Samutkarsh program is designed for the holistic development of underprivileged children by running community learning centers (CLC or Abhyasika) in vasti (urban slums) areas.
The word Samutkarsha means holistic and integrated development. Many students in these communities face barriers to learning due to a lack of study space, supportive environments, limited exposure to positive role models, and insufficient clarity on fundamental concepts across subjects. Alongside academic challenges, students often miss out on valuable co-curricular and extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded education.
Our Abhyasika program aims to bridge these gaps by promoting inclusive growth, reducing inequality, and creating opportunities for each student to reach their full potential. This program provides a conducive space for students from 1st to 7th grade to study, and support classes that offer guidance in Mathematics, Science, and English for students from 8th to 10th grade.
To support these goals, educational experts have developed a specially designed curriculum called Balmitra specifically for the Samutkarsha project. Every activity within Balmitra is crafted to strengthen foundational knowledge and enhance overall cognitive skills, fostering holistic development for each student.
Objectives
- Providing an after-school conducive environment for the students in their settlements
- Assistance in curricular and co-curricular development
- Enhanced exposure for aspiration of the student
- Personality development through activities
- Counseling and handholding of students
- To undertake activities in the areas such as nourishment, health, gender education, and personality development.
Impact
| Particulars | Pune | Mumbai |
| No. of Abhyasika | 53 | 82 |
| Total Beneficiaries | 4,506 | 2,778 |
| SSC passed students | 290 | 102 |
The Samutkarsh project significantly impacted underprivileged children through its Community Learning Centres (CLC or Abhyasika) in the 2023-24 academic year. With a 95% overall pass rate, 102 students from Mumbai and 290 from Pune successfully cleared the SSC Examination. Notably, eight students from Pune scored above 90%, 150 students from Pune and Mumbai earned distinctions, and 100 students secured First Division marks. The project maintained high engagement, with an average attendance rate of 77% to 83%, leading to learning retention rates of 65% for secondary and 58.5% for primary students. The dropout rate was a low 14%, and parental involvement was strong at 85% in PTA meetings. Teachers scored an average of 63% on the Teachers Ability Test, and 790 students used the ‘First in Math’ Application to solve over 18 lakh Maths problems. The distribution of ‘Education Stationery Kits’ benefited over 1,700 students, easing financial stress for their parents. The Varshikotsav featured 11 competitions with over 1,400 student participants.
The CLCs fostered positive social behaviours, with students showing improvements in cleanliness, healthy eating habits, and communication skills. The project’s success was supported by 29 CSR partners and Trusts, and 10 corporate volunteer engagement activities. These efforts, along with the support classes for 8th to 10th standard students, contributed to a comprehensive development approach, combining academic support with personality development and community involvement.
United Nations Development Programme’s
Sustainable Goals aligned with School Kit
