All of us go through life but some moments have a greater impact than others. Sometimes we see problems in our surroundings and we do 3 things-
Our founder Sandeep Kumar belonged to the third category and went a mission to educate underprivileged children around him.
Sandeep Kumar is born to a farmer in the village of Dhani Mahu in Haryana’s Bhiwani district. He stayed in the village until he could complete class 12, after which he moved to Chandigarh. After 12th he took up the Junior Basic Training Course, which presented him with the prospect of teaching students in government schools until class 5.
As part of his training in the final year, he worked (as an intern) with a government school in Bhiwani. The exposure caused him to identify some jarring gaps in the ‘free education’ system.
“The students were very intelligent and would pick up all the concepts that were taught in class. When he asked them if they were taking notes, they would stare at his with blank faces.”
‘We don’t have books, pens or pencils, masterji,’ the kids would lament.
Initially, the youngster shelled money from his pocket to fund these basic requirements for some deserving students. But as soon as word spread that a teacher was giving out free copies, many students started asking him for free books. This led him to probe the matter further.
“According to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, the government provides free education to these kids until class 8 along with a certain amount of money for books and stationery. A lot of times, this money is transferred directly to their accounts but ends up being used for other things. But when I visited some students who were taking books from me, I realized they were living in abject poverty. Their families did not have enough money to put a square meal on the table, how would they use the allocated money to buy books? I was deeply disturbed, but I was clueless about what to do.”
After returning to Chandigarh, he saw similar issues in government schools, colleges and slums. But this time, he decided to visit these institutions and tried to personally identify students he could help.
“Because of a lack of textbooks and other study material, these students feel isolated from the rest of their class. He desperately wanted to find a way to help them.”
What happens to textbooks, guides, half-used books, and stationery once a student completes an academic year, he wondered. Well, they are thrown out or land up with the raddiwalas.
So, he took the first step of journey from own home.
“He found some of his old textbooks and half-used notebooks that had blank pages. He separated the unused pages and bound them together to make ready-to-use books and refilled old pens. He thought if he could inspire other people to do the same, we could help some deserving students.”
Many encouraged him to formalize the initiative and build a trusted network and this led to the establishment of his NGO, Open Eyes Foundation.
Open Eyes Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education, literacy, and community development. We provide educational resources to underprivileged children and communities.
We are based in Chandigarh, India. Our projects often extend to nearby region in the Tricity area focusing on areas where access to education is limited.
You can reach us through our website, email us at openeyesfoundationhr@gmail.com, or call us at +91-7508408205.
To become a volunteer, simply fill out the volunteer application form available on our website. Our team will get in touch with you for the next steps.
Yes, all donations to Open Eyes Foundation are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Absolutely! We accept books, stationery, educational materials, and other relevant supplies. Reach out to us for more information on how to donate items.
Open Eyes Foundation runs various initiatives, including Raddi Se Shiksha Book Bank, Book donation box, Library of Honesty, Gyaan ka Safar Mobile Library, Naya Savera, Mission Literacy, Khushiyon ki Potli.
Yes, we welcome partnerships with schools, colleges, and organizations to expand our reach. Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.
Yes, we offer internships and occasionally have job openings. Keep an eye on our website and social media handles. You may also contact us for the latest opportunities.
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