Ashraya Initiative for Children (AIC)

On #MathematicsDay "Dream Bigger, Aim Higher" 🎓 💡 ✨ In many De-Notified and marginalized communities, livelihoods often revolve around unstable trades—selling second-hand clothes, bartering utensils, or, tragically, even criminal activities. For children growing up in these circumstances, the concept of dreaming big can seem out of reach, their aspirations often limited by the struggles they witness daily. At Ashraya, we believe that every child deserves the chance to dream beyond their immediate realities and aim for a brighter, more meaningful future. This is why we are committed to opening doors to opportunities they may have never imagined—like pursuing careers in STEM. On this National Mathematics Day, we took a significant step toward this mission. With the support of industry experts from Mastercard, we spent the day inspiring and educating our 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders about the boundless opportunities in STEM fields. 8 dedicated Mastercard professionals volunteered their time to share insights about STEM careers & the importance of Maths in everyday life. From university courses to the transformative power of technology, these sessions not only highlighted the steps required to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology but also ignited a spark of curiosity and ambition in our students. With the right guidance, support, and inspiration, the students can be made ready to challenge limits and become the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. Mastercard Sreelekha Ashok Romil Jain Tushar Desai #NationalMathematicsDay #STEMCareers #DreamBigger #HamariShala #LeadershipDevelopment #InclusiveEducation #FutureLeaders #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HamariShalaProgram #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes

Ending 2024 on a High Note 💫 We are thrilled to share that Ashraya’s first Self-Help Group (SHG), Saheli, has been honored with the prestigious Best SHG Award by Shivray Patsanstha! Founded in September 2022, Saheli has exemplified extraordinary dedication and discipline. Their unwavering commitment to timely repayments for seed money and strategic use of these funds for business growth has been the cornerstone of their success A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Community Empowerment Lead, Rajani Dhende, whose passion and perseverance inspire us all. Rajni Didi proudly represented Ashraya at the award ceremony, sharing the remarkable journey of Saheli. This award is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and hard work of the women in Saheli SHG. Together, they are shaping brighter futures and proving that empowered communities can achieve the extraordinary! #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #CommunityEmpowerment #WomenEmpowerment #SHG #GrowingTogether #CommunityImpact #SustainableCommunities

#DonorImpact Nandini's journey is a testament to resilience and growth, made possible by the unwavering support of generous donor partners like Bajaj Finserv and visionary CSR Leaders like Kurush Irani & Leena Rajan. Nandini came to Ashraya as an 8th grader, struggling to find a school that could accommodate the unique needs of a student from a conservative Sikhligar community. For the next seven years, under the compassionate guidance of the Ashraya counseling team, Nandini broke through countless barriers, defying societal expectations and overcoming personal challenges. Her determination and commitment to her education were unwavering. Despite the pressure to conform, Nandini pursued her passion for science in high school, and during this time, she interned at Ashraya's "Groove with Gratitude" program, honing essential soft skills. Additionally, she worked as an intern in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) department, which further sharpened her leadership and interpersonal skills, equipping her to thrive in diverse settings. Today, Nandini is a third-year student at Poona College, enrolled in the Medical Lab Technician Program. Her hard work recently paid off when she secured a full-time job as a lab technician at a newly opened facility near Ashraya. Nandini’s success is not just her own—it is the result of collective effort including the generous contributions of donors like Bajaj. Their support has helped change lives, proving that with the right resources, no dream is too big, and no barrier is too high. #DonorImpact #YouthEmpowerment #AshrayaImpact  #FutureLeaders #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes #SuccessStory Bajaj Finserv CSR

#DonorImpact Nandini's journey is a testament to resilience and growth, made possible by the unwavering support of generous donor partners like Bajaj Finserv and visionary CSR Leaders like Kurush Irani & Leena Rajan. Nandini came to Ashraya as an 8th grader, struggling to find a school that could accommodate the unique needs of a student from a conservative Sikhligar community. For the next seven years, under the compassionate guidance of the Ashraya counseling team, Nandini broke through countless barriers, defying societal expectations and overcoming personal challenges. Her determination and commitment to her education were unwavering. Despite the pressure to conform, Nandini pursued her passion for science in high school, and during this time, she interned at Ashraya's "Groove with Gratitude" program, honing essential soft skills. Additionally, she worked as an intern in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) department, which further sharpened her leadership and interpersonal skills, equipping her to thrive in diverse settings. Today, Nandini is a third-year student at Poona College, enrolled in the Medical Lab Technician Program. Her hard work recently paid off when she secured a full-time job as a lab technician at a newly opened facility near Ashraya. Nandini’s success is not just her own—it is the result of collective effort including the generous contributions of donors like Bajaj. Their support has helped change lives, proving that with the right resources, no dream is too big, and no barrier is too high. #DonorImpact #YouthEmpowerment #AshrayaImpact  #FutureLeaders #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes #SuccessStory Bajaj Finserv CSR

Protecting Childhood, Empowering Futures🛡️ This Children’s Day, we celebrate the unbounded potential and bright dreams within every child, and the dedication of Ashraya to protect and nurture that spark. Since 2004, Ashraya has walked alongside children from marginalized communities, creating spaces where innocence is preserved, curiosity is nurtured, and every child has the freedom to simply be — to play, to laugh, to learn, and to imagine a future filled with possibilities. At Ashraya, we believe that each child deserves not only an education but a childhood filled with joy, resilience, and safety. Our programs are designed to safeguard this precious phase of life, offering holistic support that includes health, emotional well-being, and community empowerment. Every day, we see the power of this approach in the bright eyes of children exploring new ideas, the playful energy they bring to classrooms, and the quiet pride they feel as they accomplish something they once thought impossible. Through Ashraya’s commitment, these children are growing into empathetic, curious, and capable young individuals ready to shape a better tomorrow. Let’s honor the beauty of childhood and build a future where every child has the chance to dream, grow, and thrive. Happy Children’s Day! 🌟 #ProtectingChildhood #empoweringfutures #FutureLeaders #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HamariShalaProgram #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #HealthandNutrition #EducationforAll #denotifiedtribes

We're #hiring! Ashraya Initiative for Children is looking for a dedicated Partnerships Manager to join our team in Pune. If you or someone you know is passionate about communications, social media, and making a difference, please check out the job posting below! #HiringNow #JobOpportunity #PartnershipsManager #SocialImpactJobs #CommunicationsRole #NonprofitCareers #MakeADifference #JoinOurTeam #AshrayaInitiative #ImpactCareers #ApplyNow #CareersWithPurpose #HiringPune #JobsInPune

🎓 Empowering Through Education! 🎓 This National Education day, meet the Bhada sisters – Neeta, Nisha, and Neha Kaur Bhada, three incredible girls from a family deeply rooted in Sikhligar traditions where girls’ education has often been restricted. Despite early challenges, these sisters have consistently excelled at Ashraya, from academics and public speaking to art and sports, fueled by a shared vision of successful careers. With unwavering determination, they inspired their father to embrace their dreams, gradually allowing each to complete higher education👩🎓 Today, Neha, the eldest, holds a diploma in fashion design, pursuing a career in the field while also teaching “Tailoring” as a subject in the Hamari Shala Program. Their journey is a testament to the power of Education. As we honour National Education Day, let’s continue to pave the way for more bright futures 💡 At Ashraya, we’re proud to champion access to education and the transformative power it brings to communities. Today, we’re supporting over 400 students through our diverse Education programs, each  focused on Project based and Experiential learning. Happy National Education Day! 📖🎒 #NationalEducationDay #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HolisticDevelopment #HamariShalaProgram #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #HealthandNutrition #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes #PuneNonProfits

An inspiring day for the girls of the #EnlightProject !🌟 They visited Capgemini’s Pune office, met with senior leaders, and gained insights into the workings of a global organization. A special highlight was their conversation with Ms. Sreevidya Viswanathan, COO of Capgemini's Financial Services Business Unit, who shared her journey of growth and career navigation as a woman in leadership. Thank you to Capgemini and Aide et Action South Asia for this empowering experience. #empoweringyouth #leadershipdevelopment #futureleaders #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HamariShalaProgram #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #HealthandNutrition #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes #PuneNonProfits

On World Food Day, we celebrate the progress we’ve made in providing holistic support to our communities—where health and sustainability go hand in hand! 🌍🍽️ At Ashraya, we believe that nourishing young minds starts with nourishing their bodies. With the incredible support of our partners, Zariya India , we’ve been able to provide daily nutritious lunches to our children, focusing on a diverse variety of vegetables and pulses. These balanced meals are making a real impact, improving the overall health of our students! This year’s Health Camp saw an average BMI of 16.4 and HB of 11.3—important milestones on our journey toward better nutrition and well-being for all. Every meal counts in building a healthier, brighter future! #WorldFoodDay #NourishTheFuture #HealthAndSustainability #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HamariShalaProgram #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #HealthandNutrition #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes #punenonprofits

Breaking Chains, Building Futures: A Journey of Strength, Courage, and Change This International Girl Child Day, we shine a light on the powerful stories of girls from de-notified tribes in Yerwada who have shattered societal expectations. Once seen as liabilities, these young women have defied the odds, excelling in their studies and living life on their own terms. Their parents, who once held traditional views, now stand as proud supporters of their daughters’ right to independence and empowerment. Watch as these families share their transformative journeys, and witness the profound shift in what it truly means to raise a girl child. #InternationalGirlChildDay #BreakingNorms #EmpoweredGirls #DaughtersOfChange #RaisingStrongGirls #ShiftingPerspectives  #AshrayaInitiativeforChildren #HamariShalaProgram #CommunitySustainability #PsychologyandCounselling #HealthandNutrition #EducationforAll #DenotifiedTribes