Ms. Najiya Shaikh,
Designation: Program Coordinator
In a remarkable milestone for educational equity, the Community Resource Centers (CRCs) run by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) have achieved a 100% pass rate in the SSC exams among their adolescent learners. Operating across Pune’s underserved urban neighborhoods—Yerwada, Tadiwala Road, Hadapsar—and the remote tribal regions of Nandurbar, these centers are transforming lives by bridging critical educational gaps.
Designed to support students from grades 5 to 10, CRCs serve as safe, inclusive spaces for slow learners, school dropouts, and academically lagging adolescents, offering them tailored academic mentoring and a renewed hope for the future. This transformative work has been made possible through the generous support of Coforge CSR and Help Children in Need Foundation (HCNF), whose contributions continue to empower underprivileged youth with opportunities to succeed and thrive.
Reimagining Learning through Remedial Education
Traditional education systems often fail to meet the diverse learning needs of students, particularly those from economically and socially marginalized backgrounds. CYDA’s remedial education model breaks away from one-size-fits-all learning. Instead, it fosters a student-centric environment with innovative, engaging teaching techniques that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. These centers operate as safe, supportive learning spaces where students receive attention tailored to their pace and style of learning, particularly in core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English. The approach not only builds academic skills but also nurtures confidence and motivation among adolescents who previously struggled within mainstream classrooms.
From Struggles to Success: Omkar’s Journey
One shining example of CRC’s impact is Omkar Metkari, a resident of the Tadiwala Road community. Coming from a financially challenged background, Omkar could not afford private coaching and was falling behind in subjects like Math and Science. A year ago, he enrolled in CYDA’s CRC and found a turning point. “The teaching methods made Math easier to understand, and whenever I faced difficulties, Najiya my Remedial Teacher guided me patiently,” Omkar shared. With the dedicated support of the CRC team, he went on to score an impressive 86% in the SSC Examination for 2024–25. Omkar’s journey is a powerful testament to what targeted support and compassionate mentorship can achieve.
Remarkable Results and Lasting Impact
The 2024–25 academic year marked a major milestone for CYDA’s CRC initiative. Out of the 252 adolescents enrolled across Pune and Nandurbar, all 21 students who appeared for the SSC board exam passed—achieving a 100% success rate. This is more than a statistical achievement; it’s a reflection of the dedication of the facilitators, the trust built within the communities, and the transformative power of accessible, high-quality remedial education.
Beyond academic success, CYDA’s CRCs contribute to adolescents’ holistic growth. These centers nurture not only scholastic improvement but also personal development—encouraging communication skills, emotional resilience, and goal setting. They instill in students a sense of belonging, purpose, and belief in their potential.
Looking Ahead
As CYDA continues to scale and strengthen its CRC model, the organization remains deeply committed to ensuring that no adolescent is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
Through sustained efforts, community engagement, and a learner-focused approach, CYDA is not only improving pass percentages but is actively shaping brighter, more equitable futures for young people across Maharashtra.
