How It All Started:
A shared vision of making a difference in the lives of under-resourced children led Anne and Sajitha to open an Abacus Academy Franchise in 2014, nurturing the young minds of children aged 7 to 12.
In 2018, during the devastating floods in Kerala, Mini, an accomplished Abacus Master Trainer, joined them as they raised Rs 10,00,000 from kind-hearted individuals, teamed up with 50 dedicated volunteers, and provided 4,000 flood-affected people with home-cooked meals. Dry rations and hygiene kits reached more than 1,000 families in need.
Their post-flood journey revealed significant challenges in impoverished communities, where most children dropped out after grade 10 to become daily wage labourers. Anne, Sajitha, and Mini were undeterred!
Initiation of a Skill-Development Program:
In 2021, collaborating with subject experts, they initiated a 10-month-long skill-development program for grade 11 children in the flood-hit villages. Despite the pandemic, they delivered engaging content, offered personalised support, conducted psychometric testing, and provided career counselling. They supported these youngsters with smartphones, internet access, textbooks, extra tuition, and financial assistance for entrance exam coaching.
Their efforts paid off as all the children scored above 90% in twelfth-grade exams, and one student secured admission to an engineering college. However, their key takeaway from this experience was that initiating change from a young age is crucial for a lasting impact.
Their Work Today:
Today, they work with a team of trained teachers to provide quality value-based skill training to marginalised children in Kerala. They help complement their primary and secondary education, fostering effective learning, encouraging lifelong growth, and nurturing responsible citizenship.
Their mission is achieved through the enablement of individuals from the local community who serve as trainers and earn a sustainable income. Furthermore, they empower parents to engage actively in their children’s ongoing education, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
Let’s celebrate Value Education Trust’s incredible journey of resilience, community involvement, and the transformative power of education.
