Vidyadaan Foundation was established on November 18, 2020, by Mr. Prashanth Belinja, an educationist and social worker, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NGO’s mission is to empower rural area children, youth, and women by providing education and bringing sustainable changes in their lives. The idea of Vidyadaan was born out of the realization that many students in rural areas lacked access to online classes during the pandemic. Mr. Belinja campaigned for free online classes, gathering 80 teachers to support the cause, and benefiting over 2000 rural area students.
In its early years, Vidyadaan faced significant challenges, including a lack of funds to expand its activities. However, the NGO succeeded due to its strong vision and dedicated members. Despite the obstacles, Vidyadaan undertook several significant projects, including Legal Literacy for school students, in-service teachers’ training programs, Financial Literacy Programs, free language learning programs for students, and the Vidyadaan student research program. These initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of rural students, providing them with essential skills and knowledge to succeed.
Vidyadaan’s impact and achievements are a testament to its dedication and hard work. The NGO has conducted training sessions for over 12,000 teachers, gained nationwide recognition for its Legal Literacy program, organized over 300 webinars, and provided internships to hundreds of students. These successes have not only improved the lives of rural students but also contributed to the development of the community as a whole. However, Vidyadaan has also faced challenges, including the inability to continue online education after schools reopened during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the NGO adapted by shifting its focus to support services, ensuring that its mission to empower rural education continued uninterrupted.
Today, Vidyadaan is expanding its volunteer programs, with thousands joining the NGO to support its cause. The NGO’s current programs include Legal Literacy for students, in-service Skills Enhancement programs for educators, free language learning programs for rural students, Vidyadaan student research programs, and financial literacy initiatives. Looking ahead, Vidyadaan plans to introduce Digital and Media Literacy programs, further enhancing its offerings and impact. Through its partnerships with organizations like StoryHour, State Educational Departments, and Karnataka State Legal Service Authority (KSLSA), Vidyadaan is amplifying its reach and effectiveness.
