The Panaah Communities

#BeyondSchool A little over six months ago, we started conceptualizing what it would mean to provide the highest quality resources to our children who deserve and need the most. Fast forward six months, and on the 15th of July, we launched our Center of Excellence. As the economy's needs change #rapidly, our job markets are as volatile as possible. What comes as a question is what our kids need to fundamentally build as #skills and #competencies for them not just to survive but thrive in the future economy. We tried to answer this question and came up with Panaah COE (Center of Excellence). A place that provides choices, opportunities, and skills which would be relevant as children from the most high-need communities step out into the real world. We are grateful to the people who joined us at the opening ceremony. Anil Swarup, Anu & Meher, Anagha, Shaheen, Sandeep, Madhukar Reddy, Keshar, Deepika, and many other leaders from Education, Policy, and more significant development sector backgrounds. Everyone echoed the need for such a space. Anil Sir said something like this is the need of the hour. Meher mentioned that this has the potential to shift many life outcomes for kids fundamentally, and Anu emphasized that even beyond all of these, our children must become better human beings. As part of our campaign #BeyondSchool, we will share more about our Center of Excellence, the different labs, its pictures, the various programs and opportunities kids get, and how they learn deeply. We will soon open up our center for anyone to visit and experience. Stay tuned for the updates! Literacy International | The Circle India | Teach For India

This Republic Day, The Panaah Communities in collaboration with Teach For India brings something magical for our most special people. On January 26th, mark your calendars for a day that promises to ignite a new era of connectivity and opportunity. Prepare to be part of something big that revolves around inspiration, empowerment, and real change. Details to follow— join us as the #FutureStartsNow!

Last month, we shared a special evening with the team at an AI-based presentation company SlideUpLift, our supporters. It was a moment to explore mutual aspirations for our children at yerwada center. We delved into what drives us at our community centers and that met with discussions about the values that should guide our children as they step into the future. The team sketched out their visions of these young lives a decade and a half from now, each portrait more art—they were promises of potential and hope. The insights and learning from our conversations proved deeply helpful, reassuring some of our approaches and strategies. We are immensely grateful to Manglam Vashisht, the visionary founder of SUL, and Payal, whose impeccable coordination made this experience possible. Thank you for an evening of meaningful dialogue and heartfelt dreams. Your willingness to engage and contribute has touched us deeply. We are excited to have volunteers teach and build real life projects with our kids & teenagers. Chaitrali Reddy | Khushi | Payal

Another room full of people, another evening, a new bunch of teenagers, a new set of stories—this was December 12 in a nutshell! The stage was graced once more, this time by 20 new films from our recent cohort of teenage filmmakers. Building on the work of their predecessors, these young creators have added their own chapters to something I call a movement of teenage storytelling in the country. Over eight weeks, these teenagers delved into the depths of filmmaking, guided by the teams at Lighthouse and The Panaah Communities. Their journey from initial concepts to final edits was a powerful showcase of collaboration and creativity. As each film unfolded, it spoke not only of their individual journeys but of a collective ascent to newfound confidence and self-expression. The screenings were a spectacle of shared experiences, drawing a full house—twice in one day. The audience, a mix of new faces and seasoned supporters, was captivated, moved by the authenticity and audacity of the stories presented. Among them was Rati Forbes, a staunch advocate for equity, witnessing our mission in action for the first time and offering her valuable insights. The event was further enriched by the presence of Prof. Ganaraju Saladi from Flame University and leaders from Eco Taka and Zariya Foundation, whose participation underscored the collaborative spirit of our endeavor. My heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who blessed us with their presence. Safdar | Riya | Sharif | Angela | Surabhi | Ruhaan ‎| Diksha | Disha

December 3, 2024: A Day to Remember at Panaah This morning, as the sun rose over the city, it cast a light on a milestone for us at Panaah Communities. Fifty-one of our brightest scholars (out of fifty-seven) walked into their first National Olympiad exam, the NSO Level-1, with a quiet determination and dreams tucked under their arms. Their mentors, who have been their guides and cheerleaders, accompanied them to the exam center, sharing encouraging words and proud smiles. The air was thick with anticipation and nerves, but more overwhelmingly, it was filled with hope—hope for a future that acknowledges and nurtures potential from every corner of our society. Today was more than an exam; it was a testament to the belief that when given a chance, our children can and will rise to the occasion. As the hours ticked by, each tick was a stitch in the fabric of a narrative we are weaving at Panaah—a narrative of overcoming, of striving beyond what’s expected. When our scholars emerged, their expressions were a mix of relief and resolve. In their eyes, we saw a fire kindled by today's challenges, burning brighter with the lessons learned. They spoke of the need to push harder, to reach further. This isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s about setting a precedent for every child who dares to dream big. Today, our scholars didn’t just take a test; they took a leap towards becoming the leaders and innovators our world needs. This evening, the same sun that watched over their morning courage sets with a promise. A promise that at Panaah, this is but the first of many challenges our scholars will face and embrace with unwavering courage and an insatiable desire to excel. As we move forward, let this day be etched in our memories—not just as a milestone but as a beacon that guides our relentless pursuit of a world where every child has the opportunity to shine their brightest. Hasnain Naqvi | Rakib Sayyed | Sakib Sayyed | Alisha Pathan | Dhanshikha Sonkamble | Aditya Amolekar

#PeopleatPanaah At Panaah, we believe in the boundless potential of individuals and their ability to transform lives. In this series we will share about our people, they make us, Panaah is because they are! Every great team has a heart, and for us at Panaah, that heart is Hasnain, our Co-founder, Lead of PYS & Operations. Today, we shine a light on a man whose life journey embodies the essence of what we stand for. Hasnain started as a mechanical engineer, excelling in his field and making a name for himself with top honors from Gujarat Technological University (GTU). Despite a promising career in engineering, he saw a different calling that tugged at his roots—a calling to make a difference in education, inspired by his childhood in Mahua, rural Gujarat. At Panaah, Hasnain turned our organisation into more than just a learning spaces during the pandemic & beyond. He leads our Panaah Young Scholars program, preparing kids not just for exams, but for life. He teaches them to dream big and work hard, showing them how they, too, can change their worlds. Hasnain's approach is all about solving problems, big and small, with a smile and a wisdom that makes you think deeply about life’s bigger questions. He’s not just our strategist; he’s a mentor, a family man deeply committed to seeing Panaah thrive, and a friend who brings joy and laughter to our team every day. An amazing facilitator of math & physics who has wealth of knowledge that he passes on to his children so well. We are so grateful to have Hasnain with us, a true leader whose spirit uplifts everyone around him. His life reminds us all that with passion, resilience, and a little ingenuity, anything is possible.

Last week at Panaah Communities, we were privileged to welcome the alumnus of Teach For All network for a morning of heartfelt connections and shared visions. Our co-founder, Shoeb, opened the session with an overview of the challenges we aim to address and the programs we've developed to meet them. The morning continued with presentations from Teach For India student alumni, now part of our staff at Panaah, who shared their transformative journeys in education. Witnessing their evolution from students to key contributors was a deeply moving full circle moment for everyone involved. Visitors also engaged with beneficiaries of our programs during small group conversations. These discussions were the highlight of our morning, filled with personal stories that strengthened our bonds and reinforced our shared mission. Reflecting on these interactions, our dedication to using education to enact global change has only intensified. Education's potential to transform our world is immense, bringing us closer to a future where everyone can thrive and contribute to a more equitable society. It was beautiful to meet, interact & learn from guests from all over the world. The beauty of what was in common and what makes us different was a highlight for all of us. Teach For Cambodia | Teach For Viet Nam - Giảng dạy vì Việt Nam | Teach for Nepal | Ako Mātātupu | Teach For India U.S.

Two Days That Touched Our Hearts! Last week, we at Panaah Communities were privileged to experience something truly special. Madhu led a deeply moving two-day workshop for our lead mentors and facilitators, bringing his vast expertise in educational leadership and his genuine passion for nurturing educators. The first day was an immersive exploration of our core motivations in teaching, where we deep-dived into understanding our individual and collective purposes. Madhu also highlighted the importance of shifting from deficit to asset-based perspectives. We concluded the day with each participant using "Trust Generators" to deliver three-minute introductions that incorporated elements of culture and the insights gained throughout the day. It was a bold exercise in vulnerability and connection, setting the stage for deeper learning. On the second day, we focused on practical educational tools, specifically on "Knowledge vs. Understanding" and how these concepts can dramatically transform our teaching methods. We explored Bloom's Taxonomy and the art of questioning, culminating in a 6-minute teaching challenge. Everyone had the opportunity to apply what they had learned and receive valuable feedback from peers. This session wasn’t just about learning; it was about growing together in a space that celebrated every insight and encouraged every question. These two days were more than just a workshop; they were a heartfelt journey back to the heart of why we teach, and a chance to refine our skills with one of the best in the field. It’s hard to fully express the gratitude we feel for having Madhu lead us through such a transformative experience. We’re excited that this is only the beginning. Madhu will be with us for the next 12-18 months, co-designing our teacher professional development program. His involvement is a gift that will undoubtedly keep on giving, as we continue to learn, evolve, and enhance the experiences we offer. Thank you, Madhu, for believing in us, for pushing us, and for joining us in this journey of continual learning and growth. Here’s to the impactful days ahead and the unforgettable ones we’ve just shared!

A year and a half ago, I met Madhu Narayanan during a learning module with The Circle India. Right from the start, his deep knowledge of teaching and learning, along with his rich background in leading schools and training educators & school leaders, stood out to me. We had some great talks, filled with insights about learning spaces and time, how children learn, training teachers, and curriculum design. Fast forward to six months ago, Madhu visited us in Pune while on a trip to see his family in Chennai. He was at the center, met our teachers & we had lunch together, and during that time, he shared his interest in studying after-school centers like ours, which sometimes are unfairly labeled as "shadow schools." We discussed how Panaah isn't just another after-school program but a community effort to rethink how we support our kids' education outside regular school hours & mobilise the communities. I'm excited to share that a simple idea over lunch has turned into a comprehensive project. Madhu has put together a research proposal with Portland State University to study our model in-depth. This will now be an 18-24 month long study with him leading it and visiting us multiple times. He’s also rolling up his sleeves to help us directly; he led a fantastic couple of full-day workshops for our teachers last week and is helping us shape our professional development for them. It’s beautiful to see a conversation over food turn into a full-fledged project; it's surreal. I'm deeply thankful for Madhu’s initiative to include us in his research and for his hands-on support in enhancing our teaching practices. It's a huge step for us at The Panaah Communities, and we’re eager to learn from his insights and the forthcoming study. Thank you, Madhu, for believing in our mission and adding your expertise to our journey.

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