In a city as diverse as Mumbai, access to quality education is still not guaranteed for thousands of children living in slum communities. Overcrowded classrooms, lack of hygiene infrastructure, and household financial struggles often hold students back from fulfilling their true potential. In this landscape, NGO education programs play a critical role in bridging the gap and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Among the dedicated organisations working in the city, The WE Foundation stands out for strengthening education in Mumbai’s municipal schools by integrating health, hygiene, and life skills into the learning ecosystem — especially through its flagship initiative, Saksham.

Importance of Free Education for Children in Mumbai

Every child deserves the right to education, regardless of background or income. But for many families in informal settlements, even public schooling can become challenging due to costs associated with books, hygiene products, or regular healthcare. When health concerns rise, absenteeism increases, and learning suffers.

NGOs addressing Free education for children become essential partners to schools and families. The WE Foundation recognizes that education strengthens only when children are healthy and confident, which is why its programmes ensure they receive both learning and well-being support together.

When school becomes a safe and supportive environment, children remain motivated to attend regularly — giving them a fair chance at building brighter futures.

How NGOs Are Bridging Educational Gaps

Educational inequality in Mumbai stems not just from curriculum gaps but also from environmental disadvantages. Many BMC schools, especially in areas like Dharavi, lack proper sanitation facilities, safe water access, and hygiene supplies.

Here, The WE Foundation’s Saksham Model School Development Programme creates a transformative impact through:

• Handwashing and WASH education
• Menstrual hygiene awareness for adolescent girls
• English learning activities to improve communication skills
• Art & creativity-based learning for expression and confidence
• Environmental awareness and school cleanliness drives
• Health-focused demonstrations and peer-learning sessions

By improving hygiene behavior and emotional well-being, children become more attentive, miss fewer days, and actively participate in classroom learning.

This is how true Educational support for children is delivered — by upgrading both knowledge and living conditions that influence learning outcomes.

Nonprofit Education Organizations Changing Lives

Several Nonprofit education organizations operate across Mumbai, but The WE Foundation’s approach stands out because it focuses heavily on sustainable behavioral change.

Under Saksham:

• 30,000+ students and teachers from 14 BMC schools learned proper handwashing techniques
• 10,000+ residents across Dharavi benefitted through community demonstrations
• More than 2,000 hygiene kits (sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap) were distributed
• Creative competitions and student-led activities reinforced health lessons
• Regular reinforcement ensured long-term hygiene adoption

The programme was further celebrated through the Saksham Changemaker Felicitation Ceremony at Khernagar Municipal School, Bandra (East) where:

• Students showcased hygiene skills and English learning
• School administrations recognized students as “Change Leaders”
• Children were applauded for leading cleanliness and awareness drives

Saksham is developing role-model students who influence peers and families — turning education into a movement.

Educational Support for Underprivileged Children

For children in slum communities, learning is deeply tied to confidence and self-esteem. Many feel discouraged due to health-related absenteeism, menstrual challenges, or lack of personal hygiene knowledge.

The WE Foundation directly addresses these barriers by offering:

• Handwash and sanitation education integrated into the school calendar
• Menstrual hygiene guidance that reduces stigma among adolescent girls
• Creative learning activities aligned with school curriculum
• Group learning that builds communication and leadership skills

As a result:

• Attendance has improved — especially for girls
• Teachers observe better classroom engagement
• Students now follow hygiene practices confidently
• Families adopt healthy habits at home through the children

Improving school experience ensures children remain eager to learn — making these efforts vital to every Mumbai education NGO ecosystem.

Success Stories from Mumbai’s Slum Schools

Across Mumbai, powerful changes are visible because children are now leading transformation.

In Dharavi’s BMC schools, students have become ambassadors of cleanliness, reminding classmates to wash hands before meals, maintain clean classrooms, and help others learn the 5-step handwashing technique.

At Khernagar Municipal School, children confidently demonstrate hygiene practices to visitors and conduct awareness presentations — showcasing how learning has translated into leadership.

Girls who once felt shy discussing menstruation are now trained to manage their health with dignity, resulting in fewer missed classes. Children who struggled with confidence now proudly participate in English demonstrations and cultural activities.

These success stories reflect the essence of Saksham — empowering children so they empower communities.

Together, We Can Build a Healthier Learning Culture

The WE Foundation continues to expand its educational and WASH interventions across Mumbai, with plans to scale Saksham throughout Maharashtra and eventually nationwide. Each intervention strengthens a child’s chance to stay in school, think creatively, and pursue the life they deserve.

By supporting or partnering with The WE Foundation, you help make education in Mumbai healthier, safer, and more empowering.

A stronger learner becomes a stronger citizen — and a stronger society follows.