Inspire Learning Center: Offering Digital Skills to Build a Better Future for Refugees
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein And the Inspire Learning Center lives on it. In the city of Kishanganj, near Delhi, lies a place that’s quietly changing lives. It’s not just a building or a classroom. It’s a lifeline for those who’ve faced struggles most of us can’t even imagine. Founded in 2005, Inspire Learning Center started with a simple mission: to teach and uplift. Over time, its mission has grown, especially in recent years. When Mr. Philip joined the center in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, he saw challenges and opportunities that shaped the center’s journey in ways no one could have seen. This is their story- their journey of changing lives! A Turning Point in a Crisis The pandemic wasn’t just about masks and lockdowns. For many kids, it meant losing access to education. Without phones, computers, or the internet, students couldn’t attend online classes. During a food distribution drive, the team at Inspire Learning Center came across the harshness of the world. “We saw how much they were struggling,” Mr. Philip shared. “That’s when we decided to step in and help.” At first they started with just the normal tuition classes to bridge the gap between studies and the kids. Later, after realising the importance of digital skills, the center began offering computer education, teaching digital skills that would open doors for students in the modern job market. But things took a deeper turn when violence in Manipur forced many families to leave their homes. They came to Delhi, hoping for safety and new beginnings. The harsh reality, though, was heartbreaking. “Out of 250 candidates we interviewed, only three or four got selected for jobs,” Mr. Philip said. “They lacked communication skills, confidence, and basic computer knowledge.” That’s when Inspire Learning Center decided to focus on more than just teaching. With just eight Manipuri students, they began their journey of transformation in Kishanganj. Building Skills, One Student at a Time Today, Inspire Learning Center offers six comprehensive courses designed to equip students with the digital skills and other personality development qualities they need to thrive in the modern job market: Each course is carefully designed to provide not just theoretical knowledge but practical experience. Classes run from Monday to Friday, starting early at 9:30 AM and continuing until 6:30 PM across seven batches. Stories That Stay With You Behind every student is a story. Some will break your heart, while others will leave you all inspired and in awe of their resilience. Mr. Philip recounted the journey of a young woman who fled Manipur with her family and joined the center. In just one week, she acquired the skills and confidence needed to land a job. “Her transformation was incredible,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “She went from being unsure of herself to becoming financially independent in just one week” Then there’s the story of a brother and sister who walked into the center from a refugee camp. Their reality was harsh: no stable shelter, no regular meals, and little hope for a better future. Yet, they showed up every day, eager to learn. At the Inspire Learning Center, they didn’t just learn skills. They learned to dream again- to live again! However, not all stories have a fairy-tale ending. Many students, desperate to support their families, drop out to take up low-paying jobs. “This is one of our biggest challenges,” Mr. Philip admitted. “But we do everything we can to keep them engaged, offering extra classes and flexible schedules to help them complete their courses.” Apni Pathshala’s Support The journey of Inspire Learning Center hasn’t been without hurdles. One of the biggest challenges has been a lack of resources. For a long time, students had to manage with outdated computers, which were evidently not enough for the students. But, as they say- “Where there’s will, there’s a way”. Thanks to the efforts of the director of Inspire Learning Center, they came in contact with Apni Pathshala – an organization dedicated to supporting education initiatives by providing them with the necessary resources. “Thanks to Apni Pathshala, we received ten new computer systems,” Mr. Philip shared. It was like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, students had the tools they needed to truly excel. But the partnership went beyond those pc sets. Apni Pathshala introduced a requirement for weekly progress reports, including video recordings of student activities. Initially, this seemed like an extra task. Many students were camera-shy and hesitant to speak. But over time, these weekly reports became a confidence-building exercise. “Now, our students can speak confidently in front of a camera,” Mr. Philip said with a smile. “It’s a skill they never imagined they’d have, and it’s all thanks to this partnership.” Looking Ahead with Hope Talking about the vision for the Inspire Learning Center, it is simple yet powerful: to give young people the skills they need to find good jobs and build better lives. But there’s another dream, too—to make the center self-sustaining. “We’re currently dependent on donations,” Mr. Philip explained. “But someday, we hope our students will earn enough to give back and keep the center running for future generations.” This dream of self-sufficiency isn’t just about finances, it’s about creating a community that supports and uplifts itself. The vision is for students who once walked in uncertain and hesitant to return as mentors, role models, and contributors, ensuring that the cycle of education and empowerment continues. Mr. Philip envisions Inspire Learning Center becoming a hub of transformation, where alumni take pride in their roots and pay it forward, helping the next generation of learners. A Message from Mr. Philip Mr. Philip’s words carry a quiet strength, a voice of experience rooted in both struggle and triumph. “Challenges might be there,” he often tells his students, “but stay focused, don’t give up, and keep trying. God will open doors for you—just be patient.” Many of the students who walk through the doors
How did MakersBox manage to Change the Lives of Children?
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King Jr. Education today is evolving, moving away from traditional textbook-based approaches and leaning towards skills that prepare students for real-world challenges. This is the mission that MakersBox, a learning pod founded by Harpreet Ma’am and Gagan Sir, has taken on since its inception. Launched in 2019, MakersBox recently partnered with Apni Pathshala to extend its reach and continue transforming the educational landscape. Starting as a small centre to educate children in practical skills, witness how MakersBox began its mission, the challenges faced, and how it has successfully helped students by encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. A Vision Beyond Textbooks: How MakersBox Came to be? MakersBox began as a dream shared by Harpreet Ma’am and Gagan Sir, both passionate educators with a desire to teach real-life skills beyond the limitations of traditional education. Their vision was clear: prepare students for the real world by equipping them with practical, hands-on knowledge Established in 2019, MakersBox aimed to fill the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, focusing on essential skills like robotics, coding, video editing, and digital tools such as Figma and Canva. However, getting this idea off the ground wasn’t easy. Initially, they faced significant challenges—limited resources, space, and awareness in the community about the importance of practical education. How did this Journey start? In June 2021, MakersBox began with just a few systems, electronic kits, and 3D printers in a small robotics lab. Despite the limited space and resources, Harpreet Ma’am and Gagan Sir persevered. Word of mouth and pamphlets were their primary tools for reaching out to the community. Their hard work paid off when a small group of 3-4 children from class 3rd to class 8th started showing up to learn. Their efforts soon expanded, and higher-grade students and even college students joined the pod. Yogita Ma’am played a pivotal role in helping MakersBox grow by providing access to a computer lab and supporting the efforts to spread awareness. The Mission of MakersBox: Learning By Doing MakersBox has a simple yet powerful belief: Education should be more than just theory. It should inspire students to explore, create, and solve real-world problems. Their mission is to teach students practical skills that are directly focused to the ever-changing world outside the classroom. A major focus is on the 4 C’s in educating children: MakersBox uses a project-based learning approach, where students learn by doing. Whether it’s coding, robotics, or video editing, students engage with the materials actively rather than passively absorbing information. This not only boosts their knowledge but also builds confidence in their ability to tackle real-life challenges. Unique Hiring Approach: Learning from Within One of the most unique aspects of MakersBox is its approach to hiring. Rather than looking for external candidates, MakersBox often hires students who have learned within the pod. These students, now equipped with advanced skills, help teach the next generation of learners. This approach not only ensures that the teaching style remains consistent but also empowers students to take ownership of their education and give back to the community. Successes & Key Achievements of MakersBox MakersBox has seen incredible growth since its early days. The pod has become a space where students of all backgrounds come together to learn, create, and grow. Events organized in collaboration with Apni Pathshala have been a great success, allowing students to showcase their work and creativity to the community. Key Achievements: One of the most significant successes has been the involvement of alumni—students who once learned at MakersBox now contribute by teaching their peers and helping the next generation of learners. How did MakersBox Overcome Challenges? While MakersBox has achieved much, there have been ongoing challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been maintaining consistency in student attendance and participation. For many students, this style of learning is entirely new, and the journey of making it part of their routine has required continuous effort. Additionally, spreading awareness about the importance of practical skills—especially in areas where traditional education dominates—has been a challenge. However, with time and the support of parents and community leaders, MakersBox has been able to expand its reach and impact. Success Stories that Have Transformed Lives MakersBox has changed the lives of countless students. One such story is that of Monu, a student from a government school who joined the pod in 2021. Initially shy and unsure of his abilities, Monu soon learned to excel in robotics and coding. He now helps teach his peers and has become an inspiration for others in his community. Another success story is that of a student who joined MakersBox in 2023 with no prior experience in digital skills. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, she is now proficient in various digital tools and has found direction in their academic and career aspirations by starting a YouTube Channel. Join the Initiative MakersBox is more than just a learning pod—it’s a community of innovators, creators, and problem solvers. As part of Apni Pathshala, MakersBox is committed to continuing its mission of teaching practical skills and empowering students to succeed in the real world. We invite teachers, community leaders, and parents to join us in this journey. Together, we can transform education, moving beyond textbooks to a world where learning is hands-on, engaging, and fun. Let’s equip the next generation with the skills they need to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how you can be a part of this incredible movement.