Founded in 1988 in India, the Ekal Vidyalaya movement began as an initiative to provide education to children in remote villages through single-teacher schools. Over time, it has grown into a comprehensive programme addressing not just education but also healthcare, economic empowerment, and digital literacy in underserved areas. The movement has achieved significant milestones through its associated trusts, societies, and institutions.
Key Achievements of Ekal Vidyalaya:
79,872 schools established
2.09 million children currently enrolled
10 million+ children have gained education
855,000 individuals have access to healthcare
17,400 women have received vocational training
90,000 youth and women have undergone skills training
20,000 youth have received digital literacy training
These accomplishments have been made possible by the unwavering dedication of countless volunteers. Notably, the Ekal movement operates without any governmental financial support, relying solely on contributions from the Indian diaspora and corporate donations under CSR initiatives.
Since its registration in 2007, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of New Zealand has been actively engaging with the Indian diaspora to raise awareness and support for the movement. Over the past 17 years, Ekal NZ has sponsored more than 500 schools, averaging 30 schools per year. In comparison, Ekal Australia supports around 800 to 900 schools annually.
Prof. Manju Srivastava, a founding member of the Ekal movement, will visit New Zealand to deliver talks in Auckland and Hamilton. Prof. Srivastava has played a pivotal role in shaping city-based Ekal chapters both in India and internationally. Over the past three decades, she has traveled to over 200 villages, including highly sensitive border areas, and has contributed to establishing Ekal chapters in the USA, UK, Australia, and Nepal.
As a full-time Ekal volunteer since 2003, Prof. Srivastava serves as the Chief Editor of Ekal Global magazine "EKAL PRAYAS", Trustee of Ekal Abhiyan Trust, Chairperson of Ekal Sansthan, and Member of Ekal Global. She has also been part of the core think tank for India's National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) under the HRD Ministry.
Auckland
Date: 8th February
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Venue: Meeting Room 1, New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn
Hamilton
Date: 9th February
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Venue: Western Community Centre, 45 Hyde Avenue, Nawton
The Indian diaspora in New Zealand is invited to attend these events and learn more about the impact of the Ekal movement.