Family Support & Relief

 

Standing with Families in a Time of Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, families from Gurgaon’s underserved communities faced sudden job losses, food insecurity, and the risk of forced migration. With livelihoods disrupted and uncertainty at its peak, children’s education and well-being were at serious risk.

Pragati responded by prioritising basic needs, dignity, and stability—ensuring families could withstand the crisis without withdrawing their children from school.

 

The Challenge

  • Daily wage earners and informal workers lost income overnight
  • Many families considered migrating back to their villages
  • Food insecurity became an immediate concern
  • Financial stress threatened children’s ability to remain connected to education

 

Pragati’s Response

To support families through the most difficult months of the pandemic, Pragati implemented a combination of relief and direct financial assistance:

 

Food Security

  • Conducted two ration drives, each covering 350 children for 45 days
  • Ensured access to essential food supplies during extended lockdowns

 

Direct Financial Support

  • Provided ₹14,000 in direct cash transfers to 313 families
  • Enabled families to manage urgent household needs with dignity and flexibility

 

Seasonal Care

  • Distributed hoodies and socks to all children during winter months

 

Impact

The relief measures ensured that children did not drop out of Pragati-supported schools during the crisis and remained anchored to their learning communities even during unprecedented hardship.

Supporting families was essential to protecting children’s right to education during the pandemic.

Student Learning Continuity

Keeping Learning Alive During School Closures

Extended school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt learning for children with limited access to resources. Many students did not have textbooks, stationery, devices, or reliable connectivity.

 

Pragati focused on one clear goal: Ensure children continued learning despite the digital divide.

 

The Challenge

  • Children lacked books, stationery, and learning materials
  • Most families did not own smartphones or had limited data
  • Limited or no access to devices for online classes
  • Parents and students were unfamiliar with digital tools
  • Shared devices meant irregular attendance and missed lessons

 

Pragati’s Response

 

Virtual Learning Transition

  • Shifted to virtual education (April 2020 – February 2022)
  • Used WhatsApp and virtual platforms familiar to families
  • Conducted remote teacher training for effective online classes

 

Digital Access Support

  • Distributed 30 tablets initially, later expanded to 110 students
  • Provided devices with data packs
  • Trained students in device usage (remote & on-campus)
  • Provided remote troubleshooting support

 

WhatsApp-Based Learning

  • Reached 200+ students through worksheets and assignments
  • Students submitted work via WhatsApp for review

 

Creative Engagement

  • Engaging worksheets
  • Dance video tutorials
  • Activities to maintain motivation and emotional well-being

 

Impact

Despite prolonged disruption and limited resources, learning continuity was sustained across Pragati-supported schools, strengthening retention and long-term educational progression.

Continuity was the goal — and it made all the difference.

Enablement & Outcomes

 

Enabling Educators to Sustain Learning and Protecting Long-Term Outcomes

Educators were at the heart of sustaining education during the COVID-19 crisis. As classrooms shifted online overnight, teachers required rapid upskilling, technical support, and institutional stability to continue engaging students under extraordinary constraints.

 

The Challenge

  • Limited prior exposure to online teaching platforms
  • Sudden transition to virtual classrooms requiring new skills and tools
  • Technical disruptions during early stages of online learning
  • Financial uncertainty during lockdowns affecting morale and retention

 

Pragati’s Response

 

Digital Enablement & Training

  • Conducted virtual training workshops on Zoom, Google Classroom, and online teaching methodologies
  • Provided ongoing academic guidance through the Academic Coordinator
  • Engaged an IT professional to support digital transition and resolve technical challenges

 

Institutional Stability

  • Ensured full salary continuity for teaching and non-teaching staff during lockdown
  • Maintained morale, retention, and consistent student engagement

 

Outcome

90% of Pragati’s 2020 student cohort continues in secondary education, despite the extensive disruptions caused by the pandemic.

This outcome reflects the combined impact of:

  • Family stability
  • Sustained student learning
  • Enabled and supported educators

When teachers are supported, students stay the course.