When we think of education, we often picture classrooms, textbooks, and exams. But for a child to truly grow and succeed, learning must go beyond books. One of the most powerful forces behind a child’s success is mentorship — a guiding hand, a listening ear, and a source of encouragement when the going gets tough. At Shiksha Prayas, we believe that every child not only needs knowledge but also a mentor who believes in them.
What is Mentorship, Really?
Mentorship isn’t about giving lectures or setting rules. It’s about building a relationship — where a child feels safe, heard, and motivated. A mentor listens without judgment, shares life lessons, celebrates progress, and helps students believe in themselves even when they feel like giving up. Whether it’s a teacher, a volunteer, or even a senior student — mentors become role models and cheerleaders in the journey of learning at Shiksha Prayas.
Mentorship and Child Psychology: Nurturing Holistic Growth
From a psychological perspective, mentorship plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development. At Shiksha Prayas, our mentors understand that providing a safe and supportive environment is key to fostering:
Emotional Well-being: Mentors offer a consistent, positive presence, which is vital for children, especially those from underserved communities who might face instability. This stability helps build a child’s sense of trust and self-worth. When a child feels heard and valued by a mentor, it directly contributes to their emotional intelligence and resilience.
Self-Esteem and Confidence: Through consistent encouragement and celebration of small wins, our mentors at Shiksha Prayas help children develop a strong sense of self-belief. They create an environment where children aren’t afraid to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again, knowing someone believes in their potential.
Motivation and Goal Setting: Mentors help children at Shiksha Prayas visualize their future, beyond their current circumstances. By sharing their own experiences and guiding students through challenges, mentors enable them to set realistic goals and develop the perseverance needed to achieve them. This goes beyond academic targets to encompass personal aspirations.
Social and Communication Skills: The individualized attention and group activities facilitated by Shiksha Prayas mentors provide invaluable opportunities for children to practice effective communication, active listening, and build healthy relationships. This foundation is crucial for their interactions within and outside the classroom.
Real Impact, Real Stories from Shiksha Prayas
In our classrooms and centers, we’ve seen firsthand how the power of mentorship truly changes lives:
Lakshay Dhawan, from our Tarori center, is a brilliant example of dedication and the transformative power of consistent support. He achieved an outstanding 95% in his 10th standard board exams and immediately dove into demanding NEET preparatory classes. At Shiksha Prayas, our mentors are a constant presence, providing the continuous encouragement and academic navigation Lakshay needs, ensuring he feels profoundly supported towards a future in medicine.
Balram Kumar, an inspiring ex-student of Shiksha Prayas, is now making a significant mark in the world of art. His stunning sketch, “The Flora,” was not only displayed at the prestigious Chitramayee State Gallery but also won the Award of Sponsorship for a Solo Show. Balram’s journey perfectly exemplifies how mentorship at Shiksha Prayas extends far beyond academics, identifying and nurturing individual talents and passions, leading to his work gaining prime display in leading art hubs.
Beyond these individual triumphs, we consistently witness countless other transformations: shy children gain confidence, struggling students find renewed motivation, and young minds are opened to diverse dreams through invaluable career guidance. For many children from underserved communities, our mentors become the first person to truly invest time in their holistic growth — emotionally, academically, and personally.
Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
In today’s fast-changing world, children don’t just need knowledge — they need resilience, guidance, and confidence. Books teach facts. Mentors at Shiksha Prayas teach values, decision-making, and self-worth. And most importantly, a mentor helps children feel they’re not alone on their journey.
How Shiksha Prayas Creates Mentorship Opportunities
We are proud that our team of dedicated volunteers, teachers, and senior students step up to mentor in small and big ways — every single day. Through tailored support, practical career guidance, vital skill-building workshops, and emotional support, we ensure every child at Shiksha Prayas has someone who says, “You matter. And I’m here to help.” Our structured programs, combined with the personal touch of our mentors, are designed to empower children to excel not just in their studies, but in all aspects of life, particularly guiding them towards opportunities in STEM.
In Government of India’s Vision for Mentorship
The Government of India also recognizes the profound impact of mentorship in education, particularly in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Initiatives like the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), spearheaded by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), aim to create a large pool of outstanding professionals willing to provide short and long-term professional support to school teachers. While NMM focuses primarily on teacher development, it underscores the national commitment to fostering a culture of mentorship within the educational ecosystem.
Furthermore, programs like Vidyanjali, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, encourage community and private sector involvement in schools, allowing volunteers to contribute their knowledge and skills. This aligns perfectly with Shiksha Prayas’s model of leveraging dedicated volunteers and experienced individuals to mentor children, complementing government efforts to strengthen the educational landscape through community participation. At Shiksha Praya, we actively contribute to this national vision by building a strong network of mentors who empower the next generation.
Mentorship That Matters — For Them and For You
At Shiksha Prayas, we believe mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to shape a child’s future. That’s why we’re opening doors for individuals and professionals — especially from the corporate world — to share their time, experience, and care.
Mentorship isn’t just impactful for our children. Many mentors tell us they find renewed purpose, perspective, and personal growth through this connection.
If your team, your company, or you as an individual are looking to contribute beyond the usual, this is your chance to be part of something lasting.
For collaboration or questions, reach out to us at care@shikshaprayas.com
Let’s build futures together.