Interview- Manas Mehrotra (Overall Coordinator)

1. From where Sarthak foundation initiated?

Answer: Initially, when we started working on 'Educate A Child' project under Sarthak Foundation, there were three of us. Most of the members of our team belong to Amity some way or other. So we used to come across these beggar children near the malhaur railway crossing. Then we decided to start teaching these children from crossing and that's how we started our first open study centre in Malhaur Basti.

2. What exactly is the purpose of your organisation? How do you achieve it?
Answer: We basically go to the slums, identify the children nearby and start teaching them. Before starting, we divide them into two groups depending on their level of knowledge: A- Tender Feet (Those who have never been introduced to any sort of education) B- Advancers (those who have dropped out or those who attend government schools). Then we start teaching them basics of English, Maths, General Awareness, basic manners, cleanness and these things. We plan to teach them till their primary education and then get them admitted to main stream schools depending on their capabilities.

3. How do you feel your organisation is serving the nation?
Answer: There's no doubt that one country can never be civilised and developed leaving its Children and Education behind. These Children And their education are the foundation of the nation. We are trying to do our bit by spreading education as far as possible. We haven't achieved much heights yet we are working in the direction and we dream of a nation which is full of such sweet and educated children who are not at all deprived of anything.

4. How can one help your organisation?
Answer: Being an organisation based on individual helping hands, one can always come forward and lend an helping hand. One can sponsor an individual child's education or a whole study centre for one year at least. Other than that, we are looking forward to get introduced to some corporate for their CSR tie up, in which anyone can help us. Besides these, one can always volunteer at our centres in teaching on regular basis.
Ahh.. M sorry for such long answers. I just couldn't cut it any shorter. I think i can write a short book on Sarthak and its kids. :P
Me: It was an absolute pleasure talking about your organization, the kids, the work you are doing.
Looking forward to help you in some way or the other. :)

Source: People for New India