Mumbai, 9th December 2024: The CSR initiatives by NMDC – Astha Gurukul and Saksham have transformed the lives of over 15,000 children, paving the way for development in a downtrodden area.
In a region, impacted by socio-economic challenges, two powerful CSR initiatives – Astha Gurukul and Saksham are transforming lives, offering children education, safety, and a path to a brighter future. Supported by NMDC, these initiatives serve as a beacon of hope for children from underprivileged communities and those with special needs, helping to rebuild lives in areas where families have faced prolonged hardships and disrupted educational opportunities.
Globally, over 240 million children with disabilities live in environments where access to education is severely restricted. According to UNICEF, this exclusion is a widespread crisis, with children with special needs often left out of educational frameworks due to a lack of infrastructure, teacher training, and societal awareness. In the disturbed areas, the situation is even more challenging, as children from marginalized communities, including those with special needs, face compounded barriers that hinder their basic right to education.
Astha Gurukul and Saksham are addressing these challenges head-on. Through these initiatives, NMDC is playing a crucial role in ensuring children in socio-economically impacted regions have access to the opportunities they deserve, fostering inclusive education and promoting sustainable development.
Astha Gurukul
Astha Gurukul, a CSR initiative by NMDC Ltd. in partnership with the State Government of Chhattisgarh, is focused on providing education and care for children whose lives have been significantly affected by violence in the Bastar region. The school also caters to children from disadvantaged communities, including SC/ST/OBC groups.
With a capacity to accommodate 1,200 children annually, Astha Gurukul offers more than just education; it provides a sense of safety and stability. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted the lives of over 10,000 children, with NMDC contributing over ₹15 crore to support this program. The Astha Gurukul’s inclusive approach ensures that children in these regions can overcome the challenges of their environment and aspire to build a better future.
Saksham: Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
Saksham, another NMDC’s CSR initiative, is a beacon of inclusive education for children with special needs. The 100% disabled free residential schools – Saksham I and Saksham II, located in Jawanga and Geedam, provide a nurturing environment for children with physical and mental disabilities. Beyond academics, Saksham emphasizes life skills training and foster community integration, empowering its students to embrace independence and lead fulfilling lives. Currently, the school is home to 200 children, with equal opportunities for 100 boys and 100 girls. NMDC’s commitment is evident in its financial contributions with over ₹2 crore allocated for the construction of Saksham-II residential school, while more than ₹3 crore contributed annually towards meeting its operational expenses.
While the global education landscape is still grappling with issues of accessibility for children with special needs, Saksham stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the right resources and support are provided. The program ensures that children who might otherwise be excluded from mainstream educational systems are given the tools and resources they need to succeed, empowering them to become self-reliant and contributing members of society.
Education as a Catalyst for Change
According to UNICEF, education in regions impacted by socio-political disturbance can be a powerful tool for fostering stability and breaking cycles of poverty. The work being done through Astha Gurukul and Saksham has profound implications not only for the children but also for broader community development efforts in Chhattisgarh. By prioritizing education as a means of empowerment and healing, NMDC is addressing the root causes of socio-economic challenges.
Through these initiatives, NMDC exemplifies its vision of contributing to social development in regions where it operates. By providing access to quality education and fostering inclusivity, NMDC is helping to build a more equitable and prosperous future for Chhattisgarh.
