The Founders’ Diverse Journeys: United by a Common Purpose

Each founder brought a distinct background and expertise to Swapaksh, having navigated diverse paths before uniting for this cause. Ajanta Purkayastha, a Lady Shri Ram College alumna with a background in Early Childhood Education and a B.Ed., had spent years in teaching before transitioning to the NGO sector. Her previous role with Udaan, a Mumbai-based NGO, had given her invaluable experience in educating slum children. Ajanta’s firsthand knowledge of education for the underprivileged fuelled her resolve to make a difference.

Elora Ghosh, with her 15 years of teaching experience at Carmel Kolkata, shifted her focus to special education upon moving to Bangalore. She completed a counselling course and dedicated herself to working with school dropouts. Her unwavering passion for helping the most vulnerable students greatly influenced Swapaksh’s education approach and philosophy.

Meera Ashar, whose career spanned finance, real estate, and early childhood education, infused Swapaksh with a unique blend of analytical and creative skills. Her experiences in equity research, investment advising, and movement education for young children provided a well-rounded perspective that complemented Ajanta’s and Elora’s expertise. Together, they formed a dynamic leadership team adept at addressing the multifaceted challenges of running an NGO focused on education for the underprivileged in a slum.

From Disparity to Opportunity: The Foundation’s Birth

The foundation emerged from a stark social disparity. Despite being nestled in Bangalore’s thriving IT corridor, the slum housing Swapaksh’s target population was home to 6,000 residents largely excluded from the city’s prosperity. For these children, quality education seemed like a distant dream. Ajanta’s visit to the area revealed this harsh reality, igniting her resolve to act. Reaching out to Meera and Elora, she found allies who shared her urgency and vision. Their collective efforts gave rise to Swapaksh Learning Foundation, an English-medium centre committed to delivering comprehensive education for the underprivileged children.

“The foundation emerged from a stark social disparity. Despite being nestled in Bangalore’s thriving IT corridor, the slum housing Swapaksh’s target population was home to 6,000 residents largely excluded from the city’s prosperity. For these children, quality education seemed like a distant dream. Ajanta’s visit to the area revealed this harsh reality, igniting her resolve to act. “

Building Foundations: Swapaksh’s Educational Approach

Swapaksh operates with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education for the underprivileged. The foundation follows the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) curriculum, offering programs for children aged 5-17. Younger students benefit from the Open Basic Education (OBE) program, while older students prepare for the NIOS 10th-grade exams. This tailored approach ensures each child receives an education suited to their needs and abilities.

Beyond academics, Swapaksh emphasizes holistic development by integrating age-appropriate sports programs into its curriculum. Students engage in physical activities twice a week, fostering teamwork, discipline, and overall well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects the founders’ belief in nurturing both the mind and body, equipping children for future challenges.

Navigating Pandemic Challenges: A Testament to Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for educational institutions worldwide, including Swapaksh. The closure of schools threatened to disrupt the foundation’s progress, risking student dropout and educational setbacks. However, the founders’ resilience and innovation shone through. They swiftly adapted by raising funds, distributing dry rations to families, and transitioning to remote learning via Zoom, conducted by trained local staff. This proactive response enabled Swapaksh to retain 90% of its students, demonstrating the founders’ dedication and the community’s trust. Despite the pandemic’s obstacles, it underscored the foundation’s strength and adaptability.

Celebrating Impact: The Success Stories of Swapaksh

The success stories emerging from Swapaksh highlight the profound impact of education. By 2023, all students from 3rd grade and up had become fluent in English, an impressive achievement given their challenging backgrounds. This milestone underscores the foundation’s dedication to transforming lives through education for the underprivileged.

One particularly remarkable success story is that of Ripan Pegu. Previously working in a garage with limited academic prospects, Ripan’s future was dramatically altered through Swapaksh’s support. His hard work and the foundation’s guidance led him to achieve an impressive 91% in his 10th NIOS Boards, a testament to the foundation’s transformative impact.

Similarly, the progress of current 10th-grade students, who joined Swapaksh in 2018 as illiterate individuals, further illustrates the foundation’s success. These students are now preparing confidently for their Board exams, having evolved from marginalized backgrounds into educated and self-assured young adults. Their development highlights the ongoing positive influence of Swapaksh’s education for the underprivileged model.

Community Engagement: A Key to Success

Swapaksh’s success is closely tied to its community engagement. Regular Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) foster strong relationships between the foundation and the families it serves. Yet, challenges persist, as many parents, themselves illiterate, struggle to grasp the value of education, occasionally leading to the withdrawal of promising students. The founders employ a “carrot-and-stick” approach, balancing encouragement with a firm belief in education’s transformative potential, to ensure continued parental involvement.

Facing Future Challenges: The Road Ahead

Swapaksh’s journey so far has been the result of the dedicated service of their team of teachers, who work selflessly to realize the vision, dreams, and aspirations of these underprivileged children. However, going forward, Swapaksh will need both financial and volunteer support to continue its mission. Financial pressures from transitioning to paid staff and space limitations, despite a growing waitlist, are pressing concerns. The need for social workers, career counsellors, and consistent funding is crucial for sustaining and expanding the foundation’s impact. The founders aspire to acquire a government school building to increase capacity and reach more children.

“The progress of current 10th-grade students, who joined Swapaksh in 2018 as illiterate individuals, further illustrates the foundation’s success. These students are now preparing confidently for their Board exams, having evolved from marginalized backgrounds into educated and self-assured young adults. “

Looking Forward: Vision and Commitment

Despite these challenges, the founders of Swapaksh remain unwavering in their commitment. Their journey from a modest mud hut to an independent house in a Bangalore suburb reflects their vision and perseverance. The transformation of 80 children from school dropouts to dedicated students is a profound source of pride and motivation. As they navigate obstacles and celebrate successes, their passion for education for the underprivileged remains a driving force.

How to Support Swapaksh: A Call to Action

Over the years, Swapaksh has been fortunate to receive support from numerous benefactors whose contributions have been pivotal in its growth. Loyalytics, an analytics company based in Bangalore, provided crucial financial support during some of the most challenging periods, enabling the foundation to sustain its mission. Additionally, Vastu Finance generously donated a school bus, greatly easing transportation issues for students. Aparna and Vinay’s humanitarian efforts played a key role in transitioning Swapaksh from the slums to a well-equipped educational environment, significantly enhancing the quality of education provided.

For those inspired by Swapaksh Learning Foundation’s work, there are several ways to contribute further. The foundation urgently needs sponsors for teachers’ salaries, a larger facility to accommodate more students, and dedicated career and children’s counsellors. Financial support is essential for sustaining their mission and planning for the future.