Scholarships of Higher Education (HELP A CHILD)
Help A Child is a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on SDG 4 – Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
The project supports meritorious students from economically and socially Under-Resourced backgrounds by enabling access to higher education through structured scholarships, mentoring, and academic guidance. By addressing financial and systemic barriers, Help A Child empowers first-generation learners to complete their education and build sustainable livelihoods.
We work in:
• Northern Karnataka
(Bagalkot & Belgaum dist.)
• Maharashtra
(Mumbai & Ahmednagar dist.)
• Madhya Pradesh (Sehore Dist.)
Beyond individual impact, the initiative contributes to broader development outcomes by strengthening families, reducing intergenerational poverty, and promoting social mobility. Through its focus on education-led empowerment, Help A Child also advances SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).Rooted in underserved rural and semi-urban communities, Help A Child reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to responsible business practices, inclusive growth, and nation-building through human capital development.
Sujata Bisnal, a young girl from a village near our plant, became the inspiration behind the inception of "Help A Child". Despite scoring well in her 10th standard examinations, Sujata was unable to continue her education due to severe financial constraints. With limited resources and social pressures, marriage appeared to be the only option available to her.
Sujata’s father had abandoned the family during her childhood, and she lived with her mother in her grandmother’s house. The family’s situation worsened when her uncle, who had been supporting them, met with an accident and was no longer able to work. Left with no stable income, Sujata’s mother and aunt worked as daily wage laborers to support the household. Faced with these hardships, Sujata believed her future held only two choices: to start working at a young age or to get married.
A chance meeting with Mr. Samir Somaiya changed the course of her life. Moved by Sujata’s determination and circumstances, Mr. Somaiya offered to sponsor her education. This single act of support became the genesis of Help A Child, launched in association with Somaiya Vidyavihar, an educational trust.
Inspired by Sujata’s story, our company initiated Help A Child with a broader vision to support talented yet ecnomically Marginalised children in pursuing higher education. From its very inception, Help A Child was envisioned as more than just a scholarship program. It was designed as a life-transforming initiative one that empowers individuals, uplifts families, and strengthens communities.
From its inception, Help A Child was envisioned as more than a scholarship program. It was designed as a transformative initiative aimed at improving the lives of individuals, strengthening families, and uplifting entire communities. With deep roots in rural regions, the program recognizes the powerful role of higher education in driving long-term social change.
Students at Scholarship Award Ceremony at Sameerwadi
Over the years, the scale and depth of the initiative’s impact have continued to grow. Since its inception, Help a Child has facilitated a total of 11,554 sponsorships, with scholarships totaling ₹8.92 crore. The programme has supported the educational journeys of thousands of students, building a strong network of over 4,000 alumni who stand as living examples of the transformative power of education. Collectively, more than 6400 students and families have been positively impacted, creating a ripple effect that extends well beyond individual beneficiaries. The initiative’s reach spans over 200 village communities, underscoring its presence across diverse communities and regions.
Help a Child reflects the Somaiya Group’s broader educational philosophy, shaped by decades of experience in building institutions across primary, secondary, and higher education. This alignment brings structure, transparency, and accountability to the initiative, ensuring that support is measurable, responsible, and rooted in long-term educational outcomes rather than short-term relief
At its core, the true impact of Help a Child is best understood through the lives it touches. First-generation learners are completing their education. Families are gaining confidence in education as a pathway to stability and opportunity. Communities where sustained learning begins to shift perspectives and futures. Through quiet commitment and collective effort, Help a Child continues to invest in education as a force for lasting change, shaping futures one child at a time.
Adopting a holistic approach to child development, Help A Child extends beyond financial support for education. The program complements scholarships with capacity-building initiatives such as personality development, spoken English, computer literacy, and employability skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for academic and professional success.
For girls from rural backgrounds, the initiative works closely with parents and local communities to build awareness around the value of higher education. By addressing social barriers and engaging stakeholders, Help A Child helps reduce early marriage pressures and fosters an enabling environment that allows girls to pursue education with confidence and dignity.
Scholarship cheque awarding to beneficiary student
Beneficiary student house and her surroundings
Success Stories:
Success Stories of Students Supported by Help A Child.
Savita K. Shenavi: From Family Struggles to a Thriving Career in IT
Then:
Savita’s life took a difficult turn when she lost her father 20 years ago. The family was left dependent on his pension, which was barely sufficient to meet their basic needs. With a younger brother and sister still pursuing their education, the financial pressure on the family was immense, placing Savita’s higher education at risk.
Now:
Determined to build a better future, Savita pursued her education with the support of the Help A Child to Study program. She successfully completed her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and is now working as a Software Developer at Hewlett IT Co., Bangalore.
Today, Savita is the primary support for her family, taking care of her mother and brother and ensuring financial stability and security for their future. Her journey exemplifies how access to education can empower individuals to overcome adversity and create lasting positive change for their families.
Gouri Kokatanur: From Village Dreams to software engineer.
Then:
Gouri grew up in a village, facing the challenges of poverty firsthand. Her parents, both daily wage laborers, struggled to provide for Gouri, her five younger sisters, and her grandparents. Despite these hardships, Gouri’s passion for technology and her dreams of a better future fueled her determination to succeed. With the unwavering support of her community and the Help A Child to Study scholarship, she embarked on an educational journey, committed to changing her destiny.
Now:
Today, Gouri is a Software Engineer at Helloapps Technology Private Ltd., Bangalore. She not only supports her family but also advocates for the education of her younger sisters, ensuring they too can pursue their dreams.
Gouri’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of perseverance, community support, and access to quality education. Her story demonstrates that with the right opportunities, determination can turn dreams into reality.
Dr. Irappa S. Kavani: From a Mud Hut to a Medical Practitioner
Then:
Irappa’s father worked as a daily wage agricultural laborer, earning just ₹3,000 per month. The family lived in a mud hut without electricity, facing daily struggles to meet basic needs. Under these challenging circumstances, pursuing higher education seemed almost impossible.
Now:
With the support of the Help A Child to Study program, Irappa was able to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He successfully completed his Master’s in Medicine and now practices at one of the leading hospitals in Kolhapur.
Today, Dr. Irappa is not only a respected medical professional but also a pillar of support for his family, ensuring they enjoy a better quality of life. His journey demonstrates how timely educational support can transform lives, uplift families, and inspire entire communities.
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Harshada Mahale’s Journey
Then:
Harshada Mahale hails from a financially challenged family, where both her parents worked as daily wage laborers with irregular and limited income. Meeting basic household needs was a constant struggle, leaving little scope to invest in higher education for their two children. Despite her academic potential and aspirations, Harshada’s educational journey remained uncertain, as the family found it difficult to bear even essential education-related expenses.
Now:
Harshada received support through the Help A Child Scholarship from her 11th standard onwards, continuing until she successfully completed her with consistent support and her own determination, she was able to focus on her studies and build a strong foundation for her career.
Today, Harshada is employed as a Business Development Executive at Mage Marketer, Pune. She actively contributes to her family’s household income and has taken responsibility for her brother’s education, emerging as a key support system for her familyHarshada’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of sustained educational support particularly for young women and highlights how access to higher education can create lasting positive impact for families and communities alike.
Shubham Bankar – Education Driving Generational Change
Then:
Shubham Bankar comes from a financially disadvantaged family in Sakarwadi. His father worked as a contract laborer. earning an income that was barely sufficient to meet the family’s basic needs. Under persistent financial strain, supporting Shubham’s higher education after school was a significant challenge. With limited resources and opportunities, the family remained vulnerable to the cycle of poverty, and Shubham’s academic future was uncertain.
Now:
With timely support from the Help A Child Scholarship beginning in his 11th standard, Shubham was able to pursue his education without disruption. He went on to successfully complete a degree in Chemical Engineering, laying the foundation for a stable and sustainable career.
Today, Shubham is employed as a Chemical Process Engineer at Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., He is financially independent and plays an active role in supporting his family, helping them move towards stability, self-reliance, and dignity. His journey illustrates the profound impact that access to higher education can have not only in transforming an individual’s life, but also in shaping the future of an entire family.
With continued support, the 'Help a Child to Study' initiative aims to expand its reach, impacting more students from marginalized communities. Godavari biorefineries Ltd has been essential in driving this change, and with their commitment, the program can scale new heights, impacting thousands more young minds across India.
As part of its holistic development approach, Help A Child conducts an annual workshop for final-year students each academic year. The workshop comprises a series of thoughtfully designed sessions aimed at enhancing students’ soft skills, digital communication, career readiness, and self-awareness. These sessions are structured to prepare students for a smooth transition from academic life to professional careers.
Students actively engage in a range of focused activities designed to build confidence, improve employability, and strengthen personal and professional competencies, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet workplace expectations and long-term career challenges.
• Group discussions and mock interviews:
These interactive sessions enabled students to practice articulating their thoughts clearly, improve interpersonal communication, and receive constructive feedback to build confidence for real-world interviews.
• Stress management strategies:
Students openly shared personal challenges related to academic pressure and learned practical, evidence-based techniques to manage stress, maintain focus, and build emotional resilience.
• Resume writing and professional presentation:
Participants were guided on crafting concise, tailored resumes that highlight strengths and relevant experiences. The session also covered tips to present oneself professionally in interviews and networking settings.
Students at currier guidance workshop
• Managing social media profiles:
The workshop emphasized the importance of maintaining clean, professional, and authentic social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. Students learned to curate content, share achievements, and connect meaningfully with professionals in their fields of interest.
• Professional email writing:
The session introduced students to best practices for composing clear, respectful, and purpose-driven emails covering subject lines, structure, tone, and follow-up etiquette to communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.
• Building an online professional presence:
Beyond resumes, students were encouraged to use digital platforms to share projects, volunteer work, and certifications, thereby strengthening their personal brand and improving employability.
Overall, the workshop provided students with practical tools and real-life strategies to enhance their self-awareness, communication skills, and digital professionalism. It empowered them to navigate academic and career challenges with increased confidence, clarity, and a proactive mindset.
Supports to Somaiya Vidyavihar Schools: The company supports Kannada, Marathi and English medium rural schools in Maharashtra and Karnataka. These schools operate and provide education in and around the community in which the Company’s manufacturing locations are located. There are more than 5000 students in these schools.
Women Empowerment/ Tailoring classes: When women are empowered, it has a multiplying positive impact on the health and progress of their families and communities. We run tailoring canters in different villages in Bagalkot and Belgaum Districts of Karnataka. Every year around a large group of women in the age group between 15 to 30 learn the art of tailoring and get the opportunity to become self-employed. This allows them to take care of their children while supplementing the family income thus earning a better livelihood for them and their children. 386 women took the benefit of this project during 2024-25.
