Improving education through bridge school for children of migrant communities in Delhi NCR

The bridge schooling initiative is one of the earliest interventions undertaken by PHIA. The initiative began in Bhowapur, Delhi NCR, with the goal of providing education to children from the rag-picking community in the area. Through the bridge schooling program, PHIA aimed to integrate these children into the formal education system and enable them to access better opportunities in the future.

Over the years, the initiative has grown and evolved, incorporating various elements to support the education and overall development of children from marginalized backgrounds. The program has since been expanded to the Madanpur Khadar region in Delhi, and more recently, a new project was launched at Kadkad Model. The Madanpur Khadar project had to be concluded during COVID-19. But the Bhowapur center and the Kadkar Model center are still active. The main objective of the project is to mainstream children from underprivileged backgrounds into the formal education system. This is achieved through a variety of activities, including remedial classes, additional educational and skill-building support, and child-friendly extracurricular activities. The project’s focus is on providing educational opportunities to children from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Castes, who often face significant barriers to accessing education.

PHIA’s efforts extend beyond education, with a focus on improving the health and nutrition of the children in their care. Regular health check-ups and nutritional support are provided to ensure the children’s overall well-being. Since its inception, the bridge schooling initiative has directly benefited over 650 children, with the current intervention engaging with 300 children. PHIA remains committed to providing education and healthcare support to underprivileged communities, and their efforts have made a significant impact in the lives of the children they serve.