Asha for Education

Project Brief: Ek Kadam is a residential educational project for migrant workers
Project Type: Residential School (description)
Primary Focus: children of migrant workers (description)

Secondary Focus: children of dalits/tribals

Area: Tribal
Supporting Chapter Contact:
General Funds

Status: CURRENT
Project Steward: Robin Gupta
Co-Steward: Padmanava Sen
Project Partner(s): Mahesh Kumar
Project Address: Asha Trust - Ek Kadam, Kanpur
Asha Trust, 685/A, Village and Post: Tatiyagnaj, Mandhna
Asha Trust Road
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 209217
Tel: 011 91 9838546900
Stewarding Chapter: General Funds

Ek Kadam is a residential educational project for migrant workers’ children run by Asha Trust. Prior to their arrival at Ek Kadam, these children worked to help their parents in the brick kiln industry, which involved strenuous labor in often-hazardous environments. Additionally, children used to migrate with their parents back to Bihar, Chattisgarh or Eastern UP for 5 to 6 months every year causing major disruption to their studies.

Ek Kadam was established with the intention of preventing child labor by providing a free, steady educational experience for these children. This program provides the children with a structured routine that involves attending classes, extensive after-school activities and managing their daily chores, such as helping serve meals and housecleaning.

The children attend a formal school run by Jagriti, which is another organization in the area. Student-Teacher Ratio in this school is 30:1

A brief overview of the program:
Currently, there are 12 children living in a rented house named Apna Ghar Hostel. This hostel was established in June 2006. Asha for Education supports the recurring expenses of Apna Ghar component of Ek Kadam project. Mala India organization has provided major support for purchase of land for a future residential facility.

-Average age of boys: 10-14 years
-School Hours: 7:45am-2pm
-Afternoon activities include: publishing a local newsletter, tailoring, chalk-making, music, painting, street theater and more.

Children continue to help their parents in brick-making work during their vacations.