A year with the Indradhanush children

Indradhanush begins long before a child is admitted to school. When we choose a new Gadhiya Lohar locality, a volunteer starts an evening class right there, on a mat under a tree, for three months. The children learn to sit, listen and hold a pencil; their parents learn that school is possible. Only then do we admit the children to a nearby school and take on everything that schooling costs.

Through the year the Foundation pays school fees and after-school tuition, buys books, stationery, bags and tiffin boxes, and provides two uniforms plus clothes for daily use. A vehicle collects the children every morning and brings them back after tuition — and follows the family if their tents are moved on. Each child receives a daily nutrition supplement of 100 grams, and medical care whenever it is needed. Before winter comes a kit of sweaters, caps, socks, warm inners and track suits, and quilts for the families.

Then there are the days the children wait for. Holi and Deepawali are celebrated together, with gifts for every child. At the annual function the children perform on stage — songs, dances and a human pyramid — in front of their parents, teachers and the Foundation's supporters. Their confidence, their teachers tell us, is the first thing to change.

In 2024–25 this adds up to ₹16,859 per child for the year, and a budget of ₹25.6 lakh for 152 children, met entirely by individual donors.