By Sheetal Jhaveri
The Discovery
On their way back, they observed a group of schoolchildren walking along an isolated, winding road. Their curiosity led them to discover that students in grade five and above walked up to 5 km one way to attend school. Most children walking to school would end up playing and not reaching the school. This arduous commute also meant that many girls, particularly after grade four, dropped out as their families deemed the journey unsafe.
Further inquiry revealed another disheartening reality—though primary schools existed in the vicinity, the quality of education was severely lacking. Students from grades one to four were taught in the same room, repeating the same lessons. Alarmingly, assessments showed that fourth graders struggled to count to 50 in any language. Schools were present, but meaningful learning was absent.
Laying the Foundation
Determined to address this systemic failure, Brejesh, alongside his colleague Saurabh and wife Ashima, initiated a series of sustainable interventions. They firmly believed that education was the most effective tool to break the circle of poverty in these communities.
Addressing Transportation Challenges
One of SEENCH’s first initiatives was to eliminate the primary hurdle—distance. The introduction of a dedicated transport system, comprising buses and vans, has ensured over time that children travel safely to and from the nearest secondary and high schools. This single initiative has drastically impacts school attendance and prevents girls from discontinuing their education.
Enhancing Numeracy & Literacy
Beyond physical access to schools, SEENCH identified the pressing need to strengthen foundational learning. They transformed ten primary schools into SEENCH Shakhas—morning learning centres where trained educators provide structured lessons in mathematics and language before regular school hours. This ensures that children receive level-appropriate instruction.
Enabling Holistic Development
These Shakhas have evolved into vibrant centres of learning, offering much more than academics. Arts, personality development, and extracurricular activities are all integral elements, enabling well-rounded growth. Digital literacy has been introduced through computers and e-learning tools, and structured sports programs have been implemented to promote physical well-being and teamwork.
Ensuring Access to Essential Resources
SEENCH recognized that education could only thrive if children had the necessary resources. To bridge this gap, every year students are provided essential school supplies—stationery, uniforms, school bags, and rain gear—ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder their learning journey.
Overcoming Infrastructure and Environmental Challenges
The region’s rugged terrain and heavy monsoons pose significant obstacles. SEENCH regularly collaborates with local authorities to reinforce school infrastructure by constructing boundary walls for safety, repairing roofs, building drinking water facilities, and improving classroom conditions. These efforts have created a secure and conducive environment for learning.
Healthcare & Community Engagement
To support student well-being, SEENCH organizes regular medical camps, monitoring anemia levels and providing necessary treatments. Additionally, workshops are often conducted for parents and children on health, hygiene, financial literacy, and the long-term benefits of education, fostering a culture that values learning.
A Community Centre, established over 14 years ago, continues to serve as a hub for local gatherings, reinforcing the sense of collective progress and development.
A Decade and a Half of Growth and Impact
What began as a modest initiative has now impacted thousands of children, with SEENCH reaching nearly 600 students annually across 25 villages and sub-villages in Karjat. The foundation’s work has transformed education from an inaccessible dream into a tangible reality, offering children the opportunity to rise above their circumstances.
The Road Ahead
With a strong foundation in place, SEENCH is committed to expanding its reach to even more remote villages, ensuring that every child in India has access to quality education. The organization is set to introduce vocational training programs, and a dedicated sports academy, harnessing the innate strength and potential of children accustomed to challenging terrains.
A Collective Effort
Brejesh and Ashima, backed by a dedicated team—Rati Pandey, Raksha Shinde, Radhika Gupta and Namrata Gulati, along with committed educators led by Advocate Hola Shankar, and a prominent advisory board including Shri Vighnesh Shahane, Peeyush Agarwal, Prashanth Srinivas, and Saurabh Kumar—continue to drive SEENCH’s mission forward.
The Promise of SEENCH
Education remains the most powerful force for breaking generational poverty, and SEENCH is unwavering in its commitment to this cause. From children once trekking long distances through the mountains to now thriving in well-equipped classrooms, SEENCH has redefined educational accessibility, ensuring that every child can dream, aspire, and achieve.
To donate and support more the communities served by SEENCH, scan the QR code below:
Sheetal Jhaveri is a Partner at The Write Place and a Project Consultant at Podium Pro, working on editing and writing projects to fulfill marketing, branding, and educational requirements for clients across sectors such as fashion, retail, travel, education, training, hospitality, agriculture, finance, technology, and more.
With previous experience as a Financial Writer and Editor at ICICI Bank, Outlook Money, and Rediff, she has honed her skills as a research-based content strategist. Her passion for writing continues to drive her journey, combining strategic insights with creative storytelling across diverse industries
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