37 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Ojas project extends vital support to children living in challenging conditions, bringing them joy, hope and opportunities for a better future. Many of these children have lost parents or live with step-families under poor socio-economic circumstances. The socio-economic structure is particularly difficult, as these children often come from broken families where childcare tends to be a lower priority. Their living environments present numerous additional challenges, including the absence of safe spaces for the children to learn, develop, and grow. This lack of support systems often forces them to drop out of formal education or resort to non-ethical behaviour and practices. To address these complex challenges, the project organises children into categories based on their specific needs and prepares Individual Care Plans (ICPs), tailored to each child. Regular meetings are conducted with parents or guardians to ensure continuous engagement • conducted 83 group activities, fostering life skills, resilience and social skills • facilitated 23 vocational training and scholarship linkages, providing pathways to future opportunities • supported 4 families through economic rehabilitation initiatives, promoting sustainable livelihoods • organised 21 story camps, engaging 1,005 children in creative and emotional learning experiences • arranged 5 exposure visits for 155 children, broadening their horizons beyond their immediate environment • conducted 2 summer camps for 136 children, promoting holistic development through recreational activities • held 2 ‘Ideathon’ workshops with 75 children, encouraging innovation, leadership and problem-solving skills and need-based support is provided as required. The entire process revolves around building trust with the children and their communities, enabling collective efforts to nurture these children into responsible and capable citizens. Children are also encouraged to attend school or enroll in vocational courses regularly. These interventions have fostered resilience among the children, enabling them to overcome the diverse challenges they face. Many have shown remarkable progress in areas such as public speaking, activity participation and adopting core values like mindful speaking and listening. Their school attendance has noticeably improved, with many attending school more regularly compared to before. Additionally, the children have begun to take on leadership roles, with several now mentoring and supporting younger peers, which highlights a growing sense of responsibility and self-worth. Priyanshi had dropped out of school and avoided interactions with outreach workers. Her family was initially indifferent to her education. Through repeated visits, counselling and assigning her a small leadership role, she gradually changed her attitude. Encouraged by her teacher and brother, she now attends school regularly, prepares for exams, no longer visits neighbours to play cards and has developed a positive attitude toward education. She is active, responsive and enjoys being in school with her peers. Ojas reaching out to children living in difficult conditions project initiated in 2020 249 children | 6 villages RELIEF 36 | Relief
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