The Akanksha Foundation (www.akanksha.org) is a non-profit organization with a mission to impact the lives of India’s less privileged children, enabling them to maximize their potential and change their lives. Akanksha works primarily in the field of education, addressing non formal education through the Akanksha centers and also formal education by initiating school reform through its six schools.

“My dream is that one day all children will get a chance to do something good for themselves and for their own country.” Ravi K

Akanksha aspires to provide each child with:

• A strong educational foundation in English and Math

• A sense of self-esteem and values

• A good time where children learn with joy, both in and out of the classroom

• Tools that they can use to create a future livelihood for themselves and prepare them for life.

Art for Akanksha's art curriculum includes drawing, painting, traditional Indian art forms and craft activities. At Art Class, groups of Akanksha children meet in a fun and laughter-filled environment to produce artwork.   

 “I feel I am in heaven when I am with my colors. I can create my own world and have control over it” - Raju

Akanksha in the US:  The Akanksha Fund Inc. is a 501(c)3 charity registered in New York State (EIN 13-3976569).   Akanksha’s US address is c/o Sarah Roberts—President and Treasurer, 400 Central Park West, 17Y, New York, NY 10025, 917-930-6515, akankshafund@msn.com.   

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Shelley Seale | Writer & Chocoholic

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The Weight of Silence
Invisible Children of India
http://weightofsilence.wordpress.com

"What has been the best thing about being a part of this program?" I asked him, as I had Raju.

"Akanksha has inspired me," said Ravi. "They find out what you're interested in and they help get you on a path for that."

The culture of service that Ravi possessed was one Akanksha seeks to foster in the organization and all its students. Besides education, they provide mentoring and a sense of self-esteem. Many graduates are now trainee teachers or social workers and serve as role models to younger students. The Social Leadership Program focuses on giving children an understanding of social issues and helps them become agents of change in their own communities. Akanksha students have volunteered with tsunami relief efforts, Bombay Hospital pediatric ward and local school renovations. Such projects not only foster the value of service in the children, but give them a level of status and importance to the community - a first for many of them.

"We've been around long enough to prove ourselves to the children, parents and community," Tina said as the students slowly left for the day. "We encourage them to dream a little bigger than they otherwise would."