Dehradun, (Uttarakhand) [India], November 26, 2024: Countless children in our country are deprived of the basic fundamental right- the right to education. Though it’s a fundamental right, it is far from reality. Despite government efforts, the literacy rate among children falls short. The current literacy rate in many rural areas of India is around 70%, which is way short of the national average. Amidst these tough times, organizations like Silverlining are actively working towards bridging the gap. Having impacted the lives of over 5,000 children, they are dedicated to providing quality education to more underprivileged children, empowering them to create a brighter future.
It was back in 2017 when Ms. Kanika Vizan and Mr. Ajay Singh stood at a crossroads, united by a shared dream. The dream was to transform lives through education. Both came from diverse professional backgrounds, but their hearts beat for a common cause: ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, could access quality education. Their belief is reflected as they share, “Kids are bursting with enormous potential. The only thing they need is high-quality education accessible to them.”
Their determination led them to establish Silverlining. Today this social enterprise continues to grow, still sustained solely through the founders’ resources and sheer willpower. “We started without any massive funding. We just wanted to make an impact,” says Kanika. This empowering NGO started with modest beginnings in a small neighborhood in Dehradun. The founders began by organizing evening classes under makeshift tents, teaching children who had never held a book before. These were children who juggled chores and odd jobs, often sacrificing dreams to help their families survive.
“We realized it wasn’t just about academics. These children needed holistic support,” Ajay recalls. From this understanding grew the multi-faceted programs Silverlining offers today. Over the years, this charitable company has implemented a range of initiatives tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by underprivileged children. From providing scholarships, learning materials, and inclusive opportunities, the NGO has touched every aspect of their young beneficiaries’ lives.
One of Silverlining’s standout achievements is the diverse range of transformative projects they are running. “A vast number of these children leave school because they feel it isn’t for them. Especially after the pandemic, numerous kids discontinued schooling,” says Ajay. “Through mentorship and personalized learning, we’re showing them that education can be their silver lining,” adds Kanika. This welfare organization is not just about working for change—they live for it. Every child they meet, every animal they save, and every life they touch brings them closer to a world filled with love and hope. Currently, Silverlining is driving three major projects with a deep commitment to improving lives:
- Project Udaan: This initiative is dedicated to the children who call the streets their home. Project Udaan offers them the wings to dream, learn, and rise above their circumstances. Each book they read and smile they share brings them closer to a brighter future.
- Project Kites: Believing that early childhood is where the magic begins, Project Kites nurtures young children with love and care, helping them grow strong, compassionate, and ready to soar in life.
- Project L.I.Z.E (Love, Impact, Zero Exploitation): Project L.I.Z.E works tirelessly to end animal exploitation, advocating for a world where all creatures are treated with compassion and respect.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Limited resources, social stigmas, and logistical hurdles often threatened to stall their progress. But for every obstacle, Kanika and Ajay found a solution, often drawing strength from the very children they served. “Their resilience inspires us to keep going,” Ajay mentions. Their dream is to see a future where no child is underserved. Charitable organizations like Silverlining continue to transform the lives of under-resourced children. A proof that even the darkest clouds have a silver lining! As the team continues to make a significant difference, they hope others join and support this transformative journey.
