Aahan Foundation for Social Change launches “Noida Learning and Empowerment Centre”
Delhi : Aahan Foundation for Social Change, a Section 8 NGO and recipient of the “Most Socially Innovative Organization” award in the tribal category at the 11th National Conference on Social Innovation has inaugurated their North India’s first Learning and Empowerment Centre in Gejha Village, Sector 93, Noida. The inauguration event saw the inspiring presence of girl Change Leaders from other centers of Aahan in Jharkhand, exemplifying the Foundation’s widespread impact. For over 11 years, Aahan Foundation’s innovative CREATE and 4-Steps Transformation model has served as a beacon of hope, significantly reducing gender-based violence and transforming underprivileged girls into Change Leaders. Gejha Village, predominantly inhabited by a disadvantaged migrant population, sees mothers working as domestic helpers and vendors while fathers are employed as delivery agents, car washers, daily wage labourers, hawkers, sellers, etc.
In response to these challenges, the Aahan Foundation has taken a pioneering step by establishing the Noida Learning and Empowerment Centre (LEC) in Gejha. These LECs offer a safe haven for the daughters of migrant families and minorities, fostering a nurturing ecosystem. Skilled trainers at the LECs deliver structured programs, provide parental counselling, and more, ensuring holistic development and empowerment for these young girls. This groundbreaking initiative aims to uplift the migrant community in Gejha Village. The Aahan Foundation is creating a brighter, more equitable future for all by providing these young girls with the necessary resources and support.
Dr. Rashmi Om Tiwary, Founder and Director, Aahan Foundation for Social Change, passionately stated, “Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where migrant children can truly thrive and realize their full potential. Through education, skills training, and emotional support, we aim to dismantle the cycle of poverty and exploitation. For the past decade, we’ve been dedicated to empowering girls from marginalized communities, particularly in Jharkhand’s tribal areas, and we have strong roots in Delhi NCR. Our vision is to ensure that every girl has access to growth opportunities and the ability to leverage them fully. By transforming youth from these communities into change leaders, we aspire to break the intergenerational cycle of violence and poverty, fostering a brighter, more equitable future.”
According to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2019, children of seasonal workers face significant educational barriers, with 80% lacking access to nearby schools and up to 40% ending up working. An ILO study indicates that children over ten often work in harsh conditions without educational opportunities. In 2011, children aged 5-14 made up nearly 15% of India’s migrant population. Initiatives like the Noida LEC are essential in providing these children with the resources and support necessary to break the cycle of exploitation and poverty, fostering education and empowerment.
The newly opened Noida LEC will offer a comprehensive after-school program for children and young adults aged 12-18 from underprivileged migrant families, focusing on digital literacy, skill training, and leadership development through community projects, idea exchanges, and mentorship. Additionally, the program will address psychological issues with trauma counselling, provide library access for focused reading, support school exams and bridge schooling for dropouts, and assist out-of-school girls in re-entering education. Some of their innovative initiatives include Gyaan Bhi, Games Bhi (knowledge through reading and playing), a library and games corner to enhance learning; School Ki Nayi Shuruwat (open school), encouraging school dropouts to restart education with parental support; 4C: Counselling, Community, Computer, Career, offering digital skills, trauma counselling, and career guidance, supported by a peer network to aid in resilience and navigating challenges; and innovative workshops such as Hamara Camera, Hamari Zubaani, a storytelling workshop promoting awareness and community engagement. These stories can be showcased on Aahan’s YouTube platform, Jungle Butterflies, to reach a wider audience and unlock opportunities.
Aahan Foundation believes that empowered and educated youth are the cornerstone of societal progress. By equipping them with knowledge and confidence, we enable them to challenge societal norms and break down gender barriers. This ripple effect fosters sustainable shifts in attitudes and behaviours, promoting inclusivity, equality, and social justice. A progressive society, shaped by empowered youth leads to positive, grassroots-level transformations.