Aryan is a 15-year-old boy from Shadipur, Delhi. He joined Ashish Foundation in 2024, marking his first experience of formal learning and structured support. His journey reflects how timely guidance, family support, and the right environment can bring meaningful change.

Ashish Foundation first came in contact with Aryan during a community outreach visit in Shadipur. The team visited the area door to door to identify children who needed special support. During this visit, Aryan was found living with his family in a slum area where 7 to 8 family members shared a single, crowded room. Managing daily life in such conditions was extremely difficult. Despite financial challenges and limited resources, Aryan’s parents showed strong willingness to support their child. When the team explained that Ashish Foundation supports children in education and helps them become self-dependent, the parents agreed and later visited the centre for admission.

Before joining Ashish Foundation, Aryan had never attended school. Although there are several government schools in Shadipur, he was not able to get admission in any of them. Financial difficulties and the responsibility of caring for many children at home made schooling even more challenging. His childhood was tough and limited in opportunities.

Aryan is verbal and can express his needs, but during his early years, he was extremely shy and introverted. He spoke very little, avoided interaction, and often stayed within himself. Academically, he was very weak as he had never been exposed to formal education. However, one positive aspect was that he could independently manage his daily living activities such as brushing and bathing.

When Aryan joined Ashish Foundation in 2024, the environment was completely new for him. In the beginning, he did not respond much despite being verbal. He avoided eye contact, did not express his feelings, and remained very reserved. Gradually, as he observed others participating in different activities, he started feeling encouraged. Seeing peers learn, play, and interact helped him feel safe and included.

At Ashish Foundation, teachers first observed Aryan carefully and then slowly involved him in activities across different areas – academics, social learning, cooking, play, outings, and group work. Social stories were used to help him understand routines and activities. With time and consistent support, Aryan began to speak more, express himself, and participate actively.

A significant change was seen in his social behaviour. Aryan became more confident and started greeting teachers, interacting with other students, and playing with peers. Earlier, he preferred isolation, but now he is open, expressive, and shows a helpful nature. His confidence has improved greatly.

In academics, Aryan has made steady progress. He has started speaking basic English words, writing numbers, and reading them aloud. His grasping power is strong, and he learns quickly when guided patiently.

Aryan actively participates in art, music, cooking, and social activities. He enjoys watching movies and dancing. He also participated in a marathon and proudly won second prize, which boosted his confidence further.

Technology has become an important learning tool for Aryan. He uses a laptop with great interest, moving the cursor independently, drawing and painting images, and exploring digital tools – skills he had never used before joining Ashish Foundation. His sister has also played an important role by helping him attend online classes and supporting his learning at home.

Today, Aryan regularly communicates with his teachers, even calling them from home to share how he is doing and what he has learned. This shows his growing comfort, trust, and emotional connection with the centre.

Aryan’s parents strongly wish for him to become independent in every aspect of life – managing his basic needs, learning cooking skills, understanding the difference between right and wrong, and protecting himself from being taken advantage of. Aryan himself dreams of supporting his family financially in the future, a goal he expresses with determination.

Aryan’s journey at Ashish Foundation shows how encouragement, structured learning, and belief in a child’s potential can help transform hesitation into confidence. With continued support, he is steadily moving towards independence, dignity, and a hopeful future.