Aarohan

Aarohan, since 2005, has been dedicated to holistic child development, recognising the crucial growth phase of a child's mental, physical, and emotional faculties. They have a "Early Childhood Care and Development" model, which provides comprehensive support to children aged 2 to 5, encompassing safety, health, nutrition, and education. In 2006, they established the Early Childcare Centre in a South Delhi slum, addressing early childcare needs and raising awareness about child protection and primary education. This centre serves as a resource for understanding child psychology, behaviour, and living conditions, and it has received recognition from various academic and social organisations. Key activities at the centre include community awareness, play-based teaching, parent and caregiver training in safety, health, hygiene, nutrition, and education, and creating an enriching environment for children.

Aarohan provides various after-school academic support programs to help school-going children succeed in their studies. "Project Pass" offers free academic support to primary-level school children through "Project Asha," focusing on subjects like English, Hindi, and Mathematics and providing meals, stationery, and school bags. "Project Pathways" addresses the transition from junior to secondary school by offering personalised attention and academic assistance to government school students in classes VI to VIII, emphasising Science and Mathematics. "Ambassadors of Project Hope" supports students in classes IX and X by providing revision classes in Mathematics and Science to prepare for board exams. "Project Shikhar" is for academically-inclined students in classes 11 and 12, offering daily subject revision and career counselling to motivate and guide them toward higher education and responsible citizenship, ultimately contributing to increased literacy in the community.

Aarohan's 'Teach the Mother' program, launched in 2012, is an extension of their child education initiatives. It aims to empower women, recognising the significant impact of a mother's strength on a child's growth. This program provides women with vocational and employment-oriented training, including skills like fashion design, garment making, and digital and financial literacy, fostering economic independence and awareness of women's rights. Additionally, it incorporates education on personal grooming, upcycling textile waste, and menstrual health and has led to women establishing successful boutiques, transforming their lives. By connecting gender empowerment with child development and offering short courses for improved livelihood opportunities, Aarohan's program is dedicated to helping women gain financial independence and enhance their control over their lives.

Aarohan has expanded its efforts to remote regions in India, specifically the East Coast Belt, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Their primary activities focus on supporting tribal children's education, empowering women, village and hamlet development, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of these areas. Despite government initiatives, tribal populations in these regions face significant challenges, including poor living conditions, malnutrition, and limited income opportunities. Aarohan addresses these issues through education, health, hygiene, and livelihood programs, aiming to help tribal communities thrive in their natural habitats. They've also formed a consortium of 10 NGOs to address tribal challenges in Andhra Pradesh, involving various organizations in their mission.

This program is dedicated to advocating for the rights of transgender individuals and their inclusion in mainstream society. They collaborate with individuals, organisations, and government departments to provide opportunities and workshops on financial literacy, general awareness, personality development, and skill training in beauty culture and therapy. Aarohan actively participated in drafting the Transgender Bill and the removal of Article 377 to improve the lives of transgender individuals. Their commitment includes creating common platforms for transgender individuals, advocacy and awareness for their rights, generating job opportunities, and building confidence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aarohan provided continuous support to transgender individuals through dry ration distribution, counselling, digital literacy, and vaccination to ensure their well-being and access to resources.

“The Centre for Excellence” in Sakipur Village of Uttar Pradesh, India, focuses on providing quality education and digital literacy to over 120 needy girls in grades 9th to 12th from underprivileged backgrounds. The project addresses the challenges of poor living conditions, lack of basic amenities, and a strong patriarchal influence that neglects girls' education in the village. Its goal is to empower these girls for sustainable human and economic development, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals such as nutrition, quality education, and gender equality. The project encompasses co-curricular activities, celebrations, sports, awareness programs, and health camps. Aarohan aims to equip these girls with financial independence skills and works with families, especially mothers, to raise awareness about government schemes for girls, legal aspects, and issues related to women's rights and safety.

Aarohan has introduced the "Community Library Project" to make libraries engaging and accessible to children, women, and the community. The project aims to promote reading habits, educate individuals who cannot read or write, and encourage corporate and individual engagement with the community. It also uses various mediums such as movie screenings, photography, dance, storytelling, drawing, music, sports, and health check-up camps to raise awareness and promote community involvement. The libraries offer a wide range of reading materials, including newspapers, magazines, books, and educational resources. The project has led to increased community participation, improved livelihood opportunities, higher literacy rates, and greater access to reading materials. Aarohan's innovative, interactive public library has become a hub for children and young people, offering a safe and stimulating space for learning and creativity.