Our History
Following the Delhi pogrom in 2020, Shaagird recognised the impact such violence had on children and their education during its survey work in Northeast Delhi. It all began with a small initiative known as the Smile Class, which aimed to provide these children with some respite amidst their despair.
During the violence, all the belongings of these families , including their children’s books and stationery were reduced to ashes. To offer them a place of relief, the Smile Class was established in Mustafabad, near the base camp.
However, this initiative couldn’t be fully realised at the time due to the nationwide lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since most of the families lost their homes and livelihood in the violence of February 2020 they started to take their children out of schools because of financial constraints. They bore the double burnt of Delhi the pogrom and the ill-planned lockdown which destroyed their livelihoods. Shaagird then came to provide aid to these families and sponsored the education of these children. It opened Sunrise Public School in Ghaziabad. The year also marked the incorporation of Learning Center Miftahul Quran, where children are provided knowledge of English, Hindi, math, computers, and
science along with their spiritual education.
Shaagird Foundation’s Learning Center programs continue to
flourish. 120 children were enrolled in Hifz programs across the branches, receiving a strong foundation in Islamic scripture. An additional 320 children participate in the learning programs, focusing on core academic subjects.In the third year of our working, we incorporated more Learning Centers; Fatima Al Firhi, Talimul Quran, and Imaam ul Bukhari. Established in 2020 for children affected by the Delhi riots, Sunrise Public School in Loni Ghaziabad continued to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment
The fourth year marks the continuation of all our educational initiatives with a significant surge in student enrollment. More activities and workshops were incorporated to boost the confidence of the children. Our educational institutions were revamped and reconstructed. Additionally, we provided education to 20 kids from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh.
We travelled to riot-ridden areas like Bahraich, Sambhal, and Mandala; heard devastating stories; extricated them from the peril; and enrolled them in our educational institutions. We also assisted the orphans of Junaid, who was mob lynched by cow vigilantes, to complete their education. We conducted Annual Day, Sports Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, educational visits, and picnics for our students at Sunrise Public School. We arranged Iftar, Suhoor, ration kits, and Eidis for our orphans and poor children. We participated in human rights advocacy in Malaysia, Kuwait, Bangalore, and Chennai, amplifying the voices of children affected by violence and standing for their right to learn, heal, and thrive.
Second Year
After the February 2020 violence, many families lost their homes and sources of income, forcing them to withdraw their children from schools due to financial hardship. They suffered the twin blows of the Delhi pogrom and an ill-planned lockdown that further shattered livelihoods. In response, Shaagird stepped in to support these families by sponsoring their children’s education. It established Sunrise Public School in Ghaziabad and also founded the Learning Center Miftahul Quran, offering education in English, Hindi, mathematics, computers, and science alongside spiritual learning.
Fourth Year
The fourth year marked the continued growth of all our educational initiatives, with a significant increase in student enrollment. We introduced more activities and workshops to enhance children’s confidence and overall development. Our educational institutions were also revamped and reconstructed to provide a better learning environment. In addition, we extended our support to children beyond our immediate areas by providing education to 20 students from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, further strengthening our commitment to inclusive and accessible education.
Sixth Year
The year reflected Shaagird Foundation’s continued dedication to its ongoing projects, focusing on rescuing vulnerable families and children from peril while expanding its educational institutions. By creating safe spaces to learn, explore, and grow, Shaagird strengthened its mission of holistic education. Sunrise Public School once again saw a rise in student enrollment, and a dedicated computer learning center equipped with modern technology was introduced. The Foundation also continued supporting the orphans of Junaid, a victim of mob lynching, to complete their education. Independence Day was celebrated across schools and learning centers, fostering patriotism among students. Additionally, the 5th Annual Function and Sports Day were held, boosting students’ confidence. To support overall wellbeing, Shaagird organized Iftar and Suhoor meals, distributed ration kits, and provided Eidis to orphans and economically disadvantaged children.
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
First Year
After the 2020 Delhi pogrom, Shaagird witnessed the deep impact of violence on children and their education during its survey in Northeast Delhi. The effort began with a small initiative called the Smile Class, created to bring comfort to children living through trauma. During the violence, families lost everything, including children’s books and stationery, which were burned. To provide relief, the Smile Class was set up in Mustafabad near the base camp. However, the initiative could not be fully implemented due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.
Third Year
Shaagird Foundation’s Learning Center programs continue to
flourish. 120 children were enrolled in Hifz programs across the branches, receiving a strong foundation in Islamic scripture. An additional 320 children participate in the learning programs, focusing on core academic subjects.In the third year of our working, we incorporated more Learning Centers; Fatima Al Firhi, Talimul Quran, and Imaam ul Bukhari. Established in 2020 for children affected by the Delhi riots, Sunrise Public School in Loni Ghaziabad continued to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Fifth Year
We travelled to riot-ridden areas like Bahraich, Sambhal, and Mandala; heard devastating stories; extricated them from the peril; and enrolled them in educational institutions. We also assisted the orphans of Junaid, who was mob lynched by cow vigilantes, to complete their education. We conducted Annual Day, Sports Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, educational visits, and picnics for our students at Sunrise Public School. We arranged Iftar, Suhoor, ration kits, and Eidis for our orphans and poor children. We participated in human rights advocacy in Malaysia, Kuwait, Bangalore, and Chennai, amplifying the voices of children affected by violence and standing for their right to learn, heal, and thrive.