Shikshangram Shelter for Children: Building futures through education and compassion.
Every great movement begins not with money or power — but with love.
The story of Shikshangram Shelter for Children began in the quiet hills near Lonavala in the winter of 2006, when Satish and Yogita Moon decided to step beyond sympathy and take action.
At that time, the couple had no land, no donors, and no organization — just an unshakable belief that no child should live without love, food, and education.
They began walking through the lanes of Lonavala, Malavali, and Karla, speaking with street children, ragpickers, and those living near railway tracks. They saw children hungry, scared, and invisible to society — and that sight changed their lives forever.
By the end of 2007, Satish and Yogita welcomed their first five children into a small rented home in Malavali. They had no financial support — only the willingness to share what little they had.
What began as five lives transformed soon became many. Within months, more children arrived — orphans, children rescued from labor, and those abandoned by poverty. Their laughter filled the home, and Shikshangram — “the village of education” — began to take shape.
In 2008, after more than a year of working independently, Satish and Yogita formalized their mission. On 22 April 2008, their dream became a recognized institution — Naisargik Shikshan Sanshodhan va Prashikshan Sanstha, registered under the Societies Registration Act (1860) and the Bombay Public Trusts Act (1950), with approval from the Charity Commissioner, Pune.
This trust became the foundation for all their projects — including Shikshangram Shelter for Children, Aai Mala Bhook Lagli Kitchen, and the Nalanda Learning Centre.
By 2010, the rented home had become too small for the growing number of children. Through the generosity of a well-wisher, one acre of land was donated in Devale Village, near Malavali, for the construction of a permanent shelter.
Brick by brick, with love and determination, Satish and Yogita built a true home for children — not an institution, but a family. In 2011, the Shikshangram family officially moved into their new campus — a safe and nurturing space surrounded by nature, laughter, and dreams.
In 2013, the same donor extended support by donating another acre of land for the Tara Girls Hostel, creating equal opportunities and a secure home for girls in need.
Over the years, the campus continued to grow — adding dormitories, study areas, a playground, and Aai Mala Bhook Lagli, a community kitchen providing fresh, nutritious meals daily.
As years passed, Shikshangram evolved into a holistic learning community. The Nalanda Learning Centre was established to provide academic coaching, creative learning, and mentorship for children from grade school to college.
New facilities — computer labs, solar systems, and study halls — were added, ensuring every child could learn in a healthy and empowering environment. Today, under the guidance of 24 dedicated staff members, Shikshangram cares for over 145 children each year.
From a small rented house in 2007 to a peaceful 2-acre campus in Devale Village, Shikshangram’s journey is a testament to what compassion can build.
Some children have become teachers, artists, professionals — and one, Priyanka, fulfilled her dream of joining the Mumbai Police, proving that love truly transforms lives.
When a child is given love, education, and belief — miracles happen.
Today, Naisargik Shikshan Sanshodhan va Prashikshan Sanstha continues to run Shikshangram Shelter for Children, Aai Mala Bhook Lagli, and other projects with the same founding vision — to create a society built on Equality, Fraternity, Liberty, and Justice through holistic and natural education.
The journey is still unfolding. With every helping hand, every volunteer, and every donation — the story of Shikshangram grows brighter, touching more lives, and shaping a future where no child is left behind.
Shikshangram is more than a shelter — it’s a promise of a better tomorrow.
Our Mission is to serve children to encourage a better childhood and improve the life of the underprivileged to help them become responsible individuals and spiritual human beings. We achieve this by providing them with all their fundamental needs as well as quality education encompassing a broad range of topics including environmental issues, health and ethics.
Our Vision is to form a new society on the basis of Equality, Fraternity, Liberty and Justice through a creative education system.
1. To support homeless and street children who have dropped out of the school or are involved in the child labour with bridge schooling, shelter and care.
2. To provide support and shelter for girl children in safe and mothering environment.
3. To support rural education programs through provision of scholarships and financial assistance to village children.
4. To provide parent awareness training on childhood developments.
5. To organize training and retreat camps for rural children.
6. To assist village youth to gain employment.
7. To create awareness of environmental issues such as water conservation and forestry preservation and foster community values thus raising the quality of life in the village setting.
