Beginnings
The Street Smart Program began in 2011 with just 15 street children on the pavements of Astley Hall, Dehradun. These were children who spent their days ragpicking, begging, wandering aimlessly or were drug addicts. The aim was to catch their attention through colours, pencils, and notebooks-giving them an experience far removed from their harsh daily reality.
Children were engaged using playful, creative methods like painting letters, singing, and reciting poems. What began as a simple, informal space gradually took shape into a more structured initiative. Today, Street Smart empowers thousands of first-generation learners to take their first steps into education.
Mainstreaming Preparatory
Aasraa’s Street Smart program is the first step in bringing street and slum children into education. It focuses on building Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) and ensuring age-appropriate learning for out-of-school children aged 6 to 10. Using Computer-Aided Learning and Interactive TLM, the program covers core subjects such as Hindi, English, Math, and Environmental Science. To support older siblings who care for younger children at home, a Crèche facility is provided for children under 6, enabling both to participate.
On average, children spend about a year in the program to prepare for integration into regular government schools. Nutritious meals (lunch and fruit) and basic medical care are essential components, ensuring holistic support for every child.
INITIATIVES UNDER STREET SMART PROGRAM
14
Year
2000
Children Mainstreamed
12
Centres
4285
Children Impacted
