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ABOUT US:

Shankar, the founder of Katral, grew up witnessing the struggles of children in his village who were forced to leave school due to financial hardship and lack of support. His own family was not spared—his younger brother dropped out in 8th grade, and his sister was married young, cutting short her education.

Determined to break this cycle, Shankar began tutoring children through an after-school program by AID INDIA. This experience fueled his passion for education, leading him to work full-time in rural and urban communities in Tamil Nadu, helping young students overcome barriers to learning.

It was during this journey that he met Aravind Raj, and Lakshmi, a like-minded changemaker. Together, they founded Katral—a movement dedicated to empowering children with education, skills, and mentorship while also creating opportunities for women through livelihood skills training. By equipping women with sustainable income-generating skills, Katral helps improve family financial stability, ensuring that children can continue their education without interruption.

Today, Katral stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, every child can build a brighter future and break free from the chains of poverty.

Our Vision:

Ensuring every child has access to quality education and skills to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable livelihoods, fostering long-term economic stability and opportunity.

Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities that empower women with economic security, self-reliance, and the ability to support their families' education and well-being.

Our Approach:

🌱 Our Approach: Transforming Communities Through Education & Empowerment

At Katral, we believe in holistic development—where education, skills, and community-driven initiatives create lasting change. Our approach focuses on providing children and families with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

🏫 1. A Safe & Supportive Learning Space

A nurturing after-school center that fosters safety, positivity, and well-being.

Focused academic support and social-emotional learning to strengthen foundational literacy, numeracy, and emotional resilience.

💡 2. Empowering Young Minds

Cultivating social consciousness to inspire responsible and compassionate changemakers.

Encouraging self-discovery by providing platforms to explore individual talents.

Implementing skill-based assessments to track progress and personalize learning.

👩‍🏫 3. Strengthening Community Involvement

Engaging local tutors from within the community to create meaningful connections with students.

Providing continuous training and mentorship for tutors to enhance teaching quality.

Declaring student learning outcomes to elevate confidence and motivation.

🎭 4. Beyond Academics: Nurturing Talent & Growth

Uncovering hidden talents through non-academic training sessions in arts, literacy, music, dance and sports.

Providing exposure & opportunities for children to showcase their skills and talents.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. Strengthening Communities as Partners in Learning

Organizing interactive and solution-driven parent-teacher meetings to foster shared responsibility in a child’s growth.

Creating community-driven learning hubs where parents actively engage in their children's academic and skill-building journey.

Offering customized livelihood training programs that equip families with income-generating skills, ensuring long-term stability.

🔄 6. Building Self-Sustaining Communities

Empowering children and families to lead change within their own communities through education and skill-building.

Establishing a mentorship cycle where beneficiaries support and uplift the next generation, creating a sustainable ecosystem of learning and growth.

Strengthening local networks to drive collective action in education, employment, and social development.

🚀 Together, we create thriving communities where every child has the opportunity to learn, inspire and Transform!

PROJECTS:

🚀 Our Projects: Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

At Katral, we believe in education and empowerment as the most powerful tools for change. Our mission is to uplift children, women, and entire communities, ensuring a future of opportunity, dignity, and self-reliance.

🏢 Community Learning Center

📚 Laying Strong Foundations for a Brighter Future

Too many children struggle without basic literacy and numeracy skills, limiting their future opportunities. Our Community Learning Centers provide the essential academic foundation needed to break this cycle, empowering young minds to learn, grow, and thrive.

🔥 What We Do:

📚 Foundational Learning – Strengthening literacy and numeracy for grades 3-8.

❤️ Social-Emotional Development – Building confidence, resilience, and leadership.

🎭 Holistic Growth – Encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression.

🌟 Talent Discovery & Skill Development – Identifying children's hidden talents and creating opportunities to showcase their skills.

👩‍🏫 Community-Based Tutors – Recruiting local educators to teach and mentor children.

🏡 Community-Centered Approach – Conducting need analysis surveys to tailor programs.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parental Involvement – Engaging families in their children’s learning journey.

✨ Impact:

✅ Improved academic performance and school retention.

✅ Confident, skilled learners ready to shape their future.

✅ Empowered communities that support lifelong learning.

📍 Locations: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

👩‍🎓 Women Empowerment

💪 Strengthening Women, Strengthening Communities

When women are economically independent, families and communities thrive. Our Women Empowerment program provides the skills, resources, and support women need to achieve financial stability and self-reliance.

🔥 How We Empower Women:

✂️ Livelihood & Skill Training – Courses in tailoring, handicrafts, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

💰 Financial Literacy & Business Development – Teaching budgeting, savings, and business skills.

👩‍💼 Leadership & Advocacy – Encouraging women to take leadership roles and drive social change.

🤝 Support Networks & Mentorship – Connecting women with peer groups and role models.

✨ Impact:

✅ Financially independent women who uplift their families.

✅ Better education, healthcare, and opportunities for children.

✅ Self-sustaining communities led by empowered women.

📍 Locations: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

🚀 At Katral, we don’t just educate, we EMPOWER. We don’t just support, we TRANSFORM.

🎯 Join us in creating a world where every child learns, every woman thrives, and every community flourishes.