Freedom To Learn

Meet Radhika:

Initially, Radhika struggled with irregular school attendance and felt neither safe nor engaged. Her academic performance was below grade level, with just 12% in Hindi and 50% in Maths.

With LIFI’s intervention—training community teacher leaders in activity-based Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) education, introducing morning circles for student well-being, and providing library books—Radhika's situation transformed. She began attending school regularly, felt secure, and eagerly anticipated each school day. By mid-year, Radhika's scores had risen to 72% in Hindi and 79% in Maths. Now in Grade 3, she is thriving both academically and emotionally.

While schools are putting in a lot of effort, there's a pressing need for enhanced support to ensure holistic development and more connect with the children in the communities.

Radhika needs the freedom to sit in a space which is not driven by a timetable,

Radhika needs the freedom to have access to more - 

Light-hearted conversations,

Access to new people,

Opportunities for better exposure,

Friendships,

Childhood memories,

Belonging,

Yesses instead of no’s,

Time which she spend on her ‘own’! 

Our Community Youth Resource Centers (CYRCs) aim to bridge to give this freedom to the children by offering them: 

• Remedial Support: Targeted assistance to help children catch up and excel in foundational skills.
• Library Access: A wide range of books to foster a love for reading and enhance literacy.
• STEM Sessions: Interactive activities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Computer Sessions: Technology access to build digital literacy and prepare students for future challenges.

For Radhika and many others like her, creating CYRCs in Delhi, Khargone, and Haryana will ensure continuous support for their education beyond Grade 5, providing them with the resources they need to achieve their dreams, and the freedom she and many other children of her age need. 

By establishing these centers, we will empower children and even the youth in the community with the tools and opportunities necessary for long-term success and holistic growth.

How CYRCs Make a Difference

Addressing Educational Gaps: Many children in under-resourced communities struggle with foundational skills. CYRCs play a crucial role in addressing these gaps by providing a structured and supportive learning environment. According to the ASER 2022 report, a significant percentage of children are not at grade level in basic skills like math and reading. CYRCs offer targeted support to help these children catch up and thrive.

Community Engagement and Support: CYRCs are not just learning centers; they are hubs of community engagement. By involving local stakeholders, these centers ensure that education is a shared responsibility. This collaborative approach helps create a sustainable and inclusive learning ecosystem.

Interactive and Holistic Learning: CYRCs offer more than traditional classroom education. They provide interactive and engaging activities that foster a love for learning and help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This holistic approach ensures that children are well-prepared for future challenges.

Opportunities for Youth Development: We would like to work with other youth in the community so there are a chain of local leaders who can work towards being better citizens of the country and work towards the development of their communities. 

Why We Need Your Support

We aim to raise INR 35 Lakh to establish and sustain seven CYRCs in communities across Delhi, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. These centers will serve as vital resources for 315 children and around 100 youth, offering them a safe space to learn and grow.

Breakdown of Funds:

• Setting Up One CYRC: INR 5,00,000 (this includes basic utilities, renovation of the space,  library,Wifi Cost, electricity charges, community engagement activities, inverter, rent, and basic setup charges)
• Total for Seven CYRCs: INR 35,00,000
• Cost per Child per Year: INR 12,000
• Cost per Community Teacher Leader (CTL): INR 1,20,000 (for one year)

How Your Contribution Can Help

• Support a Center: A donation of INR 5,00,000 will fund an entire CYRC for a year, providing a safe and enriching environment for children.
• Sponsor a Child: With INR 12,000, you can support a child's education for a year, ensuring they have access to quality learning opportunities.
• Support a Community Teacher Leader: Contribute INR 1,00,000 to support a CTL, who will lead educational initiatives and foster a nurturing learning environment