Bengaluru, 09 December 2024 – Two corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Chhattisgarh, Astha Gurukul and Saksham, are helping to transform the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Supported by NMDC, these programs offer education, safety, and opportunities for a brighter future, particularly for children in areas severely impacted by socio-economic challenges and disrupted educational systems.
Globally, more than 240 million children with disabilities face significant barriers to education, with many excluded due to lack of resources, trained teachers, and societal awareness. In conflict-affected regions like Chhattisgarh, these challenges are even more pronounced. Children from marginalized communities, including those with special needs, often lack access to basic education.
Astha Gurukul and Saksham aim to address these issues by offering inclusive education and support. Through these initiatives, NMDC is helping children in socio-economically disadvantaged areas access education and a path to a better future, while promoting sustainable development.
Astha Gurukul: Education and Care for Vulnerable Children
Astha Gurukul is a joint CSR initiative by NMDC and the Chhattisgarh State Government. It provides education and care to children in the Bastar region, an area affected by violence. The school also serves children from underprivileged communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Astha Gurukul has the capacity to educate up to 1,200 children annually. Since its launch, it has helped over 10,000 children, with NMDC contributing over ₹15 crore to support the program. Beyond academic learning, the initiative offers a safe and stable environment for children, giving them the opportunity to build a better future despite the challenges of their surroundings.
Saksham: Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
The Saksham initiative focuses on providing inclusive education to children with disabilities. It includes two fully residential schools, Saksham I and Saksham II, located in Jawanga and Geedam, which cater to children with physical and mental disabilities. The schools not only offer academic education but also life skills training to help children become independent and integrated into the community.
Currently, Saksham serves 200 children, with equal opportunities for boys and girls. NMDC has invested over ₹2 crore in constructing the Saksham-II school, and more than ₹3 crore annually towards its operational costs.
Saksham stands as a model for inclusive education, showing the impact of providing the right resources and support. It ensures that children with special needs are not excluded from education, helping them develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Education: A Key to Socio-Economic Change
Education is often a powerful tool for stability, especially in regions affected by socio-political unrest. UNICEF has highlighted its potential in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term development. In Chhattisgarh, the efforts of Astha Gurukul and Saksham are having a significant impact, not just on the children, but on the broader community.
By prioritizing education as a means of empowerment, NMDC is addressing the root causes of socio-economic hardship. These initiatives help provide children with the skills they need to build a better future, while also supporting the broader development of Chhattisgarh.
Through its CSR programs, NMDC is demonstrating its commitment to social development and inclusivity, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for the region.
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