Their job profile rather naively describes them as ‘teacher’ or ‘supervisor’. But these remarkable women casually shrug off this elementary definition as they wrestle with the daily challenges at Sunbeam. They are the true force behind Sunbeam.

Their dedication and love found willing takers in the children. For these wonder women, Sunbeam wasn’t a job. It was an obsession. They fixed unwavering eyes on the goal and never really saw the obstacles along the way. Driven by a shared passion for bringing positive change to the lives of children from marginalized societies through education, these women with “nerves of steel” dedicated themselves to a noble cause. Their efforts were instrumental in transforming the lives of these children, shifting them from living confined within the four walls of a construction site to stepping into schools.

Through their relentless work, the Sunbeam didis opened doors for the children to see the world beyond the narrow confines of their immediate surroundings. By prioritizing education, they empowered these young minds to dream bigger and aspire for more. The impact of their work is a testament to the power of dedication and compassion in bridging gaps and creating opportunities for those in need.

At Sunbeam, we believe that learning should be fun! Our approach is to blend academics with engaging activities, making school a place where these kids look forward to coming. We know that for many of our students, stepping into a classroom is a big change, and we don’t want them to feel like they’re
stuck in a stuffy lecture hall. So, we mix it up! We’ve got art, games, sports, and more – whatever it takes to keep them interested. And the air becomes thick with shrieks of wildly excited children. Our teachers make learning feel like play. And you know what? It works! The children are happy, they’re curious to learn new things and best of all, they are showing up. The attendance in the classes is cent percent. When they’re having fun, they are more likely to stay engaged, and that’s when the real learning happens. It’s not just about academics; it’s about giving them a space to grow, explore, and be kids.

Sunbeam focuses on education and community development, works towards bridging the gap between poverty and education in marginalised communities. Our approach involves convincing the parents about the long-term benefits of education for their children’s future. We engage with parents in their own settings, to build trust and understanding.

By focussing on changing parents’ mindsets, Sunbeam aims to empower families to prioritise education, breaking the cycle of poverty and opening up better opportunities for the next generation. We’ve found that when the parents are enthusiastic and supportive, our task is cut by half. Parents then go to great lengths to provide opportunities for their children – opportunities they’ve been deprived of themselves.

In 1996, Leela Alvares, Pervin Varma, Khurshid Dabdi, and Sangeeta Kapila, staff of CRY (Child Rights and You), came together to transform the lives of these young ones – Gopal, Jagdevi, Padma, Babu, Parvati, Shrinivas, Krishna, Radha, and little Kavita who’s snug in Leela’s arms.

These kids of construction labourers were spending their days playing with sand and mortar at sites, missing out on childhood joys. We got to know them when their parents, working at the adjacent construction site, couldn’t keep an eye on them. Curious about our office (adjacent to their construction site in Arthur Road, Mumbai), the kids would wander in. This marked the beginning of the Neighbourhood Project, which later evolved into Sunbeam.

The 4 didis in the picture and many more CRY staff members stepped in, showering them with love, affection, and care for their emotional needs. They began by tackling the most basic issues – health and hygiene. And provided them with nourishing midday meals. Also, incentives in the form of parties and picnics. Then began the non-formal education classes, nurturing a love for learning. Eventually, they got enrolled into formal schools, paving the way for a brighter future. A beautiful story of compassion turning lives around!