Spreading Christmas Cheer : How Pehchaan The Street School brings joy to underprivileged children
Silpi Srivastava
Forensic Science Student | Reliance Foundation UG Scholar' 24 | Campus Ambassador CCIFS | Book reviewer @bay_of_books
As the year comes to a close and the air is filled with the excitement of Christmas, I stand here reflecting on myself and the reason why I and many others celebrate this festival. For many, it's a time of joy and holiday – where people gather together, celebrating and rejoicing, exchanging gifts with their loved ones. It is the time of gratefulness and reconciliation, to remind that in the middle of darkness, there exists a light of giving and sharing and making the whole world a better place for us. The diversity that has been made by mankind to divide themselves into various lines appears to be too trifling as people celebrate with what they have in this life and give back a bit to those who need the most.
Amidst all the cheer and exchanging of gifts in the festive cheer, there is one gift that stays forever and goes beyond the season – education. Pehchaan the street school spreads the joy of Christmas to those who lack access to basic learning resources. They, while educating children, are making an investment not only in their future but also in the future of our society as a whole. Started in 2015 as just an initiative, Pehchaan the street school is now more than that, it’s a place where the future is nurtured, it’s a place which teaches the children to dream bigger, to spread their toes beyond the blanket. It is a place that provides them with the tools to break this vicious cycle of poverty, Pehchaan the street school does not let the financial background of the children define who they can or cannot be. Teaching someone would not just benefit that individual but also all those who are connected to them – Pen is mightier than the sword.
Running a non profit organisation devoted to educating underprivileged children free of cost is not easy – it’s not just about the intention with which one starts but the resources one needs for the long run. And that is where collaborations play a vital role. This Christmas season, a number of influencers and organisations collaborated or helped Pehchaan the street school in one way or the other. It felt nothing short of a month full of gifts and happiness on the faces of the children.
Collaborations that make a change
Pehchaan The Street school organised a Blanket Donation Drive at all their centres from 8th to 22nd of December where they asked people to help arrange blankets for 1600+ underprivileged children , they also organised a Winter Donation Drive in collaboration with Delhi Himachal Students Association (DHSA) & Delhi Kinnaur Students Association (DKSA) to spread warmth this winter season.
There were various collaborations this Christmas starting from Dilshad Garden centre & Sunder Nursery Centre where Breco's India, Miss Tina Kaur, Miss Rabia helped spread the joy by providing the children with food and so many treats – many eating Manchurian for the first time. The kids were filled with excitement and happiness at the feast and happily spent the day. Sagacity – a clothing brand brought stylish hoodies & t-shirts to the students at Sunder Nursery Centre, thereby bringing a huge smile to the faces of children. Mr. Sudhanshu Sharma, a digital creator & an Influencer celebrated Christmas with the children.
To make the month more special, Ranjana Singh Rathore – a News Anchor & a TEDx Speaker celebrated her birthday with the students at Pehchaan the street school Indraprastha centre. There was also a magic show that left the kids gawking at the magic happening in front of their eyes. Little Sherlocks, a leading preschool, also visited the Indraprastha centre to join in the donation camp. Lakshya Kochar, an actor, also celebrated Christmas with the children. Step up For Students (SUFS) Foundation, a NGO visited the Indraprastha Centre to celebrate Christmas with 400+ children.
On the last day of the Christmas event at Pehchaan the street school, Piyusha Sharma, an Influencer and Entrepreneur joined the children at the Noida Centre to celebrate Christmas. Saddle Brook visited the children and celebrated Christmas by bringing a smile to each child’s face by gifting them so many accessories. Yahhve Sharma, an actor also visited the centre to be a part of Christmas with Pehchaan the street school-The Street School and made it special for all the children.
The last event of the year was a huge success, bringing smiles and spreading warmth to so many children. Behind the success was the founder – Akash Sir and also the volunteers both on ground and online who worked together for a better Christmas for the underprivileged children.
The emotional and psychological benefits for children participating in these celebrations
We all had been children once and for all of us Christmas was a time filled with magic and hope, where a person named Santa is supposedly going to leave gifts for us if we behave well. It didn’t matter if one is Christian or not, because Christmas was a time where everyone celebrated it irrespective of their religion. For underprivileged children however, it is often a time of longing and coldness. But when organizations and individuals come together to celebrate with them—donating gifts, clothes, food, and spreading love—it transforms their experience of the holiday, bringing not just material support but also profound emotional and psychological benefits.
The gifts make them feel seen & cared. It is a beacon of light in the midst of hardships. These memories that they make during Christmas, the joy they feel and share with each other are often rare so they cherish them for comfort. A delicious meal, a new toy car, or even a small gesture like a genuine smile bring them happiness.
Receiving gifts or compliments during Christmas celebrations can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence. A new outfit, a book, or even a sweet treat like a muffin can make them feel special and appreciated. This newfound confidence inspires them to approach life with greater determination and positivity.
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When children participate in festive gatherings, they interact with donors, volunteers, and other children which helps them build relationships and improve their communication skills. It reduces the feelings of isolation, therefore boosting their psychological well–being. These acts of generosity also teach the children the important value of gratitude and giving. These lessons shape their character, making them a better human being. The smiles on their faces and the light in their eyes – filled with hope, remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. It can create an atmosphere of joy that temporarily lifts them out of their reality. This brief escape can rejuvenate their spirits and remind them that happiness is possible, even in times of disparity.
Involvement of the Community & the Volunteers
The local community plays a significant role in making the Christmas celebrations a reality. Their involvement goes beyond material contributions. By participating in these events, the community fosters a sense of togetherness and solidarity, creating an environment where children feel valued and loved. It is through their heartfelt efforts that the celebrations become truly magical.
Volunteers are the backbone behind Pehchaan the street school Christmas events and dedicate their time and energy to ensure that the children have an unforgettable experience. They decorate the venue, organize activities, and hand out gifts with enthusiasm and warmth to all aspects of the celebrations. They act as mentors and friends to the children and spend quality time with them, creating moments of genuine connection.
Their involvement really brings the spirit of the season to life, reminding kids that they are not alone. That there are people, and they do care and that their future matters as well. The children discover in these interactions that their dream is worth the pursuit. They also learn that there exists a community that will be ready to welcome them every step of the way.This Christmas, become a reason for smiles on the faces of underprivileged children. Donate, volunteer, or just share this mission with others to help Pehchaan The Street School. Your good deed, no matter what measure it may be, can create a big impact in the life of a child. Pehchaan the street school concentrates on education to underprivileged children and making them self reliant. It is solely run on crowdfunding so any contribution be it money or items like books, stationary etc will not only help the children in their education but items like clothes & blankets will provide warmth & fill them with comfort. Beyond the assured material benefits of your contributions, these donations will show them care while also boosting their confidence and giving them hope for a future that does not discriminate.
Volunteership- this is for anyone who is able to work either offline (on ground) or online. They can contribute time as per their availability. Volunteers working through either mode do not get any kind of certificates.
Internship- this is for anyone who can contribute a certain period of time to work either offline or online. There are multiple categories at Pehchaan The Street School under which you can intern. Interns are provided with a Certificate of Internship at the completion of their Internship.
Membership- this is for someone who can’t commit time or can’t work either online or offline, they can therefore donate a certain amount each month. The members can also sponsor the education of an underprivileged child.
If you want to know more about Pehchaan the street school The Street School or donate, visit their website -