MEET (Mentor Educate Empower Together) is an innovative Home of Hope program that helps financially underprivileged children in India reach their full potential through online education. Through online classes, MEET provides opportunities for every student to thrive academically and socially to develop into well-rounded responsible citizens. The e-learning environment allows lessons to be customized according to the specific needs of each child, regardless of their age or ability.
MEET IMPACT
Our youth volunteers in US connect with students in India over Zoom to conduct classes that focus on both academics as well as overall development. One HOH adult is assigned to each group to supervise and monitor the sessions.
HOH youth chapter members create virtual knowledge sharing programs. We started with public speaking, book clubs, basic classical music, mathematics, and science lessons. And now we've added computer coding for the advanced learners, cooking classes for blind girls as well as companionship and assistance for seniors in their communities.
MEET also conducts classes that help students become proficient in various technologies, common software, and media as well as the ability to find, research and present data on various topics.
Besides empowering children in India, MEET has also significantly benefited our US volunteers. Building crucial life skills such as developing their work ethic, healthy friendships, empathy, and improving their ability to express opinions—all invaluable skills needed for their future.
HOW MEET STARTED
MEET was conceived by Dr. Nilima Sabharwal and sponsored by film actress Bhumi Pednekar. We started with Abhyudaya Ashram that works for BEDIA, a nomadic community. Men in this community earned a living from robbery and were branded by British as criminals from birth under the Criminal Tribes Act in 1871. In 1952, they were de-notified as criminal and termed a nomadic tribe. Some young women still support their families through prostitution, which remains a valued career path in this community.
The first classes of MEET program were started by Sahej Singh and Keshav Khanna, our young MEET co-founders. Now MEET has expanded to Delhi where our volunteers are teaching blind students at the National Association for the Blind (NAB).
"I come to class every Monday from 9~10pm to see the joy in these kids' faces.
I believe that by continuing this class each student along with me will grow to be a better speaker and person."
"I am overjoyed at how these classes have been going so far and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
I teach about 20 kids from 6~12 years old. I have developed a connection with each kid as a teacher and more importantly a friend."
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Home of Hope’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to empower disadvantaged and underprivileged youth to become self-sustaining adults of tomorrow. We believe all children deserve the opportunity to build better lives.