Reflecting on a project, we did 10 years back.
One of our most impactful initiatives at Gramiksha was the Street Meet Project which aimed to understand and address the root causes that lead children to live on the streets. This project has been a profound journey of learning and empathy, shedding light on the challenges faced by street children.
The Street Meet Project was designed to engage directly with street children, to hear their stories, and to better understand the obstacles they face. By surveying underprivileged areas of the city, we sought to uncover the conditions of these children and whether they had access to proper education. Our core belief at Gramiksha is that education is the key to breaking the cycles of poverty and achieving liberation - 'Gyanam Mukti Sadhnam'.
Through this project, we were able to enroll many street kids into government schools, connecting them to the world of education and providing them with a chance for a brighter future under the 'School Chalein Hum Abhiyan' - an initiative by the MP Govt.
Our efforts did not go unnoticed and we got an incredible opportunity to meet the then Chief Minister of our state Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji and former union minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar Ji. This recognition was not just an honor for Gramiksha but also a testament to the importance of addressing the needs of street children and ensuring their right to education.
The Street Meet Project made me acutely aware of the harsh realities and challenges that street kids face daily. From lack of basic necessities to the absence of educational opportunities, their struggles are immense. However, it also reinforced my belief that with the right support and resources, these children can rise above their circumstances and achieve great things.
Ten years later, the lessons from the Street Meet Project continue to resonate with me as I lead Craste. The experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of a mission-driven approach. Just as we connected street children to education, at Craste, we are connecting farmers to sustainable solutions by upcycling crop waste into valuable products.
Working with limited resources in the NGO sector honed my ability to innovate and maximize impact with what we had—skills that are crucial in the startup world. Understanding the importance of listening to those we aim to help and fostering a deep sense of empathy has been instrumental in shaping Craste’s mission and operations.
Shreshtha Jain Gramiksha Craste
#YouthEmpowerment #SocialImpact #Craste #Sustainability #LeadershipJourney
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