Muskaan began in 1998 as a spontaneous effort to help 20 working children from the Ganga Nagar Basti of Bhopal enter school system. The provision of books and uniforms, however, was not enough to overcome challenges faced at home and at school by people in the slums. As the limitations of the formal education system and the realities of basti life became clear Muskaan expanded its work to fulfill the educational needs of children and address community wide issues, such as livelihoods and health. Muskaan's community programs focus on savings groups, health, violence, identity, livelihoods and the importance of education. Muskaan's education programs include an alternative learning center, balwadis, a mobile library, exposure visits, workshops and training for government teachers.

Currently 33 people work as full time employees in the organization contributing to the development and growth of the different programs. Eighteen part time workers are also attached to balwadis and the health program. Many of our workers come from the slums themselves and have received training at Muskaan. Additionally, a number of volunteers link up with the organization from time to time and offer their skills and time to specific activities.