Empowering Uttarakhand's Tribal Children with SURAAH Alternative School

The hills of Uttarakhand are being left behind.

Migration has weakened these remote regions, and poorly resourced schools remain stuck in outdated, conventional methods of education.

Children in these hill schools lead compliant lives, lacking role models and the inspiration to contribute back to their communities.

With few opportunities in the hills, many are eventually forced to move to cities for low-paying jobs, unable to realize their full potential, and often trapped in cycles of poverty. Without intervention, these schools will continue to produce generations of children disconnected from their roots and without the skills to drive change.

At SURAAH, we believe transformation is possible.

We are committed to reimagining education in these underserved regions, creating spaces where children can learn, grow, and dream beyond the classroom walls.

Our founders make our work possible. Here's what they have to say:

What do we do?

We take over existing low-income, dilapidated schools in the hills and transform them into thriving, progressive learning environments. We provide infrastructure, training, and innovative educational programs while ensuring that the local community remains at the heart of the school’s journey.

Our education looks different.

1. Students engage in nature-based learning, where forests, rivers, and hills become their classrooms. A lesson on biodiversity might mean exploring the nearby forest, gardening and growing their own vegetables or observing the changing colors of the nearby river. Science experiments and observations happen outdoors—using microscopes, playing nature bingo, or building local solutions to water problems in the nearby city.

2. Through Swagyan, our social-emotional learning (SEL) practice, children develop self-awareness, empathy, and teamwork. They engage in group reflections, peer discussions, and collaborative projects, learning to express their thoughts while respecting others. A student struggling with conflict might role-play solutions, while another leading a group activity practices inclusion and communication. Swagyan nurtures self-directedness, encouraging students to set personal goals and explore their unique strengths.

3.Creativity is woven into everything we do. Abhivyakti (art-based exploration) allows students to express themselves through painting, drama, and storytelling. A literature lesson may turn into a student-led puppet play, a science concept into clay modeling, and a math class into mandala art to teach fractions. Through Abhivyakti, students build confidence and discover new ways to understand the world.

Our Work So Far

Since our inception, we’ve transformed MKJSM in Katapathhar, Dehradun, into a nurturing space for children from nursery to class 5. This year, we’ve worked directly with 100 children, achieving measurable improvements in literacy and numeracy, while fostering creativity and self-expression.

We’ve also partnered with 8 local community teachers, providing training to raise teaching standards, with some attending off-site programs. Beyond our core work, we’ve engaged over 100 children through Shiksha Melas and school visits, and worked closely with parents and community members to address their needs.

To ensure our model’s viability, we’ve piloted programs in multiple schools across Uttarakhand, including Chakrata, adapting to diverse educational contexts.

This is urgent

With your support, we can expand our mission to more schools in Uttarakhand and beyond. Your donations will help us renovate more schools, providing safe and inspiring spaces for children to learn. We will train teachers in progressive, child-centered methodologies, develop and expand our nature-based, self-guided, and art-driven curriculums, and provide essential learning resources and technology to underserved communities.

Together, we can give children in remote hill regions the education they deserve—one that nurtures their minds, hearts, and hands.

Donate Now

Your contribution can spark the change that these children and communities need. Join us in transforming education, one school at a time.