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School and Tuition Centre: Hathi Basti

Education - New Delhi

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Hathi Basti, Bank of Yamuna River, Near ITO

On the banks of the Yamuna River, overlooked by the surrounding city, 300 enthusiastic children of elephant keepers (mahouts) and garden labourers are getting their first taste of education in classrooms built of bamboo and tarpaulins. They are the first generation of their families to be educated.
The families live off the grid in sub-standard living conditions with no sanitation or access to electricity. Basic survival is the order of the day: hence, education and healthcare are luxuries the residents can ill afford.
Here on the banks of the Yamuna River, where the children flourish in their makeshift school, permanent constructions are not permitted, so dwellings are made of any available materials. The area is subject to flooding and extreme weather conditions.
The school serves as a stepping-stone between survival for daily existence and the formal education system. We facilitate the transition of the child, the family and the community in the understanding and acceptance of the formal education system using the tools of love, kindness, gentleness and an empowerment system, which is tailor-made to suit the residents.

Caters to 300 students.
Acts as a bridge by guiding students from basic learning methods to more advanced techniques required by the formal education system.
Teaches both basic and advanced learning techniques.
Includes vocational training, talent spotting and creativity development.
Offers sports, drama and arts and crafts.
Organises field trips, functions and celebrations festivals for confidence building through participation.

Provides a daily fresh, nutritious meal as nutrition plays a pivotal role.
Distributes textbooks, notebooks, stationery, schoolbags and summer and winter uniforms.
Provides an adult education programme.
Arranges medical camps/clinics for the community, which provide treatment and medicines.

To instil values, hope and the confidence to realise dreams.
To create a thirst for knowledge, and nurture self-respect and respect for others.
To alleviate poverty through empowerment.
To create global citizens through breaking down barriers of nationality, religion, caste and creed and emphasising our shared humanity.