Learning without limits: Education for every child, everywhere

Farhan, a bright and determined boy from Shalimar slum in Surat, was forced to drop out of school when his father’s income as a painter couldn’t support the family’s needs. Heartbroken and facing a lack of options, Farhan’s dreams of education seemed out of reach.

That changed when the bright yellow “Education on Wheels” (EOW) bus arrived in his neighborhood, offering free education to children like him. Encouraged by the EOW team, Farhan’s father enrolled him in the program, rekindling hope for a brighter future.

The bus became Farhan’s classroom, where skilled teachers made learning engaging and fun. Rediscovering his passion, Farhan quickly advanced in his studies. Today, he is back in school, thriving with newfound confidence and gratitude for the opportunity EOW provided.

Farhan’s journey showcases the life-changing power of accessible education and the hope it can bring to children in need.

Many children like Farhan who live in slums face several challenges.  They bear a high burden of domestic responsibilities at an early age and are vulnerable to child labour and exploitation. In cities like Surat, thousands of migrant workers live in extreme poverty, with their children deprived of basic education.

Recognizing this urgent need, Human Concern International has stepped in with a transformative education project aimed at reaching the unreached and marginalized—children living in vulnerable conditions without access to learning opportunities.

This initiative isn’t just about education. It’s also about breaking the cycle of poverty, empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. Educated children grow into skilled adults who contribute to the economy, support their families and uplift their communities. For girls, education is especially transformative, leading to delayed marriages, better health outcomes and economic independence.  

Impact in numbers:

• Total Children Reached: 117
• Total Communities Served: 3 underserved communities of Surat, Gujrat District, India
• Age Range of Beneficiaries: 6 to 16 years
• Gender Distribution: 60% boys, 40% girls

These children attend daily classes in their respective areas. The classes focused on foundational subjects like Hindi, English, Math, Gujarati and Environmental Science, along with extracurricular activities such as drawing and basic computer skills. Weekly extracurricular activities, monthly parent teacher meets and half-yearly exams are part of the program. Snacks are served daily to keep the children and their families motivated for the program. 

The team’s tireless efforts help keep children and their families engaged in the program, but sustaining their education remains a significant challenge. Many children miss sessions to work or beg, as their families rely on this income for their daily survival.

With Human Concern Inernational’s support, this project is providing a beacon of hope for children in slums and rural areas. It has created a nurturing learning environment where every child, regardless of their circumstances, can dream, learn and achieve. Together, we can build a future where education is not a privilege but a right that is accessible to all.

Every child deserves a chance to learn. Let’s ensure that no dream is left behind.