Kshamtalaya Foundation

In the tribal-rural block of Kotra, 120 kilometres southwest of Udaipur, schools once felt disconnected from the communities they served. Children attended classes, but learning felt distant from their lives. Teachers worked hard, but resources were scarce. This is where Kshamtalaya Foundation began its work in 2016, asking a different question: what if schools weren't just buildings where children went to study, but spaces where entire communities could rediscover the joy of learning?

Founded to support children in disadvantaged settings, Kshamtalaya works directly within government schools across Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka and Delhi. The organisation doesn't believe in parallel systems or temporary fixes. Instead, it embeds itself within existing structures, working alongside teachers, government officials, students and families to build something lasting.

At the heart of Kshamtalaya's approach is the belief that every child deserves meaningful, relevant and compassionate education. The organisation's programs reflect this philosophy. Learning Festivals bring together students and teachers for six-day workshops focused on critical thinking, creative confidence and life skills. The Cluster Excellence Learning Labs (CELL) program works to transform all schools within a cluster, creating centres of excellence in holistic learning and governance. The Fale Fale Shiksha Muheem builds cohorts of student leaders and community ambassadors who lead learning engagement from within their own villages.

What sets Kshamtalaya apart is its commitment to community ownership. The organisation recognises that over the years, local communities have been progressively alienated from schools. Kshamtalaya works to close this gap, creating spaces where parents, elders and young people can engage in dialogue about education. The goal isn't just improved test scores—though those matter—but helping children develop into socially and economically active young adults who can navigate life after school with confidence.

The organisation also develops innovative curricula. It has collaborated with SCERT Delhi to co-create an Entrepreneurial Mindset Curriculum now used across Delhi's government schools, and integrates Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning into its programs. During the pandemic, when families in Kotra returned to their villages, Kshamtalaya shifted quickly, launching relief efforts and audio learning programs for areas with limited device access.

Today, Kshamtalaya's vision extends beyond individual schools. The organisation demonstrates that rural schools can become hubs for sustainable community development, and that high-quality, child-centred education can succeed in the most challenging contexts. It's proof that when communities reclaim ownership of learning, transformation becomes possible.