UMEED: A scholarship program for students.

The pandemic was a challenging time for most of us. But for some, the pandemic turned their entire lives upside down. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, data collected by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) from various states and territories in India showed that the number of orphans during the COVID-19 pandemic was 153,000.

Education is essential for the personal and professional development of children, and it is especially important for children who have lost both parents. Providing access to education can help these children overcome the challenges they face, improve their chances of success in life, and break the cycle of poverty. 

Education can also help these children build self-esteem, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a sense of hope for their future. In short, education can provide a solid foundation for a better life and a brighter future for children who have lost both parents.

Deepalaya’s initiative Umeed aims to support the education of school children who have recently lost their parents and as a result, have unstable academic progression. We intend to identify children from such situations so as to ensure that their education continues uninterrupted by way of supporting their school expenses. 

Umeed aims to channelize the children losing their parent to come out of their emotionally turbulent phase and regularize their school and education. The main aim is to prevent children from dropping out of school due to financial difficulties. Under the program, every beneficiary’s school fee is paid directly to the school. 

In addition to providing academic assistance, there is also an emphasis on mental health through individual and family counseling by psychologists. Efforts are continuously made to reintegrate those who have dropped out of school and help them resume their formal education.

Umeed aims to empower around 20 children with this initiative who have lost their parents by building their capacity to start lives afresh. The fundraiser will provide vital support to help these children access quality education, including school/tuition fees, textbooks, and other related expenses. 

Scholarships can also help these children pursue their academic and professional goals and provide a sense of stability and security during difficult times. By providing financial support for education, the initiative can play a crucial role in helping orphaned children overcome obstacles and achieve success in their future.