DIKSHA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing free and quality education to children from low-income families in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, Haryana, India. Established to create opportunities for underprivileged children, DIKSHA has become a beacon of hope for over 420 students by offering a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can develop a healthy body and mind. The school emphasizes respect, responsibility, and holistic development, preparing children to be responsible citizens.

Project Activities:

DIKSHA's core activities include:

• Academic Education: Following the CBSE curriculum, DIKSHA provides quality academic education through a team of dedicated teachers and volunteers. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and mentorship to ensure the highest standards of education.
• Extra-Curricular Activities: Students are encouraged to participate in various extra-curricular activities such as folk art, dance, drama, music, life skills, and yoga. These activities foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Nutritious Mid-Day Meals: The school provides a nutritious mid-day meal and a snack daily to each child. Meals are prepared on the premises by professional cooks, ensuring that the children receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
• Medical and Dental Care: Regular medical and dental check-ups are provided by volunteering organizations and doctors, ensuring that the children maintain good health.
• Parental Involvement: Parents play an active role in DIKSHA by participating in regular parent-teacher meetings and workshops on hygiene, nutrition, and non-violence. They also contribute their expertise to support the school.

Objective:

The primary objective of the DIKSHA project is to provide free, quality education and comprehensive support to children from low-income families, ensuring their academic, physical, and emotional well-being. By doing so, DIKSHA aims to empower these children to break the cycle of poverty and become responsible, contributing members of society.

Impact:

• Educational Advancement: Over 420 children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive quality education, enabling them to pursue higher studies and secure better job opportunities in the future.
• Holistic Development: Children develop not only academically but also through participation in various extra-curricular activities that foster creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
• Improved Health and Nutrition: With the provision of nutritious meals and regular health check-ups, the children experience improved physical health, which contributes to better learning outcomes.
• Community Engagement: Active parental involvement strengthens the community's commitment to education and fosters a supportive environment for the children’s development.

Goal :

The goal of the DIKSHA project is to ensure the sustainability of its free education and nutrition programs for over 420 children from low-income families. By securing the necessary funding, DIKSHA aims to continue providing a comprehensive educational experience, including academic learning, extra-curricular activities, nutritious meals, and healthcare. This will empower the children to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families. The project seeks to mobilize support from donors, partners, and the community to achieve this goal, ensuring that every child at DIKSHA receives the education and care they deserve.

In the post-COVID-19 scenario, DIKSHA is struggling to maintain its operations due to increased financial constraints. The economic downturn has led to a reduction in donations, putting pressure on the school's ability to continue providing free education, meals, and other essential services to the children. The annual cost of education for each child is Rs. 18,000, while the mid-day meal program costs Rs. 99,000 per month to feed 420 children. We require a regular monetary support to keep up with the standards of quality education and meals, including the honorarium of staff members and maintenance of the premises.