Voices From Our Community

As a single parent, I place my deepest trust in SNEHA DOON ACADEMY for my son, Saksham Ahuja, who has been a part of the school since Class VI and is now in Class XI. My late wife was first associated with the school while learning sewing here, and she was deeply inspired by its discipline, warmth, and the happiness it brought to children. After her untimely passing due to cancer, the school stood by us with compassion and strength. Though I cannot always give enough time to my son, I feel reassured knowing he is in the right environment. SNEHA has transformed Saksham into a confident, resilient, and expressive individual. I am truly grateful to the school for shaping his bright future.

“I joined SNEHA DOON ACADEMY in Class IV and later had the honour of becoming the Head Girl—one of the proudest moments of my life. Over the years, I have seen the school grow and flourish in ways that truly fill my heart with joy. In 2015, I returned to SNEHA as an assistant teacher and soon became a part of the SNEHA Project, where I felt a deep sense of belonging as I came from a similar community. I worked closely with girls, encouraging them to continue their education, spreading awareness about personal hygiene, and helping reduce dropout rates. Being part of the Girls Champion Programme and attending workshops at the Irish Embassy were life-changing experiences for me. SNEHA has been a defining chapter of my journey, shaping both my purpose and identity. The pride in my father’s eyes, as he shared my story and said “she studied in SNEHA,” is something I will always cherish.”

I joined SNEHA DOON ACADEMY in Class I, and as I now prepare to pass out next year, I realize how deeply this school has shaped me. In the beginning, I found it very strict, but over time it became a place I never wanted to miss—I still cherish my many years of 100% attendance. It is truly hard for me to stay away from school. Coming from a community with strict expectations for girls, SNEHA gave me the courage, freedom, and wings to dream beyond limits. Here, I learned to express myself confidently and be who I truly am. The school inspired me to pursue Chartered Accountancy and continues to motivate me through the impact it creates in young lives. I aspire to achieve great things and one day return to SNEHA to support another girl with big dreams but limited means, just like me.

I joined SNEHA DOON ACADEMY in Nursery, and if you ever ask me whether I would like to leave, my answer will always be NO—a million times NO. SNEHA has given me countless beautiful memories, including my first overnight outing with friends. Today, as I run for the Head Girl position for 2026–27, I hope to carry forward the legacy set by my elder sisters who also held this honor. There were times when my family faced deep financial struggles, and I feared I might not continue my education, but SNEHA stood by me and reminded me that “I”mattered more than money. Their support gave me strength and hope when I needed it the most. I aspire to become a Company Secretary, be independent, and one day support at least two children in their education. For me, SNEHA is not just a school—it is a ray of hope for every child who dares to dream despite limitations.

My journey with SNEHA DOON ACADEMY began in Nursery, and it has been a lifelong bond ever since. SNEHA didn’t just educate me academically—it empowered me with skills like henna, sewing, and macramé, which I later had the privilege to teach as a trainer. For a girl from my community, SNEHA gave me everything I could have hoped for—an identity, a voice, and the confidence to believe in myself. I returned as a Learning Assistant from 2018 to 2020, and in 2025, I began a new chapter as a Pre-Primary Teacher. Every phase of my journey here has been meaningful and fulfilling. SNEHA is not just a school for me—it is my family, where we truly believe that if we grow, we grow together.

I have been a part of SNEHA DOON ACADEMY since the age of three, and even the one year I spent away made me realize how deeply this school is a part of my soul. I returned with determination, even taking responsibility for supporting my own education. SNEHA nurtured my confidence and gave me opportunities like anchoring the Annual Day—moments that truly defined me. Scoring 93% in Class 12 and securing the 3rd rank in Dehradun was not just my success, but a reflection of the school’s constant belief in me. I was also honored to be part of the G-20 Summit hosted in Uttarakhand, where I interacted with dignitaries and stood with confidence because SNEHA believed in me. Today, as I pursue a BA in History and prepare for UPSC, I carry forward the identity this school has given me. Before, I was known as someone’s daughter—but now, I am proudly known as Harshita Khajuwal, an ex-SNEHITE.

The block printing and mehndi training I received at SNEHA has given me financial independence and a new identity in my community. I was married at a young age and had never earned a single rupee in my life. When my neighbors told me about SNEHA's skill program, I was hesitant. But the counselors encouraged me to try. I learned block printing, mehndi art, and basic tailoring. Now I take orders for weddings and festivals. My husband respects my work, and my children are proud of their mother. SNEHA transformed my life completely.

SNEHA doesn't discriminate based on religion or background. My children are treated equally and with love. That is a rare and precious thing. I was skeptical at first about sending my children to an NGO-run school. But after seeing the results — my daughter topping her class, my son winning a science competition — I became a firm believer. The school organizes events where all communities come together. Children learn about different festivals and cultures. SNEHA is not just a school; it is a family that brings people together.

I have seen SNEHA transform an entire slum community. Children who would have been child laborers are now educated and employed professionals. I have lived in Govind Garh for over 30 years. When Hari and Reeta Rao started SNEHA, many of us were skeptical. But over the years, I watched the community change. Girls who were expected to be married off early are now studying in colleges. Boys who would have joined the streets are now working in offices. The skill development centers have empowered hundreds of women. SNEHA has been the single biggest catalyst for change in our area.

The Boys Flourish Program taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of education. I am now preparing for competitive exams. Before joining the program, I used to waste my time hanging around with the wrong crowd. My parents were worried about my future. The mentors at SNEHA took me under their wing and showed me that I could achieve something in life. They organized sports, study groups, and personality development sessions. Slowly, I changed. Today, I am determined to crack government exams and give back to the community that raised me.

SNEHA taught me that a woman's strength lies in her independence. I now run a successful tailoring business from my home. For years, I depended entirely on my husband's income. When he fell ill, our family was thrown into crisis. That's when I joined SNEHA's tailoring program. The training was thorough and practical. Within six months, I had enough skills to take orders independently. Today, I have a steady income, my children are in school, and I have savings for the first time in my life. SNEHA didn't just teach me to sew — it taught me to dream.

Volunteering at SNEHA has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. The dedication of the staff and the resilience of the children is inspiring. I started as a weekend volunteer teaching English and mathematics. What I found was a community of extraordinary people — teachers who go beyond their call of duty, children who dream despite impossible odds, and an organization that truly walks the talk. Every child at SNEHA has a story of struggle, but also of hope and determination. This experience has changed my perspective on life and made me a better person.