OKHLA
In 2003, Sophiya, one of our senior most staff, told us about the plight of children in the area where she lived. Okhla is a suburban colony in South Delhi more commonly known as Okhla Industrial Area. The ‘area’ is a mix of factories and slum tenements that are tucked away in-between the factories.
At that time, over 90% of children in the area did not attend school and were either roaming the streets or used by local mafias to steal and push drugs
The Okhla education centre began its activities in 2004 to address the problems of this extremely vulnerable group of children. Space was not easy to find and the only option was an empty spot near a garbage dump. It was ‘reclaimed’ and classes began under a plastic sheet held by bamboo poles. It took a while for the community to realise the worth of our intervention but they did and we could carry on unhindered.
Okhla is by far one of main the success stories of Project Why.
After School education program
Over 300 students are enrolled from primary to secondary level. Even though there is complete gender balance, girls are usually more in number.
Students have been doing exceptionally well. The biggest benefit to the community is that children are protected from addiction, crime, and unhealthy company. Student’s have set high aspirations; many wish to be in Indian Administrative /Police services.
Impact
- 4500 students completed school education
- Over 200 students have completed university education
PRIMARY LEVEL
NUMBER OF CHILDREN: 121
Boys 64 ; Girls 57
The Okhla primary centre was started with a bunch of eager children who were very excited to have their ‘own’ space and helped set it up. Many were not in school but soon with the help of their dedicated teachers were able to be mainstreamed. Over 150 children now study in the primary section of the centre where they not only learn academics but a host of creative and other activities.
SECONDARY LEVEL
NUMBER OF CHILDREN: 205
Boys 95 ; girls 110
The Okhla Centre began as a primary outreach programme but as the first batch of children reached class VI they urged us to begin a secondary section. We did as we were aware of the need and knew that without support many children were likely to drop out. Today the centre runs classes upto class XII. Many of our students have graduated and gone to pursue higher education and joined the job market thus breaking the cycle of poverty in which they were born.
Computer Education
Two of our centres ( Khadar & Okhla) are equipped with Computer labs which were revived post COVID. Since nearly 2 decades, Project WHY has been offering certificate courses in computer education as part of Skill Development.
In 2025, a shift was introduced in computer education.
COMPUTER EDUCATION for ALL STUDENTS & STAFF was initiated.
Over 600 students, 30 teachers are all building their computer skills. It contributes to better attendance, facilitates academic learning and equips students in 21st century skills.
Each student gets 90 minutes every week on the system. The program is going very well and is being expanded to other centres too. Each student gets 90 minutes every week on the system. The program is going very well and and is being expanded to other centres too.
