ACT For Education

Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic status. Ammucare recognizes this, and thus, has initiated several educational programs to provide access to education for underprivileged children. The organization has set up learning centers with name “ Mohanji Ka Aangan” in various parts of the India to provide education,skill and overall growth to those who have limited or no access to it.

Mohanji ka Aangan, an initiative by Ammucare, is a learning center dedicated to underprivileged children. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where children not only learn academic skills but also develop essential life skills, find joy in laughter, and express themselves through dance. Currently, we operate nine centers with basic infrastructure....

The term, ‘Aangan’ holds a special significance in the unique tapestry of the Indian social fabric as it epitomises the beloved courtyard in our homes where childhood dreams blossom. It’s a realm brimming with infectious laughter, boundless joy and a carefree spirit standing witness to the enchanting metamorphosis of children through their precious formative years.

Mohanji envisaged Aangan as a haven to nurture underprivileged children by creating an environment conducive to their mental and emotional wellness. These children often miss out on the simple joys of growing and learning in a supportive ecosystem, an experience he sought to provide.

The inaugural of the first Aangan for children of slum dwellers in Jammu, materialized in April 2012. An honest intention to raise awareness in children about health and hygiene and provide them with a platform to learn some handson skills came with its unique challenges. The task involved persuading these children to step out of the constraints imposed by their challenging circumstances to embark on a self-motivated journey of learning.

The primary focus was on increasing general awareness in children and reigniting the spark of curiosity that often wanes in their daily struggles of subsistence. The objective was to impart knowledge and nurture a supportive ecosystem where these children could come together, learn collectively and express themselves freely.

The success of Mohanji’s Aangan in Jammu provided further impetus to his education drive. With the unflinching support of dedicated volunteers, his little seeds of love started sprouting all over India. The beauty of these Aangans is the positive impact it has on the lives of little children by teaching them the value of discipline, routine, good health, cleanliness, and the importance of education.

A typical day at these Aangans commences with a prayer of gratitude followed by talks by volunteers on precious values like humility, service, gratitude and thankfulness that we often tend to overlook. The nurturing environment emphasizes the significance of these virtues, contributing to the holistic development of the children in its fold. The unwavering commitment of volunteers and the emphasis on ideals make Aangans not just centres of supplementing scholastic education but also beacons of character building.

Aangan is organized into different sections, each tailored to meet the educational needs of various groups of children. The first section caters to unlettered children and teenage girls employed as domestic helpers. In this section, Aangan introduces them to the Three R’s of education. The second section offers a curriculum designed for nursery and kindergarten levels. The third section supports school-going children who cannot afford tuition, supplementing their academic endeavours. The fourth section imparts vocational training to young girls under the guidance of qualified teachers.

In addition to these academic sections, Aangan volunteers introduce children to expressive mediums such as art, painting, music and, dance. Yoga and sports also have a special place in the Aangan curriculum, fostering the understanding of a healthy mind in a healthy body. This holistic approach encourages children to work towards achieving both mental and physical wellness for a wholesome life. Frequent sports competitions and small exhibitions of their art projects are activities that focus on developing a competitive spirit and the importance of teamwork among children.

Another beautiful aspect of Aangans is that they serve as little centres of culture and traditions. They play a crucial role in teaching children to appreciate their culture, traditions, festivals and folklore. Each festival is celebrated with gusto and fervor and children get together to accept, enjoy and appreciate the diversity of their backgrounds. These little celebrations instil in them an understanding of how each individual contributes to a beautiful whole, both within a family and also in the context of the entire country.