Udaan Welfare Foundation

The Udaan Edufest has grown since 2007, empowering young women and children through interactive learning, workshops, activities, and entertainment. It has positively impacted over 2000 children, promoting independence and happiness. Held annually at Ma Niketan Children's Home or Saksham Community Centre in Thane's Azad Nagar, the event focuses on empowering young girls. Led by professional trainers, the Edufest garners appreciation from students, parents, teachers, partners, and dignitaries, fostering positive energy and knowledge exchange. Attendance has expanded to include regions across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu. Post Covid-19, there has been a gap and we intend to restart in 2023 for helping the young minds with today’s needs and benefits.

Mini-Edufests are organised with equal passion and enthusiasm as its main Edufests, albeit on a smaller scale. These events serve as a source of motivation and entertainment for the children, incorporating innovative and engaging programmes to impart knowledge. By fostering entrepreneurship and teamwork, it offers participants a glimpse of a promising future. Additionally, the Mini-Edufests provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for the volunteers at Saksham, allowing them to independently plan and organise the events.

Launched in August 2012 with the theme of 'Creating toys from trash', Udaan Vigyaan Ki aimed to make science learning hands-on and enjoyable. Implemented in two Thane schools, it significantly enhanced participating children's self-confidence, presentation skills, communication skills, observation abilities, and creativity. The project's successful impact on learners is evident through their grasp of key scientific concepts.
We conduct regular Science classes now on Sundays with practical hands on science experiments for the students. The number of students attending the program is gradually increasing.

The 'Udaan Day Care Centre' was operating from 2010-2013, and provided efficient care and supported 60-85 children daily at Anugraha Vidya Mandir Trust, Ambernath. Five teachers were appointed and nutritious lunch, evening snacks including fruits was provided. It has played a transformative role in the lives of these children and their families, making a positive impact on their well-being and development.

The Technology Centre at Ma Niketan has been engaging and inspiring resident girl children for 11 years. Through computer and web technology training, as well as Microsoft Office skills, many children have gained employability and are well placed in several MNCs. Enthusiastic children aged 4+ to 18+ attend regular classes, with over 1000 girls receiving computer education over the past 11 years.

The Saksham Computer Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities and courses in MS Office, Typing, Tally, Adobe Photoshop, and Corel Draw, aimed at equipping children with practical skills for future employment. Over 1500 students have benefited from these courses, with over 12000 study hours invested in the past 8 years.

Udaan's Saksham Community Centre is offering diverse health, education, and skill development programs. Established in September 2015, this initiative serves economically disadvantaged communities across seven semi-urban areas in Thane. With numerous events and activities, Saksham has touched the lives of over 10,000 patients, 1,500 children (in education), 300 women (in skill development), and 1,500 individuals through health camps. It represents Udaan's 15-year journey, embodying compassion, viability, and self-sustainability. The centre provides medical services, specialist consultations, dental care, pathology lab services, nutrition counselling, health checkups, and educational programmes like Saksham Gyanganga and computer education. Skill development includes tailoring, paper bag making, and artistic pursuits. Welfare initiatives encompass fitness, yoga, and more.