplifting communities and promoting inclusivity, I believe that every child deserves to feel valued and celebrated. That's why I'm honored to be involved in providing traditional attire for the children at Shiksha Kendra. Whether it's a lovely lehenga set for the girls or a classic kurta and pajama outfit for the boys, this gesture goes beyond clothing – it instills pride and belonging in their cultural heritage.
The significance of this simple act is profound. By boosting their confidence and fostering a sense of value and celebration, we're spreading joy and inclusivity among these young learners. And at just INR 1000 per student, it's a small investment with a huge impact.
Join me in making a difference and creating a brighter future for these children. Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and shine.
ABOUT SHIKSHA KENDRA:
The students of Shiksha Kendra have access to all the infrastructure and other resources at DPS Gurgaon.
They receive and can avail of:
Books.
Uniforms.
A midday snack.
Transportation (AC buses pick them up and drop them off daily).
SNEAK PEEK INTO THE FACILITIES AT SHIKSHA KENDRA:
ABOUT SAMARPAN-THE NGO PARTNER:
Samarpan Foundation is a charitable not-for-profit entity, established in September 2006 in New Delhi. We work in the space of education, empowerment and skilling, children's homes, animal welfare etc. Some of the work we do includes :
Samarpan schools and tuition centers
Sponsorship of education
Enrolment in formal schools
Provision of educational materials
Skills training for women to make them self-sufficient
Skills training in prisons
Samarpan children's homes
Support for shelters, children's homes, homes for the aged and the disabled
TAX BENEFITS:
Funding for this campaign is eligible for tax breaks as SAMARPAN FOUNDATION is a registered NGO you can avail of benefits under section 80G of the IT Act.
FAQs
Are these children charged anything during the entire year at Shiksha Kendra?
Girls are charged an annual amount of 600, and boys are charged 1200 annually.
Will we get to know the details of who benefitted?
Yes. After the money has been collected it will be transferred by Fueladream to SAMARPAN FOUNDATION. We will update you on the details of the distribution as soon as possible. We shall upload a report on the UPDATES section of this campaign. You will then get an alert and can read details.
When do we get the receipts?
The receipts will start getting processed about 4 to 6 weeks AFTER the campaign is closed and will be sent to you directly.
How can we fund this campaign with a Cheque?
Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd account details are as below:
BANK NAME: HDFC Bank Limited.
BRANCH: Koramangala( Main Branch). City: Bengaluru - 560095.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50200013106778
IFSC CODE: HDFC0000053
Please draw a cheque in favour of "Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd", and deposit the cheque into the Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd HDFC Bank account (any branch across INDIA). After you deposit the cheque, please send an email to prasad@fueladream.com AND getintouch@fueladream.com with the following funder information.
1) Name of Funder:
2) Full address with Pin code:
3) Telephone/Mobile no and Email ID:
4) PAN of funder:
5) Cheque number:
6) Amount funded:
7) Whose campaign are you funding. (Name of the person OR campaign number/ID):
After the funds are received and the above details are verified, the fund amount will be transferred to the respective campaign. This can take from 1-3 working days.
How does crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding in India is a relatively new concept and is growing very quickly.
It’s a concept that allows a large number of funders (like you) to fund an idea or a cause or event by giving small amounts of money online. Fueladream.com is a crowdfunding platform in India that allows for such pooling of funds. You can fund innovations and ideas on FuelADream and be the first to get these products or make them come true. You can also do a good turn by funding charities and causes through crowdfunding.
