#bridgethegapmovement

ParkshalaTM is a Noida-based NGO dedicated to transforming lives of children who hail from the lower strata of the society. We work as an after-school support group to bridge the educational & moral gap between these children and their affluent peers. 

While we understand the importance of providing a nourishing, healthy meals to the children; there are times when they just want to let go and eat with abandon!

"My father runs a photocopy and printing shop. Since last year, the business is getting slower by slower. Our income has dropped down from INR 3 Lakh per annum to less than INR 2 Lakh p.a. . My father always wanted to give me the best of education. He tried to get me enrolled in schools like Kothari and Khaitan but they were unaffordable. Eventually, he got me admitted in Sunriseville in Sector-25 when I was in class II. . My teachers and parents put in a lot of effort to polish me so I could shine. The only way I could repay them was by studying.. so I did that. I secured 1st position from class VI-VIII. My Math teacher was exceptionally fond of me. . Last year, when the business dropped, we saw no other way but to leave the school. There was no way my family could've paid my fees.The bus fees contributed towards 30% of my fees. So, to lessen the burden, I started cycling to school. It takes me 30 minutes one way. My Math teacher talked the principal into not increasing the fees for me when the management decided on a hike. I scored 98% in VIII. . With the way things are going, I won't be able to continue in this school. The only thing I can do at this point is to give my 100% and hope that the universe is watching." -Chandan, class IX --------------------- We've decided to enroll Chandan in Gyanshree school (one of the top schools in Noida where 3 of our scholar kids are already studying). The #universe was indeed watching! ❣

"I want to be an #artist. Till 6 months ago, my family didn't #support me. Their words were, "ye hum logo ke shauk nahi hai. Kya hoga isse?" (These aren't the kind of things we indulge in. What's the point?) . Their logic is not wrong. We were a family of 7. With my elder siblings married, it's 5 of us now. My father works as a security guard. He earns INR 10,000. It's not enough so he took up a job in a cafe. His timings were 7 PM - 2 AM.

When it started taking a toll on his health, as the son, I took matters in my own hands and started working at the cafe on his behalf. They used to pay me INR 3000 per month.