Abhishek Dubey is the driving force behind Muskaan Dreams, a non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionizing the learning experience in government schools. His journey was inspired by a desire to bring education to life for disadvantaged students, bridging the digital divide and offering them a chance at a brighter future. Siya Umesh Jariya, an eighth-grade student from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the beneficiaries of this innovative approach. Siya now engages with her studies through animated videos and cartoons, which have transformed her learning experience.
Abhishek’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal. Raised in a rural family in Gwalior, he developed a passion for educating underprivileged children during his college years. In 2013, he began volunteering at government-run shelter homes, seeing firsthand the educational disparities that existed. His dedication led him to form a group of 200 volunteers who extended their efforts to Bhopal and Indore.
Upon graduating with a degree in computer science, Abhishek faced resistance from his family when he chose to dedicate himself entirely to teaching. His father, a government officer, initially disapproved of his decision, but Abhishek remained resolute in his pursuit of transforming education. His father’s skepticism gradually evolved into pride as he witnessed the impact of Abhishek’s work.
Muskaan Dreams collaborates with state governments to transform schools, focusing on regions where power infrastructure allows for the use of electronic devices. They engage teachers and students in discussions about the benefits of digital learning, providing electronic devices, content, and teacher training. Their unique “tic-tac” learning approach involves animated videos that align with the NCERT syllabus, making subjects like Science and Math engaging and understandable.
One significant challenge Abhishek and his team faced was getting older teachers accustomed to using technology. Yet, over time, their intervention proved successful in helping teachers adapt. While Muskaan Dreams cannot guarantee the schools’ actions after their direct involvement ends, they diligently track the usage and effectiveness of digital tools through evaluations, aiming to create a lasting impact.
Financial support comes from corporate partnerships and CSR activities. Partners like Amazon India, LinkedIn, ONGC, and Hindustan Zinc contribute to the cause, allowing Muskaan Dreams to expand its reach. Abhishek’s vision is ambitious: he plans to extend the project to Karnataka schools by year’s end and reach one million students by 2025.
Abhishek’s journey has been marked by challenges and dedication, but he remains steadfast in his belief that dreams can become reality. As he navigates the challenges of his work, he treasures the rewarding experience of positively impacting the lives of countless students.
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