Orphan, Destitute, and Single-parent Project

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Orphan, Destitute and Single Parent Project

Empowering Lives Through Education, Care, and Community

The Vishnubhai Amin Orphan, Destitute and Single Parent Project, initiated by United Way of Baroda in 2006, is a long-standing educational support programme dedicated to transforming the lives of children who have lost parental care or come from economically vulnerable single-parent households. Recognising that the loss of a parent or financial instability often disrupts a child’s education and overall development, the project was designed to ensure that no child is deprived of learning opportunities due to difficult life circumstances. By addressing not only educational needs but also the emotional, social, and psychological challenges faced by these children, the initiative creates a nurturing environment that enables them to grow with confidence, dignity, and hope. Over the years, the programme has evolved into one of United Way of Baroda’s flagship child development initiatives, providing consistent support that empowers children to overcome adversity and pursue brighter futures.

The project currently reaches children studying in 119 NPSS government schools across Vadodara, extending comprehensive support to orphaned, destitute, and single-parent families. Since its inception, it has positively impacted the lives of more than 15,000 children, ensuring uninterrupted access to education through the distribution of school bags, textbooks, notebooks, stationery, uniforms, footwear, and other essential educational materials. However, the initiative goes far beyond the provision of learning resources. Understanding that holistic development is equally important, the project organises year-round engagement activities, including educational excursions, cultural celebrations, festive gatherings, recreational programmes, life-skill sessions, and interactive events that foster confidence, emotional well-being, and social inclusion. These experiences help children develop a sense of belonging, encourage peer interaction, and create joyful learning opportunities that contribute to their overall personality development.

The primary objective of the Vishnubhai Amin Orphan, Destitute and Single Parent Project is to ensure that every child receives quality primary education in a safe and supportive environment while creating pathways for higher education and long-term self-reliance. The programme strives to reduce school dropouts, strengthen family support systems, promote holistic growth, and empower children to realise their full potential despite the challenges they face. During the 2024–25 financial year, the initiative extended comprehensive educational and developmental support to 345 children, equipping them with educational kits and opportunities that enhanced their academic progress, personal growth, and overall well-being. Through sustained intervention, compassionate care, and community partnerships, United Way of Baroda continues to reaffirm its commitment to building a future where every vulnerable child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and lead a life of dignity and purpose.

EDUCATIONAL
SUPPORT
345 customized educational kits distributed to children from orphaned, destitute & single parent families.
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SCHOOL KIT
DISTRIBUTION
15 essential learning items distributed across 62 NPS schools in Vadodara.
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KHUSHIYON KA
UTSAV
465+ children received personalized gifts fulfilling their unique wishes and bringing joy to their lives.
3
FILM
SCREENING
75+ students enjoyed a fun-filled movie experience "The Lion King Mufasa" for fun and learning.
4
ORPHANAGE
OUTREACH
Supported 39 girls with love, care and celebration gifts.
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Every step we take together builds a stronger, kinder and more inclusive community.
Thank you for being a part of this meaningful change.

Core Objectives

  • Ensuring Access to Education: Supporting children to complete primary education and progress toward higher studies.
  • Providing Essential Supplies: Distributing educational kits with vital school materials to aid learning.
  • Creating a Supportive Environment: Addressing emotional and psychological needs through activities and interventions.
  • Fostering Holistic Development: Organizing festivals, recreational events, and educational tours to enhance well-being and social integration.

By combining educational support with year-round activities, the project nurtures not only academic growth but also emotional and psychological resilience.

Activities at a Glance 

Educational Kit Distribution

Education forms the cornerstone of the Vishnubhai Amin Orphan, Destitute and Single Parent Project. To ensure that children have access to the basic resources required for uninterrupted learning, 345 customised educational kits were distributed during the 2024–25 academic year across 62 Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti (NPSS) schools in Vadodara city. Each thoughtfully curated kit contained 15 essential educational items that supported students throughout the school year and helped reduce the financial burden on their families.

The educational kits included:

  • School Bag
  • Lunch Box
  • Water Bottle
  • Notebooks
  • Assorted stationery including pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, crayons, and other learning essentials

By providing these resources, the initiative ensured that children could attend school with confidence, improved classroom participation, and encouraged regular attendance while promoting equal learning opportunities for every child.

Khushiyon Ka Utsav – Celebrating Dreams, One Wish at a Time

Khushiyon Ka Utsav is one of United Way of Baroda’s most cherished initiatives, designed to bring happiness into the lives of underserved children by fulfilling their personal wishes. Unlike conventional gift distribution programmes, this initiative begins with meaningful interactions where the United Way of Baroda team personally engages with children from selected NPSS government schools to understand their aspirations and individual preferences.

Based on these conversations, 33 unique categories of gifts were identified and carefully procured to match each child’s wish. The personalised gifts included carrom boards, smartwatches, doll houses, makeup kits, cricket bats and balls, remote-controlled toys, sweaters, educational games, and many other items, making every child feel valued and celebrated.

During the year, 465 children received personalised gifts through the initiative, including:

  • 351 children from 12 NPSS Government Schools 
  • 75 students from Shram Mandir Trust 
  • 39 girls from the Children Home for Girls (Orphanage) 

The initiative not only fulfilled childhood dreams but also strengthened children’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging by demonstrating that their aspirations matter.

A Cinematic Treat for Students

To make the celebrations even more memorable, 75 students from Shram Mandir Trust were invited for a special screening of Mufasa: The Lion King. For many of these children, it was their first experience watching a movie in a theatre. The outing provided them with a joyful break from their daily routine, encouraged social interaction, and created cherished memories filled with laughter, excitement, and inspiration.

Voice of Gratitude

“We sincerely thank United Way of Baroda for its unwavering commitment to education and social welfare. Every year, students receive school kits that greatly benefit children from single-parent and underprivileged families. The addition of a Smart Class in our secondary school has further enriched the learning experience. Your support plays a crucial role in shaping brighter futures, and we deeply value this continued partnership.”

– Yogesh K. Mistry
Principal, Kubereshwar Primary Girls School, Manjalpur

Nurturing Hope Through Education

Launched in 2006 by United Way of Baroda, the Orphan, Destitute & Single Parent Project—initiated in memory of Vishnubhai Amin—aims to provide vital educational support to vulnerable children in Vadodara. Focused on students from orphaned, destitute, and single-parent backgrounds, the project operates across numerous government schools to ensure these children have access to quality primary education and the resources they need to thrive.

The initiative not only provides essential educational materials but also fosters emotional and psychological well-being through year-round activities such as educational tours and cultural celebrations. These engagements are designed to promote a supportive learning environment and help children develop holistically.

By addressing socio-economic barriers and encouraging continued education, the project works towards building a more inclusive and promising future for children who need it the most. It also encourages aspirations for higher education and a better quality of life.

About 20 million children, about 4% of their population in India and higher than people living in Delhi, are orphan. Of them, parents of only 0.3% children have died and rest have been abandoned. About 20 million children, about 4% of their population in India and higher than people living in Delhi, are orphan. Such children do not having access to education to improvise their living.

For more than one and half decade (17 years), United Way of Baroda has been supporting orphan and destitute children in support with Vishnubhai Amin by providing educational kit as per their grade standard every academic year.

Also, students are facilitated with educational tours/visits, healthcare & nutritional facilities, and recreational activities.

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Students are provided with educational kits from the beginning of every academic year

Impact

  • Includes all Orphan & Destitute and Single Parents Students from 120 NPSS School
  • Educational Kit to Students
  • “Khushiyo Ka Utsav – An Act of fulfilling the wishes” where students receive Gifts as per their Wishes.
  • Exposure visit to Science City

Educatioal kit Distribution

Khushiyon ka Utsav- An Act of fulfilling the wishes

Exposure Visit to Gujarat Science City