Muskaan has been using rented premises to run its learning center and other activities for children from slum communities. However, when operating from such premises children face discrimination and harassment from neighborhood residents. Leases of rented premises are also not provided beyond two to three years. These limitations have resulted in the relocation of Muskaan’s classrooms every two years since its establishment in 1998. It has become crucial for Muskaan to establish a permanent learning center, which children from slum communities can use with dignity and without hindrance to learn, study and further their dreams and establish aspirations.

Establishing such a space is a challenging task. The organization is slowly making progress towards the goal of building a permanent center for children through small private donations. Keep reading to find out how you can help!

1998 - 2005
Muskaan first conducted classes in the bastis (slums) from rented pucca (concrete) rooms. Our offices shifted location six times during this span, with only one or two years in a single location.
2005 - 2006
Centre premises were made available by the Police Department in an old building that was barely standing and was used by the community as a toilet facility. Using this space required extensive sanitization and literally rebuilding 8 of the rooms. This was a mammoth task that staff, elder children and parents contributed to complete. However, the building would not serve as a permanent as envisioned.
2006 - 2008
This old police building could not withstand the rains and permission to rebuild was not given by the government. Again Muskaan was forced to shift offices as the building was not safe. Offices were shifted into the space that served as a girl’s hostel and a new shed was constructed in which to conduct classrooms. But the space was still not enough for Muskaan’s growing student population so the hostel was shifted.
2008 - Present
The lease of this building then expired and again Muskaan had to shift premises completely. Since then our office and alternative education center has been in upheaval. We were able to gain access to use one classroom in a government school, and another classroom in another school. However, our students are not allowed to use the water taps and bathroom facilities of these buildings. While a five year lease was signed there is still no sustainable solution.

In December 2010, after much deliberation and approval of the board, Muskaan purchased a piece of land just outside of Bhopal. Acquiring this land is a big step in fulfilling the pressing need for a permanent learning center. This land was purchased with private donations and a large loan that must still be repaid. Foundation grants are rarely available for construction, as they focus on program operations, hence the help of each donation no matter how large or small is precious.

Help make this dream of a permanent learning center come to life by making a contribution of any amount! Please contact your friends or reach out to anyone you know who might be interested in making a donation. We have prepared a PowerPoint presentation to help you with this request. Please contact us to learn more or to make a donation. Thank you.