Underprivileged students clear Class 10 board exams with UPAY’s help in Pune

The UPAY learning centre, started in 2018 in a space offered by the local community, provides free educational support to children from low-income backgrounds.

With renewed motivation and the support of their families from UPAY, the students are now looking ahead to higher studies and long-term careers. (File Photo)

Written by Kivi Lydia Vito and Aarushi Prakash

Six students from the NGO Under Privileged’s Advancement by Youth (UPAY)’s Dandekarpul Learning Centre near Swargate in Pune have passed their Class 10 board exams overcoming social and financial hardships.

The UPAY learning centre, started in 2018 in a space offered by the local community, provides free educational support to children from low-income backgrounds. It runs on donations and the efforts of volunteers.

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Nilesh Jaiswal, 16, scored 80.40 per cent, the highest among the six students. The other winners from the UPAY centre are Sabha Sikandar Ansari (63 per cent), siblings Sidhi Jitendra Kadam (66.20 per cent) and Ridhi Jitendra Kadam (51.60 per cent), Nargis Sikandar Ansari (43 per cent), Mehbis Sikandar Ansari (40.20 per cent).

“In the beginning, our parents mostly encouraged us to attend classes. But gradually, we became interested and started coming independently. I’ve learned a lot here, and my marks reflect that. After this, I plan to join the airforce and serve the nation,” Jaiswal said.

Faraz Rupani, zonal director of UPAY, Pune, said, “This result brings me immense happiness. A lot of people don’t understand the personal barriers these children face. Just reaching the classroom each day is a challenge, and overcoming that is truly commendable.”

Garima Santosh Jaiswar, 18, joined in 2018 and has completed her Class 12 at Fergusson College. She hopes to become an economist and work in urban planning for underprivileged communities. Looking at the conditions she grew up in, Garima has decided to focus on helping people from similar backgrounds improve their financial stability and break the cycle of poverty. She has also expressed interest in joining the National Defence Academy.

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Rani Jitender Kadam, a parent of one of the students participating in UPAY’s initiative, said, “Although the kids go to school, it’s UPAY that truly excites them to learn beyond the classroom. They support their studies and guide them in planning for the future. We, as parents, sometimes struggle to do that for them.”

With renewed motivation and the support of their families from UPAY, the students are now looking ahead to higher studies and long-term careers.

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