Project21A takes its name and inspiration from Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, a provision that is well-known as the 'Right to Education.' This article stands as a cornerstone of our legal and moral commitment to ensuring that every child in India has the fundamental right to receive free and compulsory education between the ages of six and fourteen. This right is a testament to the importance that society places on equipping the younger generation with the knowledge and skills they need to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the progress of the nation.
The name 'Project21A' is a symbol of our unwavering dedication to this cause. It encapsulates our deep belief in the principle that quality education is not a privilege, but a right for every child, regardless of their socio-economic background. Our mission is to translate this commitment into tangible actions that bridge the resource gap and make quality education accessible to all, especially those who are disadvantaged and underserved.,
In 2020, our journey commenced with a heartfelt revelation. While volunteering at an orphanage, our founder couldn't help but notice the dire shortage of books. The few that were available were often in deplorable condition, confined to the curriculum, leaving the children with limited room to explore and grow. The teachers, in their sincere efforts, struggled to ignite the children's enthusiasm with these limited resources, highlighting the pressing need for a solution.
This realization spurred the inception of Project21A with a clear mission: to bridge the resource gap efficiently and cost-effectively. Our unwavering dedication is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have unfettered access to high-quality educational resources and opportunities.
We have recognized that, despite the Government of India's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, there remain deficiencies in the education system. Challenges such as undertrained teachers, delayed or insufficient delivery of essential learning materials, including books and stationery, and issues in the supply chain persist, often exacerbated by corruption. These challenges disproportionately affect children with limited resources.
Our approach is straightforward yet highly effective. We partner with well-performing private schools to conduct book-collection drives. During these initiatives, students generously contribute their used learning materials, which include books and stationery. We meticulously sort these materials by class and language of instruction. Subsequently, we distribute these materials to under-resourced schools grappling with these challenges. Whenever possible and depending on our available resources and space in the recipient school, we strive to create a library-like environment for the children, providing them with a shared space to learn and grow. These resources remain a permanent fixture within the school and are used by successive generations of children over several years.
In this manner, books and stationery that were no longer in use for some become a valuable shared resource for others. This approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution to bridge the resource gap in education, ensuring that no child is left behind.
As we move forward, our long-term vision involves collaborating with the City and State administration to become an assisting partner in filling these educational gaps that often go unaddressed, creating a more inclusive and accessible educational landscape for all children.