"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." –Gandhi

Education Through the Yurt on Wheels initiative, we focus on providing basic education to the Gypsy community, particularly children who are school dropouts or have never attended school. Our team helps these children learn essential skills like reading, writing, and basic arithmetic in both English and Tamil. Many of these children have shown remarkable progress, gaining confidence and improving their academic abilities through our supportive and friendly approach.

Play is a fundamental right for every child. Through the ESAR-Play initiative, supported by Chemins d’Enfance, we organize weekly play sessions for children under six in the Gypsy community. These activities, including exercise, symbolic games, and role-playing, help children develop essential skills like communication, creativity, and teamwork. The program allows children to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely, fostering cognitive and physical growth.

Yurt on Wheels offers a range of activities aimed at helping children discover their strengths and build skills for a brighter future. From sports like cricket and football to exposure trips to local landmarks like Auroville, children are given opportunities to grow both academically and socially. We also provide computer literacy classes, teaching basic programs like Word, Excel, and painting, to prepare them for a tech-driven world.

The "Conte sur l'Autre" project uses intercultural exchange and theater to help children from different cultures understand each other. Through workshops, storytelling, and performances, children explore their identity and learn about other cultures. This project encourages mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between children from different backgrounds, enhancing their worldviews and breaking down stereotypes.

We collaborate with like-minded organizations to expand opportunities for our children. Partnering with groups like TYCL and Mugil Social Welfare Organization, we offer summer camps where children participate in sports, drama, and basic computer training. Life skills workshops, supported by organizations like Blind Rocks and GRITIES, help children develop crucial coping skills, such as problem-solving and teamwork.

With limited full-time staff, we rely on volunteers to support our efforts. We welcome volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. Social work trainees from Pondicherry University have contributed to our programs as part of their internships, and our key partner, GRITIES, has been providing vital human resources support for over three years.