Aniket’s story is a powerful reminder of how education can change lives. Growing up in the busy streets of Virar, Mumbai, he had little access to technology. His neighbourhood was full of children from underprivileged communities, struggling to get the kind of skills that could set them up for a better future. As he was reaching the end of his school life, he realised he was about to finish without getting that digital literacy which is currently ruling the world. His dreams seemed limited.
But here’s the twist-
Everything changed when he came across ApniPathshala!
ApniPathshala’s Learning Pod
ApniPathshala, in collaboration with the Narayan Chandra Trust, set up a learning pod in Virar with one clear goal: to teach digital skills to children from underprivileged backgrounds. It wasn’t an easy task. Before this program, many of these kids had never even touched a computer. Their schools didn’t have computer labs, and most parents didn’t see the value in digital education. They believed it was only important after completing regular schooling. But thanks to Apni Pathshala’s learning pod, this notion changed. That place quickly became a safe space for students like Aniket, offering hope and a path to a brighter future.
Aniket initially joined to learn basic computer skills. Just that. But soon, under the guidance of teachers like Pankaj Barnwal Sir from BeyondExams, Aniket’s learning took off. His rapid progress showed how quickly someone can grow when given the right tools and support.
From Learner to Leader
Aniket wasn’t just a fast learner, he quickly became a role model for other students. His curiosity and dedication stood out. In a short time, he w ent from being a student at the learning pod to helping run the very classes that had changed his life. His transformation from a shy student with little digital literacy to a confident manager is truly inspiring. And this is what ApniPathshala aims at. Things like this make us emotional, proud and happy at heart!
Now, Aniket plays a big role in making sure the classes run smoothly. He helps other students understand the digital tools, making the learning environment welcoming and supportive. ApniPathshala’s approach, which encourages students to ask questions and explore freely, helped Aniket to go on. Unlike the traditional classrooms, where discipline overshadows creativity and often children are not able to raise their voice or ask questions, there are no strict rules here at our learning pod. We rather focus on curiosity and self-learning, which has been key to the success of students like him.
The Digital Education Revolution
The learning pod in Virar isn’t just about teaching kids how to use computers- it’s about building a culture of digital literacy in a place where technology has been hard to access. Here, at this learning pod, the management charges a small fee of ₹100 to ₹200 per month, making sure that even the most underprivileged students can get a top-quality digital education. Making sure that money can never cause any hurdle in any child’s dream to succeed.
At the pod, students aren’t just learning the basics. They’re exploring advanced topics like game development, web design, digital marketing, scratch programming, no-code web development, and tools like Canva, helping students gain the skills needed in today’s world. Imagine teaching these interesting skills at a place where the kids didn’t even know to use a mouse. Fascinating, right?
Talking about Aniket, these skills changed his life. He went from having no digital knowledge to becoming skilled at using tools like Canva, and now he even helps other students on their learning journeys. His story shows exactly what ApniPathshala aims to achieve with every student who comes to come.
Overcoming Challenges
On your way to success, challenges are bound to come- that’s an inevitable fact. But, the way we overcome those hurdles is a true test of our perseverance. And, must i say that Apnipathshala passed that test with flying marks. In the beginning, many parents in the area were sceptical about the value of digital education. Nearly 60% of parents believed that their children should only focus on traditional schooling until they completed the 12th grade. Convincing parents to invest in their children’s digital education was a significant challenge. Many of them also couldn’t afford to buy computers, which made the learning pod even more essential.
But the management didn’t give up. To encourage participation, they offered students opportunities to volunteer and manage classes without charging fees. This gave students a chance to prove their worth and showcase how valuable digital education could be. Slowly but steadily, the mindset began to shift, and more students started enrolling.
A Future Filled with Opportunities
Today, ApniPathshala has touched the lives of thousands of students in the Virar area. On any given day, the pod accommodates 100-150 students who come in for flexible classes that work around their school and college schedules. The students aren’t just getting digital literacy, they are being prepared for the future. Moreover, to give the students practical exposure, pod also provides them with internships, freelancing opportunities, and a platform to showcase their talent.
Just like Aniket, who now helps manage the growing number of students and has become a mentor to many. He assists in classes that cover everything from basic computer skills to advanced courses like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Also, every Saturday, the pod hosts personality development sessions where students practise presenting in front of others, learning public speaking, and building confidence.
The Emotional Impact
Aniket’s story is just one of many, but it’s filled with sheer hope and transformation. His journey from a curious learner to a confident mentor shows that with the right opportunities, anyone can succeed, no matter their background.
ApniPathshala has played a crucial role in this transformation. Children who once had no access to technology are now digitally skilled, independent, and ready to face the world. Aniket’s story serves as a source of inspiration for other students, who will follow in his footsteps, equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.
This whole story reflects the heart of Apni Pathshala’s mission which is to empower underprivileged students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s digital world. Through education, mentorship, and a supportive community, Apni Pathshala is changing lives, one student at a time. Aniket’s success reminds us that with dedication and the right environment, every student can lead, inspire, and make a difference!
So, are you ready to transform your life like Aniket did? Join Apni Pathshala and unlock the power of digital education.
Contact us to learn more about our learning pods and various programs, and start your journey to success.