Gurukulam

Gurukulam is a non-profit organisation set up in 2006 with the goal of empowering children from the socially and economically marginalized communities through traditional/ vocational education and training Area of Intervention With its belief in the doctrine of universal access to education, the organization provides education to underprivileged section of the society in Western India

Key Geography Maharashtra

Need for the initiative

Problem Lack of articulation, education/ learning means and social skills among majority of the students

Situation Before The children/youth from marginalized communities were unable to bear the expenses of education and vocational training Intervention

Overview

Providing access to traditional and vocational education to children from socially marginalized communities will empower them and help them achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives Steps • Teaching traditional academic courses in regular classroom settings, for Class I to XII followed by regular examinations/ evaluation

Practicum based teaching of vocational and technical skills Teaching children cognitive and emotive skills through peer learning and activities outside the classroom

Resources

Teaching and non-teaching staff employed with the organization Study material and other equipment for vocational training Residential & administrative expenses of Gurukulum

Impact and Key Learning Achieved so far

Since inception, the number of students has grown from 25 to 325, with 60 students successfully passed their Secondary and Higher Secondary exams 10 former students of Gurukulam are pursuing undergraduate degrees, including B. Tech, B. Com, Diploma in Engineering etc. through financial support by Gurukulam

Key Learning

The underprivileged sections of society can be empowered through right education, training and skill development, in-turn making them independent - socially as well as economically