Kohka Foundation

'Project Anando', a year-long initiative in collaboration with Light of Life Trust, concentrates on the holistic development of underprivileged children aged 11 to 18 in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district through education, empowerment, and employability training. Recognizing the high dropout rate in this age group, the programme provides comprehensive support, specifically targeting first-generation learners, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Its components include the S.F.S.E.P. addressing educational needs in Math, English, and Science, 'Mahacharcha' for 10th graders' preparedness, intensive counselling with home visits and community involvement, career guidance sessions, weekend workshops fostering personal growth and confidence, and diverse recreational activities like annual celebrations and sports events.

The Kohka Foundation recognized the severe impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods of the sex worker communities in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Understanding their vulnerability, the Foundation initiated skill development programmes specifically targeting these marginalized groups. These programmes, led by skilled professionals in tailoring, candle-making, and diya-making at the Ghatkopar centre, aimed to offer alternative livelihoods. The candle and diya-making initiative commenced in 2020, selling over 30,000 candles and channelling profits back to the women involved. Encouraged by the positive response, it expanded into decorative diya-making in 2021, showcasing 11 varieties priced between Rs. 250-Rs.350, coupled with tea light candles, strives to bring dignity, safety, and sustainable incomes to these women. Building on this success, it has introduced a block-printing programme, intending to further empower and economically uplift small groups of women within the community.

The Kohka Foundation's 'Jeevan Asha' initiative targets bridging the digital gap by providing computer education and IT skills to disadvantaged students and adults in rural and urban areas lacking access to technology. Recognizing the prevalent challenges including insufficient digital infrastructure, technical limitations, and a shortage of qualified teachers, 'Jeevan Asha' offers hands-on training with batches of 35 students, each equipped with laptops for a comprehensive 20-day programme. In Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Foundation focuses on digital learning for sex worker communities in Ghatkopar and Grant Road red light areas, along with specialized sessions for visually impaired individuals at centres in these areas and educational institutions in Mumbai and Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.

The Kohka Foundation concentrates on adolescent education by organising health camps, aiming to educate and normalize discussions around health, hygiene, and sexual awareness for the 253 million adolescents in India aged 10 - 19 years. Led by reputed gynaecologist Dr. Shilpa Bhiwapurkar, these camps occur multiple times a year across villages and government schools in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The initiatives encompass gynaecological camps, regular health check-ups, comprehensive sex education, eye check-ups, distribution of sanitary pads, and celebrations marking Women's Day, impacting eight Government schools, one Government college, and 15 villages, empowering young individuals with crucial knowledge and resources for their well-being.

The Kohka Foundation addresses the pressing issue of unemployment in rural India, particularly in areas like Seoni which lacks industrial investments. Recognizing the swiftly expanding labour force, it has initiated comprehensive skill development and training programmes. These initiatives cater to diverse demographics, including financially dependent women, school students, and others without stable incomes. By offering training in basic computer skills, pottery, beautician training, pickle-making, tailoring, sports, and arts, the Foundation aims not only to provide livelihood opportunities but also to equip rural individuals with employable skills essential for integration into urban professional environments, thus safeguarding their futures.