Multiplying good through strong, strategic partnerships

Children International Learning Resource Centers often serve multiple purposes, such as study halls, libraries, computer labs and even as spaces for educational play. In Delhi, our partnership with Guru Krupa helps ensure these facilities are available to children in the community, free of charge.

When it comes to children’s education, decades of studies and research have proven the importance of starting early. Kids who participate in early childhood development achieve higher levels of education and greater economic success as adults.

In rapidly developing nations like India, giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the educational opportunities they need as they grow is vital. Acquiring the skills and knowledge that will allow them to eventually compete for jobs and to formally participate in expanding economies is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Partnerships between Children International and organizations like the Guru Krupa Foundation are an important strategic layer in effectively assisting children and youth so they can achieve their goals. Since 2012, generous annual grants from Guru Krupa ensured that thousands of children have had access to eight learning centers at our agency in Delhi, India. The educational resources this partnership helps make possible are available to all children and youth in the communities we serve, regardless of whether they are enrolled in our sponsorship program.

The movement to eradicate child poverty needs all of us, individuals and organizations, to work together. Because when we join forces, we are able to multiply our good in the world, creating far more impact than we can ever do alone.

Among the thousands of lives transformed as a result of our partnership with Guru Krupa over the past seven years, here are just a few first-hand accounts from 2019:

“I like coming to the center,” says Sabroon, 13, “because we do group activities and learn through play. It makes it more fun to learn!”

Sabroon’s mother, Naseema, tells us that her daughter was unable to read and write when she began tutoring sessions several years ago. Now, Sabroon is fluent in both Hindi and English. The changes have been transformational. “She wakes up early,” says Naseema, “goes to school and comes back home to change her clothes before heading to Children International’s learning resource center. She also completes her homework on time and helps her siblings with their homework.”

Prince, 9, enjoys the once-a-week “open sessions,” in which the instructors use a more playfully interactive approach when teaching math and language.

“I really like the open sessions,” he says, “because my teacher is very nice and teaches us with love. She isn’t bothered if we make mistakes. She just asks us to be careful next time and she also encourages us to do what we are interested in.”

Twelve-year-old Sajiya appreciates that there are different ways for her to learn at Children International’s centers.

“I like the e-learning sessions the most,” she says, “because they are audio-visual. After the videos, we solve problems on worksheets. And I love tutoring classes because I not only get a chance to learn but I also get a chance to share my thoughts in front of everyone.”

Sajiya’s mom, Nimat, tells us that private tutoring is very expensive. But, she says, “Children International – Delhi, provides tutoring free of cost and the instruction is high quality. The tutors interact regularly with parents, apprising us of our children’s progress.”

Nargis, 13, credits her tutoring instructor, Manju, for being so “kind and encouraging” in the way she nurtures a positive learning environment.

“We are able to learn life skills through different storybooks and from Manju’s motivation,” says Nargis.
“The tutoring sessions are great,” she adds, “as I am better able to understand the concepts of mathematics, Hindi and English. I also learned how to save [money and resources] by attending Aflatoun sessions.”

“I think all children should come for tutoring sessions at the Learning Center, and study like me,” says Najni, 9.

“Tutoring helps us to understand the importance of good study habits, which we can take to school, and beyond.”