Our story with Chotuuki Education Foundation (CKE) began with a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. When we, Gunda Raviteja and Bala Tripura Sundari, first joined CKE as volunteers, little did we know that this organization would not only allow us to contribute to a noble cause but also bring us together in life.

CKE has always stood as a beacon of hope for children in Hyderabad who are at risk of being lost to the streets, labor, and begging. We both were deeply moved by the mission of CKE and were eager to be a part of this transformative journey. 

Weekends quickly became the highlight of our week, where we would gather students under metro pillars and shopping center steps, teaching their eager minds who otherwise might never have had the chance to experience the joy of learning.

As we spent more time volunteering (which includes weekend teaching classes, practicing sports and conducting health camps), we found ourselves not just drawn to the cause, but to each other. Our shared commitment to the children of CKE, and the joy we found in working together, deepened our connection. What started as a collaboration to uplift these young lives soon blossomed into a beautiful relationship. CKE was not just the place where we volunteered; it became the foundation of our life together. We got married, and to this day, we proudly continue to serve as CKE volunteers. Over the years, we've seen the impact that CKE has had on these children—providing them with a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for a brighter future. We've celebrated the progress of countless students who, with the support of CKE, have moved from the streets into the classroom, and we’ve been humbled to be a part of their journey.

For us, volunteering at CKE is more than just giving back—it’s about being part of a family that believes in the power of education and the potential of every child. The smiles, the successes, and the small victories we witness each day reinforce our belief in CKE’s vision. As we continue to work hand-in-hand, both as a couple and as volunteers, we remain committed to the mission of Chotuuki Education Foundation.

        

To anyone reading this, if you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and find purpose, we encourage you to join hands with CKE. You never know, it might just change your life the way it changed ours.

SOCIAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

I recently had the incredible opportunity to intern at Chotuu Ki Foundation(CKE), and it was an experience that has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and social work.

CKE is an organization dedicated to providing holistic education to dropout children and end the cycle of child begging& child labor.

Stepping into a New World🦶🦶

From the moment I stepped into the CKE (Miyapur branch), I was immersed in a world vastly different from my own. From the outset, it was clear that this internship would be far removed from the academic bubble I was accustomed to. Initially, fear crept in. The unfamiliar surroundings, the stark realities of slum life, cast a shadow of apprehension. But as the days unfolded, a profound shift occurred. The walls of my preconceived notions began to crumble, replaced by a growing warmth and empathy. The people here, so often marginalized and overlooked, welcomed me with open arms, their affection a balm to my initial trepidation. Their laughter, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit ignited a spark within me, a spark that would forever change my perspective.

Responsibilities

My role primarily was to digitize student’s documents (personal and academics), Inventory management, provide demos to students on “Empowered*” and share the feedback to the collaborators, content creation for half yearly report, student interaction with a focus on developmental activities pertaining to self-improvement, storytelling and reading sessions in English.

(*Empowered is an innovative, AI-powered mobile application designed to empower students at Chotuu Ki Foundation (CKE) to become independent learners. This user-friendly app utilizes Artificial Intelligence to bridge the language barrier and enhance academic success)

Challenges and Growth

Working in a social sector comes with its fair share of challenges. A few students did not have Government authorized identification documents or they were missing which hampered the mainstream admission process in schools. Students’ attendance during a few activities is another challenge being constantly addressed by the teachers. However, every setback is a learning opportunity. The resilience and hope of the people I worked with were a constant source of inspiration.

A Ripple Effect

Looking back, I realize that my internship was more than just a professional experience. It was a personal transformation. I developed a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. The interpersonal skills and relationships I acquired have equipped me to make a meaningful impact in the world. My relationship with the students extended beyond the classroom setting like discussing about our lives, sharing food and eating together and playing fun games.

Once in a life time opportunity

I strongly encourage all students in Hyderabad to consider doing an internship/volunteer with CKE. It's an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop essential skills, and make a positive impact on society. I am incredibly grateful for having this opportunity to be part of such a remarkable organization and contribute to building a better future for the community. Although my internship has completed and I’m back to my college in Bangalore, I continue to volunteer my time over the weekends for CKE and hence, my journey with this team continues…

Jul-Dec 2023 year end report

Click here to access the mid year report PDF: Jul-Dec 2023

Jan-Jun 2023 mid year report

 

Click here to access the mid year report PDF: Jan-Jun 2023