Amid the horrifying conditions ushered by the pandemic, nearly 346 unfortunate children in Lucknow lost one or both of their parents to the fatal virus. Bringing some respite for such troubled kids, the City International School and DEVI Sansthan NGO have initiated a new campaign to provide free education to them. Besides providing free academic opportunities to the children, the scheme also entails residential facilities for these children in a bid to ensure a bright future for them.

A step towards providing "a loving and nurturing environment" to the kids

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Sunita Gandhi, who started the school and the NGO had reached out to the UP Women and Child Welfare Directorate for giving free education facilities to such students. She received a comprehensive record of 346 children coming under two different categories. This includes kids whose earning or both parents succumbed to the fatal contagion. Besides, kids with family incomes less than 3 lakh per annum are also a part of this list, under the provisions of Bal Vikas Yojana.

While these children would have found a home at the Rajkiya Bal Graha, they will now reside at the resident establishment set up for them by CIS. Thereby, the initiative would ensure a safe stay and comprehensive education for these children. Speaking about the initiative, Sunita Gandhi said, "So many dreams have been shattered. We cannot replace the loss. All we can do is give them a loving and nurturing environment in which they can re-build their lives, create lovely new memories, and thrive by giving them an aspirational environment."

Long-term streamlined efforts, the need of the hour!

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The altruistic woman further stated that she was moved by the plight of these children when she met them. Thus, she decided to assist these kids under the Bal Sewa Yojana policy of the state government. Notably, the state administration would provide them with a laptop and ₹4,000 every month until they turn 18. Safeguarding the future of the children with such initiatives, is the need of hour. If a safe and secure future has to be guaranteed for such kids, multiple organisations have to come together with long-term streamlined efforts.

- With inputs from IANS