blog written by Ayushi singh

Today, I had the profound privilege of virtually visiting a street school in Haryana, organized by I-Light Global, where migrant children—who often face exclusion from the formal education system due to lack of residency proofs—are given a rare chance to learn and grow. This small but vibrant school, nestled under the trees, is not just about academic education; it’s a space where these children are being taught invaluable life skills, societal values, and ethics that are often overlooked in many other educational systems.

One of the most impactful aspects of this school is the emphasis on values like humility, respect, and empathy. These young minds are being taught not only to excel academically but also to embody the values that shape them into compassionate and responsible citizens. These are qualities that, sadly, are often lacking in highly educated children who might not have the same sense of community or respect for others. The children here are being molded into young individuals who understand the importance of kindness and integrity.

I had the pleasure of speaking with two truly inspiring teachers: Hina Katun and Samyata Sharma. Hina shared with me the powerful belief that “if there is no education, we are nothing.” She explained that teaching these children brings her immense joy because it is not just about passing on knowledge, but about giving these children the hope and opportunity to dream. Samyata, too, spoke passionately about the challenges these children face in accessing formal education. She told me how difficult it is for them to enroll in government schools, but emphasized how vital education is to their growth. She sees education as the key to unlocking a brighter future for these children, and it’s something they deserve just as much as anyone else.

Despite the challenges, the children here are filled with positivity. The environment is uplifting and supportive, and the teachers’ dedication to their students shines through every interaction. I was deeply moved by how respectful and humble these children were, not just towards their teachers but also towards me, a stranger to their world. One of the children even gave me a little flower, a small but beautiful gesture that captured the warmth and innocence of these young hearts.

Thanks to Dr. Rajeev Nagpal, who kindly gave me the opportunity to attend this session via video call, I got a glimpse into this incredible work being done by I-Light Global. It was a humbling experience to see how these children, despite their struggles, are growing into confident and compassionate individuals. They share their knowledge and happiness with each other, fostering a sense of community that is rare and precious.

These children have the potential to do great things. With the right guidance and opportunities, they will rise and become the leaders of tomorrow. I-Light Global is not just providing education—they are cultivating future leaders, shaping young minds who will break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire change.

This visit reaffirmed my belief in the power of education to not only transform lives but to shape a better future for all. These children, who face so many challenges, are proof that when given a chance, they can achieve greatness. I am truly grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to witness such remarkable resilience and hope.

#ILightGlobal #BreakingBarriers #EmpoweringYouth #EducationForAll #MigrantEducation #FutureLeaders #Grateful #SocietalValues #RespectAndKindness