Dhruv Sacheti (11E) and Khanak Gupta (12B) accompanied by Ms Ruby Dey, Citizenship Coordinator, visited the Goonj Foundation at Sarita Vihar on 12 October, 2023 as a part of the Citizenship Programme, to hand over the collections of the donation drive held at School. The visit provided a deep and enlightening insight into the exceptional work carried out by the NGO in urban and rural communities across India.
Goonj is a distinguished non-profit organisation with a unique approach to addressing the needs of marginalised communities. It aims to build equitable relationships between urban and rural areas, focusing on strength, sustenance, and dignity.
Goonj’s “Cloth for Work” programme is a groundbreaking initiative that leverages under-utilised cloth materials as a catalyst for development. Communities are encouraged to identify and implement solutions to their challenges, and in return, Goonj provides them with clothes. This not only addresses immediate material needs but also promotes ownership and collective effort in problem-solving.
Goonj’s commitment to education is evident in the “School to School” initiative. Surplus educational materials from well-resourced urban schools are redistributed to underprivileged village and slum schools.
Goonj addresses the critical issue of menstrual hygiene through the “Not Just a Piece of Cloth” initiative. Sanitary pads are provided to women in rural areas and awareness sessions called “Chupi Todo” are conducted to promote better health practices and destigmatise menstruation.
The foundation plays an active role in disaster management and rehabilitation programmes. They respond swiftly to emergencies, helping affected communities rebuild their lives and providing essential relief materials for their recovery.
Goonj’s initiatives not only address material needs but also empower communities to take charge of their development. The “Barter System” and the involvement of communities in problem-solving, promotes self-reliance and collective action.
The visit to Goonj Foundation was an eye-opening experience for our students, that showcased the remarkable work of the organisation in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. The students returned with new found inspiration to actively participate in helping to create a society which is more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate. The visit indeed fostered a sense of shared responsibility in order to promote sustainable development, transforming the lives of individuals and communities across the nation.
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