It has been observed that children who hail from less privileged backgrounds often miss out on properly grasping basic concepts of English and Mathematics. Research indicates that a majority of children, predominantly from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are barely able to read, write and calculate after even 4 years of primary schooling. Unless they understand these concepts at the right age, they may miss out on several opportunities in life.

With this objective in mind, Akshar, a school-after-school initiative for underprivileged children began in the year 2013. Through this initiative, we aim to improve literacy, cognitive skills, communication skills, and other soft skills in our children so they can fulfill their educational potential and become responsible citizens of the country.

Under this project, tuitions are held after school hours in the Chitnavis Trust office itself. We start each day with a prayer, followed by a nutritious meal like khichdi, upma, or dal-chawal for the children by Seva Kitchen, followed by forty-minute classes each for English and Mathematics for grades 1 to 10. Saturdays is reserved exclusively for extracurricular activities. Keeping in mind the value of sports for a child’s health and overall development, we conduct a variety of activities under the Enrichment Club that keep the students engaged mentally and physically, including chess, origami, pottery, music etc. Sessions like ‘Health and Hygiene’, ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’, and ‘Manners and Etiquettes’ are conducted to improve their social skills as well.

Lastly, the Trust also organizes Health Checkup camps, educational visits, picnics, and other fun outings for the children.