At Shuruaat-Ek Jyoti Shiksha Ki, our journey from a small initiative to a beacon of hope and change has been nothing short of transformative. Founded in September 2016 by Abhishek Shukla, a young graduate moved by the sight of a child begging at a traffic signal, our NGO has grown into a robust force for change, providing education and support to underprivileged children.
Our achievements over the years are numerous and heartwarming. Starting with just a handful of students in a slum, we now proudly teach around 150 children, offering quality and free education. This remarkable growth is powered by the dedication of 40+ volunteer teachers and mentors who ensure our curriculum is engaging and up to date. We have successfully integrated practical learning into our teaching methods, evidenced by the enthusiastic participation of our students in various projects and activities.
One of our most significant milestones was the establishment of Prayagraj’s first and only Pad Bank in 2021. This initiative addresses menstrual hygiene needs and donates approximately 500 sanitary pads to underprivileged communities, along with conducting workshops and campaigns on menstrual hygiene.
In 2022, we took a giant leap by opening our own play school for children from nursery to first grade, charging just one rupee per day. This initiative symbolizes a powerful transformation, making education accessible and instilling a sense of responsibility and ownership in the children and their families.
Furthering our commitment to community empowerment, we initiated a revolutionary tiffin service in 2022, providing monetary support to underprivileged women in exchange for their culinary services. This program not only offers financial relief but also fosters a sense of purpose and dignity, enabling these women to support their families and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our impact extends beyond education. We have fostered talents like Anchal Sonker, Bhumi Sonker, and Nandani, who have represented our state in kayaking and won various medals. Their achievements inspire us and highlight the boundless potential within our community.
Recognized for our exceptional work in education and menstrual hygiene, we have received prestigious awards from entities like Dainik Jagran and the Society of Engineers. These accolades affirm our commitment and inspire us to strive for even greater impact.
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and the community. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and continue to light the path for a brighter future.
Today, influenced by the efforts of the organization, Prayagraj Police IG (name) and other police officials have also been inspired to teach its students, which can be known as the best achievement of the institution. Apart from this, the organization has also received many awards at various state and district level forums due to its strong dedication to society.
To spread menstrual hygiene awareness and to avoid severe health risks in menstruating women from the slums, a free sanitary pad bank has also been started by the organization on 1 January 2021. So far, it has more than 400 poor women as beneficiaries from slums across Prayagraj city. It gives complete freedom to all needy women to take pads on their own every month. This is the first sanitary pad bank of Prayagraj city and second of Uttar Pradesh. Presently, women living in an area of about 15-20km have become regular members of this bank.
