Saturday, July 19, 2025

No Walls, Big Dreams: Pehchaan's Delhi Revolution

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No Classrooms, Big Dreams: How a Street School is Changing Lives in Delhi!

Imagine a bustling slum in Delhi, just a stone's throw from a major international office. A place where clean water is scarce, and education often feels like a luxury. But within this challenging environment, a quiet revolution is happening, led by a unique initiative called Pehchaan: The Street School.

Forget fancy buildings and traditional classrooms. Pehchaan operates with a simple blackboard on the street, powered by the dedication of over 1,200 active volunteers. For the past 10 years, this incredible school has been a game-changer for over 5,000 underprivileged children, proving that a lack of walls doesn't mean a lack of learning.

From a Dream to Delhi University

Meet Deepak Kumar, a shining example of Pehchaan's impact. Growing up in the slum, college felt like a distant fantasy. His parents, working hard just to make ends meet, couldn't prioritize higher education. But when Deepak joined Pehchaan in 2015, everything changed.

"The school is like my family," says Deepak, now 19. With consistent guidance from volunteers, peer learning, and a supportive community, he not only cleared his Class 12 board exams with an impressive 86% (including 93% in Economics without private tuition!) but also gained admission to Delhi University for a B.Com (Hons) degree. He's the first child from his entire slum to achieve this incredible feat, inspiring countless others.

More Than Just Books

Pehchaan isn't just about academics. Volunteers like 26-year-old Mehak Arora teach life skills, communication, and confidence. They instill values and help children dream bigger. The school even has its own customized curriculum, making learning relatable and skill-based. Each student gets an ID card, attendance is tracked, and small learning groups ensure personalized attention.

Founder Akash Tandon started Pehchaan in 2015, frustrated by short-term charity work. He wanted to create something lasting. His vision? To empower communities to start their own learning spaces, inspired by Pehchaan's spirit. He doesn't want hundreds of branches; he wants thousands of people to take this idea and make it their own.

A Community-Powered Success Story

Pehchaan runs primarily on individual donations, crowdfunding, and support from companies. They don't rely on government grants, which gives them incredible flexibility. Their volunteer network is their heart and soul, recruited through social media, college partnerships, and word-of-mouth.

The results speak for themselves: an incredible 94% pass rate among students who appeared for board exams, with many continuing to higher education. This isn't just about numbers; it's about shifting mindsets. Families now send their kids to Pehchaan because they believe education leads to a better future.

Want to be part of this revolution?

Pehchaan proves that hope can flourish even in the toughest environments. You can support their mission by:

  • Donating through their website to provide books, uniforms, and meals.
  • Volunteering at their weekend learning centers in Delhi-NCR.
  • Sponsoring a child's education.

Every small effort creates a ripple of change, helping children like Deepak transform their lives and inspire their entire community.


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