The Vanasthali Rural Development Centre (VRDC), located in Maharashtra, was established on December 21, 1981, with a mission to uplift women and children in rural communities. For more than three decades, VRDC has worked to bridge the developmental gap between urban and rural areas by creating opportunities for learning, growth, and empowerment.
Many rural villages lack the basic educational and extracurricular opportunities typically available in urban areas. To address this disparity, VRDC launched two key initiatives:
These programs nurture both academic development and personal growth, helping children discover their talents while strengthening their foundation for future learning.
Home of Hope (HOH) has partnered with VRDC since 2007, supporting its long-standing commitment to rural education and child development.
PaanPoee Library Project
Initiated by the Pendharkar family, the PaanPoee Library Project encourages children to read books beyond their school curriculum. HOH strengthened this effort by funding the purchase of books and durable carry bags used to deliver them to inner-city and rural schools. With support from HOH and VRDC volunteers, the mobile library now reaches schools across nine districts, where children eagerly engage with the books.
Initially, many children showed little interest in reading, but teachers helped cultivate curiosity by offering age-appropriate books and linking reading with joy. As children began writing short passages, their handwriting, exam performance, and overall confidence improved—earning appreciation from both parents and schools.
Hobby Classes & Teacher Training
To develop personality and creativity among older children, HOH funded Hobby Classes that introduced activities such as art, recitation, and project work. These classes brought excitement and novelty to students’ lives, helping them explore natural talents.
A major challenge—finding enough teachers for Balwadis—was solved through local teacher training, enabling village women to take on teaching roles. This boosted their confidence, created employment within the community, and made the program sustainable. HOH has continued to support these training programs, including specialized training for Hobby Class instructors.
Staff Supported by HOH
LEAP Hobby Classes
Camps
Children’s Mobile Library Van
Overall Impact
VRDC continues to evolve with changing times, shifting to online learning during COVID and adapting to government-led Anganwadis. While the number of VRDC-run Balwadis has reduced, teacher training remains a key focus to strengthen early childhood education.
The organization continues to rely on individual, group, and corporate donors to sustain its mission. Since the communities served cannot afford program fees, donor support remains vital. VRDC aims to expand its reach, deepen the impact of extracurricular learning, and serve as a pillar of support for the underprivileged in the years ahead.
