I may be a retired educator, but my passion for teaching and learning remains as strong as ever. Whenever I travel, I seek opportunities to visit schools, observe different teaching styles, and better understand how children are learning around the world. If a community needs support, and I’m in a position to help, I want to do what I can.
Before my recent visit to Jaipur, India, I researched local schools and came across Vimukti Sanstha, a school dedicated to educating girls from the slums of Jaipur. I reached out, asking if I could visit and bring school supplies. To my delight, I received an immediate and enthusiastic response, and plans were quickly set in motion
Vimukti Sanstha is more than just a school—it’s a movement. Founded 20 years ago, its story began with a seemingly simple yet shocking moment. The founder, Ms. Lavalina Sogani, once offered a glass of milk to a young girl named Sangeeta, the daughter of a worker at her home. To Ms. Sogani’s astonishment, the girl refused.
“No, I am a girl,” she explained. “Girls don’t drink milk.”
Confused, Ms. Sogani asked for clarification. Sangeeta’s response was even more unsettling:
“Boys drink milk because they go to school. Girls don’t go to school, so they don’t need milk.”
That moment changed everything. Ms. Sogani, who already ran a private school, decided to open her doors after school for girls from the slums in Jaipur. But she soon realized that two hours a day wasn’t enough—these girls had never been taught at home, and they needed so much more. From that realization, Vimukti Sanstha was born.
Today, the school educates over 800 girls with a singular mission: to break the cycle of poverty by providing not just an education but a pathway to financial independence. Unlike most schools, where students graduate after twelfth grade and move on, Vimukti supports its students until they are fully self-sufficient. Through community partnerships, the school arranges internships and mentorships in every professional field imaginable, ensuring that each girl has the opportunity to thrive.
When I arrived at Vimukti Sanstha, I was warmly greeted by Ankita Bhandari, a coordinator from the school. From the moment we began talking, I was struck by her deep passion for teaching and her unwavering commitment to the students. As she shared the school’s story, I found myself struggling to process the weight of what I was hearing.
Then came the question that brought me back to the present:
“Would you like to visit a classroom?”
I barely managed to get the words out. “I would love to.”
Our first stop was an eleventh-grade classroom with about 16 students. The girls, immersed in independent study, immediately stood to greet me. The scene brought back memories of my visits to The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning.
But there was something even more striking here—there was no teacher in the room. The students were preparing for midterm exams, completely self-directed and deeply engaged in their studies.
In the next classroom, I found a group of what looked to be fourth graders, sitting cross-legged on the floor, reviewing a literacy assignment. But the person leading the lesson wasn’t a teacher or a classroom aide—it was one of their peers. With confidence and pride, she guided her classmates through the material, checking their answers and ensuring everyone understood.
And then it hit me.
I glanced around the room. No teacher. No adult supervision. Yet every single girl was on task, engaged, and thrilled by the opportunity to learn.
This was the purest form of education—driven by curiosity, discipline, and an unshakable desire to rise above circumstances.
In my 20 years as an educator, I’ve visited many schools. But this one was different.
The teachers here are not just educators—they are answering a calling. They are building more than just a school; they are changing the trajectory of entire families and communities.
If you want to learn more about Vimukti Sanstha and the incredible work they’re doing, you can follow their journey on Instagram: @vimuktisanstha.
My visit to Vimukti Sanstha in Jaipur, India left me speechless. I hope to foster a partnership with the community of learners at Vimukti Sanstha and the amazing educators who work to make a difference.
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Great Job!!