How A Kandivali School Leader is Empowering Slum Area Students With Affordable Education

Shiopujan Yadav, The Public High School, Kandivali, Thane

Humble Upbringing 

Shiopujan Yadav, who comes from a humble farming family, broke all traditional biases by embracing endurance and dedication, which led him to a career in the vibrant city of Mumbai in 2001. Being raised by a chana vendor in the city, his father instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep belief in the transformative power of education.

“My father’s sacrifices were invaluable,” Shivoujan reflects. “They laid the foundation for my journey.” Shiopujan began his teaching career in Mumbai after completing his B.Ed. After working at a school for three years, he lost his job because of some difficult situations. However, he stayed committed to teaching and eventually got a job at a different school in Nalasopara. Reflecting on his journey, he mentions, “Each experience taught me important lessons. I’m thankful for the challenges I encountered.”

Shiopujan’s path portrays a story of never giving up, facing hardships, and ultimately succeeding. It demonstrates how people can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals by believing in themselves.

Finding An Opportunity During A Setback

Shiopujan’s journey into education was sparked by adversity, turning a job loss into an opportunity for growth. “Losing my job was tough, but it pushed me to aim higher,” he says, drawing inspiration from his uncle’s encouragement to see setbacks as stepping stones to something greater. My uncle always said, “Every setback has a purpose. It’s a chance for something better,” the school leader recalls, passing on this resilient mindset to his students, urging them to embrace challenges.

With determination fueling his ambition, Shiopujan ventured into school leadership and finally founded Shivshakti Vidyalaya in Kandivali West in 2006. He shares the story of his humble beginnings, during which he diligently saved every rupee from a meager salary. Despite the initial struggles, his perseverance paid off as he extended his innovative school to Nalasopara.

“Our schools have flourished over the years,” Shiopujan continues. “In addition to our flagship school, we opened three more schools.” Despite challenges during the lockdown, they managed to start the Nalasopara school in June 2022. “Currently, we have a total of 1950 students across our three schools, with 400 in Shivshakti, 850 in The Public School, and 700 in St. Anne’s High School and Junior College,” he shares.

Why Affordable Education?

Shiopujan believes every child, no matter where they come from, deserves a great education with enough help. He says, “Every child has potential and unique qualities.” School leaders play a big part in helping kids reach their career goals, which can make their lives and families better. “So, it’s everyone’s job in society to provide each kid with the same chances,” he explains. Shiopujan is living by this idea. He’s working hard to make education powerful by removing obstacles and creating opportunities for every child.

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An Exciting But Challenging Start To School

Running a school can be tough, especially when there isn’t enough money in the beginning. Shiopujan faced this when his father left Mumbai in 2004, leaving him with no support. “It was really hard, but we didn’t give up,” he says in an affirmative tone. Getting the school officially recognized took a long time, and it was even harder to run without that recognition. He had to deal with government officials and social workers, which was a struggle. To raise money for the school, he used his savings and taught tuition classes on the side. 

Thankfully, the parents of the students supported him, even when the school wasn’t officially recognized. “Every challenge made us stronger,” Shiopujan shares.

Despite these challenges, Shiopujan’s school has achieved great success. “We’ve faced tough times, but our never-give-up attitude keeps us going,” he emphasizes. His persistence and hard work have helped him overcome each obstacle.

Finding Joy In Student’s Success 

When asked about his happiest moments, Shiopujan’s answer was heartwarming. “Seeing students get access to quality education and succeed in life, with their families’ blessings, makes me happy,” he says. 

“Even though I couldn’t become a doctor or engineer, I’ve helped many students do so.” 

He finds it most rewarding to see his students achieve success while staying humble and grounded. “That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to children and making positive changes through them,” he claims.

Shiopujan also shared a memorable experience when a Block Education Officer visited his school and praised the quality of education and facilities. Each classroom having air conditioning left the BEO impressed. “This is the first school I’ve seen offering such facilities at such low fees,” he remarked. 

Shiopujan takes immense joy in providing excellent facilities for just Rs. 650, ensuring every child can access quality education regardless of their financial status.

School’s Take On Digital Learning

Shiopujan has ensured the school stays technologically updated, with cameras and projectors in all classrooms for a safer and more engaging learning environment. “Teachers must stay digitally literate,” he emphasizes, “so we support them in upgrading their skills.” Collaborations with organizations like Teach for India and Akanksha Foundation have enhanced teachers’ skills and enriched educational programs, contributing to the school’s growth.

Mitigating The Learning Loss

It’s impressive to learn about Shiopujan’s efforts to address learning loss among students, especially during the COVID crisis. He organized additional classes for revision and “to bridge the learning gap,” as he puts it. According to Shiopujan, learning loss is common after summer vacations, so they plan to evaluate students and develop a “connecting course” during the extra period at the beginning of the year.

Varthana’s Role In School’s Growth

Shiopujan expressed his strong bond with Varthana, stating, “I’m excited about our partnership, and I see a bright future ahead.” He recently acquired land nearby and secured a loan to construct a new school building, aiming to provide students with better facilities, advanced technologies, and a safer environment to thrive. “Investing in infrastructure and essential facilities is crucial for delivering quality education,” he emphasizes. “With this loan, we can expand as an institution and positively impact our students’ families,” he added, highlighting the importance of offering affordable education. He expressed optimism about future growth, stating, “This investment holds great promise, and together, we can create a brighter tomorrow for all.”

Future Contribution To The Education Sector

The school leader’s passion for education is truly admirable. His vision to transform the school into a premier educational institution in the region is inspiring. “I envision our school becoming a hub of excellence, where students from all walks of life receive top-notch education,” he remarks. 

Their recent achievement speaks volumes about their commitment. “Seeing one of our students rank first in college fills me with immense pride,” he expresses. It’s proof that with the right resources and support, students from any background can excel. Shiopujan’s dedication and perseverance are the driving forces behind this success. “I’m determined to create more success stories,” he affirms, “where students from affordable schools can make a significant impact.”

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