Muskaan

Supports denotified tribes and urban poor, evolving and strengthening its commitment to marginalized communities

  • FCRA
  • 80G
  • 12A
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About

  • Headquarters

    Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

  • Since

    1998

Muskaan’s mission revolves around empowering children and young individuals from marginalized communities through education. The organisation believes Read more that true empowerment can only be achieved when we actively acknowledge and address their unique life circumstances and extend this approach to other vulnerable communities. To realize this vision, it employs critical learning methods both within the formal school environment and within the broader community contexts. The engagement with community members spans across various age groups, always mindful that each individual is on their personal journey. The goal is to create a space where every community member can derive strength and support from collective endeavours. Central to the mission is the cultivation of thought leaders within marginalized communities who can identify and drive essential interventions at the grassroots level. It firmly rejects the idea of selectively addressing issues based on organizational convenience, recognizing that doing so would turn a blind eye to the unjust ecosystem that persists. Consequently, concerns such as protection from sexual abuse, violence, and access to entitlements like health services or the Public Distribution System (PDS) have all become integral aspects of our work.

Programs

  • Indigenous education

    At Muskaan, the boundaries between the community and the school are fluid. Parents are welcome to visit their children at any time, and children are encouraged to spend weekends or attend to their family's needs. Muskaan discourages children from joining the hostel during the first decade of their lives, as strong parental and community bonds are vital for their well-being.

    The approach to meaningful education is rooted in the lives and realities of the people. At Muskaan’s school and educational initiatives, it actively encourages learners to bring their own experiences into the classroom. Muskaan acknowledges the historical trauma inflicted by colonialism and its exacerbation by poverty and deprivation, particularly in urban settings. Therefore, the programs prioritize care and aim to heal the damage caused by external forces, addressing the dysfunctional coping mechanisms that have developed.

  • Yuwayon ki awaz

    This initiative encourages self-reflection on strengths and weaknesses, fosters sharing of thoughts and perspectives, imparts new skills, provides insights into various issues, promotes collaboration with youth from diverse communities, and equips them to address personal and community challenges. Over 350 youth from different Bhopal settlements are now part of a collective group called "YUWAYON KI AWAAZ," fostering connection and growth.

  • Ultimate Firsbee

    In 2018, a Muskaan team member introduced children to Frisbee, and since then, their enthusiasm has never waned. Despite the absence of formal training from a certified coach, they children have been self-learning with minimal guidance.
    Surprisingly, these children are now taking on the role of educators and motivators for kids in various Bhopal settlements. They have already competed against 15 teams in New Delhi and 2 teams in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The children are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete at the national level in the future. This diverse team includes both girls and boys, contributing significantly to challenging gender stereotypes within the children and communities.
    With their contagious excitement, the children are wholeheartedly devoted to Frisbee. Through this sport, they have not only discovered a new passion but have also gained self-awareness, understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Language as a tool for expression

    Muskaan embraces diversity in language, with children hailing from various backgrounds, including the Gond Community, Pardhi, Urdu, and Hindi speakers. Instead of rigidly adhering to a specific language standard, Muskaan adopts a multilingual approach that prioritizes their ability to freely express themselves. The aim is to create an inclusive environment where children can communicate comfortably.
    To achieve this, it places great importance on developing a curriculum that aligns with their surroundings and experiences. This curriculum is complemented by a variety of activities and methods designed to encourage brainstorming and expand their imaginations. The approach includes:
    1. Storytelling, Sight-words, and Listening
    2. Circle-Time
    3. Field Trips to Local Farms and Other Places
    4. Initial Sound Recognition
    5. Building Self-Image

  • Books and libraries

    Muskaan employs a versatile approach to literacy and learning, utilizing various forms of libraries, including open-air libraries, school libraries, and community rooms transformed into libraries. Moreover, even when it might not appear as a traditional library intervention, it incorporates books and articles, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, into nearly all programs and engagements across diverse age groups.
    For the youngest participants, this exposure introduces them to the captivating realm of text and imagery within books. As individuals progress in age, these literary resources become essential tools for enhancing literacy and fluency, while simultaneously unveiling both the unfamiliar and the familiar aspects of our world. A well-chosen book possesses the power to foster self-discovery and transport us to entirely different realms. It broadens our horizons by delivering a blend of information and imagination through compelling narratives.

Leadership Team

  • Brajesh Verma

    President

  • Sonia Rashid

    Vice President

  • Savita Sohit

    Secretary

  • Manish Rajoria

    Treasurer

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    51-100

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • PAN Card

    AAATM6252C

  • Registration ID

    6626/98

  • VO ID / Darpan ID

    MP/2017/0171825

  • 12A

    AAATM6252CE20214

  • 80G

    AAATM6252CF20214

  • FCRA

    063160102

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    Plot No. 264-65, Behind Canara Bank, Landmark – Left in the lane opposite D.P.S. School Bhadbhada Road, Neelbad, Bhopal, 462044

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit
    Society