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Projects – Mijwan

Transforming Mijwan into a model village through women’s empowerment, education, arts, and long-term rural development.

Location & History:

The Mijwan Welfare Society (MWS) is based in Mijwan village, Azamgarh District, Uttar Pradesh. Founded in 2004 by poet Kaifi Azmi, the initiative began as a movement to empower rural women and children through education, dignity, and self-reliance. After his passing, Shabana Azmi continues to guide the mission with deep commitment and vision.

Core Focus of the Project:

MWS focuses on holistic rural development centered on education, women’s empowerment, skills training, sports, arts, and cultural preservation. The project aims to create a self-sustaining, opportunity-rich ecosystem where women and youth lead the transformation of their own community.

HOH Partnership: When & Why

Home of Hope partnered with MWS in 2005, marking its first major rural initiative. HOH joined hands with MWS to help transform Mijwan into a model village—strengthening programs for girls, expanding skills training, promoting sports and arts, and supporting long-term educational opportunities. This partnership was rooted in a shared commitment to equity, empowerment, and sustainable community development.

Impact of HOH Support

Chikankari Embroidery Program (2005–2010)

HOH created and funded the Chikankari training program, enabling rural women to earn independently. The craft later gained global visibility, becoming a symbol of financial empowerment and gender equality in Mijwan.

Sports Program (2013–Present)

Initiated by Gurbaz Singh, then HOH Youth Chapter President, the program encouraged girls to enter sports for the first time.

Key outcomes include:

  • Mijwan’s first indoor badminton court
  • Establishment of the Kaifi Azmi Sports Academy
  • 40 medals, including 11 golds, in badminton and taekwondo at district and state levels The academy is now expanding into soccer, basketball, cricket, hockey, and athletics.


Cultural Drama & Theatre Program (2017–Present)

With support from actress Ashvini Bhave, the initiative builds confidence, public speaking, and creative expression. In 2025, a young Mijwan actress performed at an international film festival in Chicago—a milestone for rural arts.

Performing Arts Program (2024–Present)

Funded by Vineeta Bhandari, this program nurtures talent in music, dance, and visual arts. Her long-term vision includes creating a Performing Arts Academy for rural youth.

Education & Future School Initiative

Education remains central to Mijwan’s growth. HOH aims to build a world-class English-medium school, powered by the first foundational contribution from Dr. Veena Puri. This school will offer high-quality education from kindergarten upwards—right within the village.

COVID-19 Relief (2020)

HOH supported continued learning, essential supplies, and family support during the pandemic, safeguarding vulnerable households.

Overall Impact

HOH’s long-term investment has:

  • Enabled hundreds of women to achieve financial independence
  • Reduced child marriage
  • Opened pathways in sports, arts, and education for girls
  • Strengthened cultural identity and community pride

Vision for the Next Five Years

Saidham aims to continue the vision of its founder, Dr. Motilal Gupta, ensuring that the light of education and empowerment never diminishes.

Over the next five years, the project aims to:

  • Sustain and expand educational programs for children from underprivileged backgrounds
  • Set a model example for other schools and organizations to follow in delivering holistic, free education
  • Continue nurturing future professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society

Reports from the Project

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One of our theater-enthusiast girls earned a lead role in a Bollywood film.
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