The first project assisted by The Children’s Health and Education Fund was outside New Delhi, the capital of India. In 2004, a progressive women’s organisation called Narii Abhyudaya (“Women’s Development Association”) applied for assistance to begin the Sunrise School for the children of daily labourers in Greater Noida a new satellite city of New Delhi.
CHEF worked with Narii Abhyudaya on development of the project and provided funding for the training of teachers and materials for the Sunrise School which began under a park pagoda and has been successfully operating for over 20 years and graduated to a permanent building of its own.
Hampered by poverty and frequent change of domicile, burdened with the care of younger siblings and household chores, these children were clever and eager to learn. Most arrived with empty stomachs and the simple snacks and midday meal supplied were also appreciated. As each child was brought up to adequate literacy and numeracy levels, they were individually enrolled in one of the area's private schools which had up to then not filled the government's mandated scholarship seats for poor children.