Problem: Education is essential for the growth and success of children, but unfortunately, many are forced to drop out of school due to various reasons. In India, a significant number of children attend government or affordable schools in rural and urban areas. While the burden of school fees is eased out through scholarship programs and the government schooling system, obtaining basic school supplies such as bags, books, pens, and pencils is a huge challenge for these children. While parental poverty to provide access to school supplies remains, this inability often results in low self-esteem and poor learning outcomes, affecting the quality of their education. Furthermore, children who can't afford supplies may feel excluded and teased by their classmates, leading to a lack of focus and further hindering their academic progress.

Aim of the project: To improve learning outcomes among children studying in government and private schools by providing essential school supplies.

Objectives:

To ensure children from 20 schools in Telangana access school materials such as school bags, stationery, books, footwear, raincoats, and other necessities will be provided.

Project strategy:  20 government and private schools operating in low-income neighborhoods would be identified in Telangana. A needs assessment would be conducted along with children and school teachers. A beneficiaries list would be prepared. School kits would be customized as per the expressed needs and distributed in the targeted schools. The activity would be photo documented and impact case studies would be drawn and reported to the donor and posted on the website and social media platforms.

Outreach and geography: 20 government and private schools operating in low-income neighborhoods in Telangana.

Monitoring and evaluation: A coordinator will be appointed exclusively for the project. The coordinator's responsibility will encompass identifying schools along with the education department of Telangana, conduct needs assessment, procuring necessary school materials and preparation of distribution plan, and ensure school kits are distributed in the targeted schools. Ensure timely reporting, preparation of case studies and social media engagement. Funding partners would be given visibility on the website, social media platforms, and logos will be printed on the school bags.

Relevance of the project: This project contributes to sustainable development goals-1, 4, 10- for No poverty, Quality Education, reduce inequalities. Significantly, this will also enable us to mutually contribute to achieving sustainable goal no. 17, which stands for Partnerships for the Goals. The project aligns with the national agenda of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) which indicates quality education to all children and supports overall mission of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save Girls, Educate Girls).

Project impact:

This project creates a profound impact on the lives of students:       

1. Enhanced academic participation of 2000 children.
2. Reduces school dropouts
3. Foster self-confidence and dignity by not borrowing and being belittled
4. Alleviating financial burdens on parents

1. To provide 2000 school kits to children studying in 20 schools to government and private schools in Telangana
2. To create an inclusive learning environment where all children can actively participate in class, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
3. To alleviate financial burdens on parents

Sankalp is a registered NGO working to promote girl child education and senior care since 2007. Sankalp has extended scholarship support to more than 3000 socially and economically vulnerable girl students from 7 schools in low-income neighborhoods in Hyderabad and 100 students who lost parents to COVID-19. Through awareness sessions on the prevention of child sexual abuse and life skills programs, Sankalp has reached 50,000 stakeholders. Through emergency relief during COVID-19, Sankalp distributed groceries to 25000 needy people.

For the last academic year 2023-24, Sankalp has meticulously identified 25 schools and in collaboration with Aurobindo Pharma Foundation Laurus Labs, Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad Racing Motor Private Limited, and Sathguru Management Consultants, has distributed over 4500 school kits to children studying in government and private schools across two districts in Telangana. The kit included essential school supplies such as a bag, ten notebooks, pens, erasers, crayons, geometry boxes, color pencils, lunch boxes, and water bottles. The impact along with the joy of owning brand-new school bags, school principals reported that this initiative has boosted children's self-esteem and positively influenced their educational outcomes. The initiative was executed flawlessly in the targeted schools and received accolades from the education department of Telangana.  

Sankalp has staff and volunteers from the social development sector. With this robust capacity and a proven track record of impactful initiatives, Sankalp is well-equipped to execute the proposed project effectively, aligning with its objectives and ensuring meaningful outcomes.