Transforming Lives through Early Childhood Education: An Interview with Ms. Reethika Azariah

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Ms. Reethika Azariah Kuruvilla, the visionary founder and managing trustee of The Ashoka Tree, an NGO dedicated to revolutionizing early childhood education in India. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and children has been the driving force behind the organization’s remarkable journey.

The Ashoka Tree: A Mission Rooted in Kindness: For her, The Ashoka Tree is both a source of immense joy and a testament to the power of perseverance. “Learning to keep believing in the power of kindness and giving has kept The Ashoka Tree growing,” she says. The organization focuses on providing quality education and support to ‘unseen India,’ working closely with women and children across the country. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, The Ashoka Tree strives to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where young children can thrive and reach their full potential. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to empower women and children, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Early Days and Initial Challenges: The journey of establishing The Ashoka Tree was fraught with challenges. One of the primary obstacles was the lack of awareness and understanding about the importance of early childhood education and health in India. Convincing communities and stakeholders about the long-term benefits of investing in early education remains a significant challenge. Ms. Reethika recalls, “Securing funding and resources to support our initiatives was a constant struggle. We also faced logistical challenges in reaching remote and marginalized communities, compounded by the red tape involved in collaborating with other agencies.”

Overcoming these initial hurdles required perseverance, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to their mission. Despite these obstacles, The Ashoka Tree has made significant strides in improving early childhood education and empowering women and children in various communities.

A Vision for the Future: Ms. Reethika’s journey with The Ashoka Tree exemplifies the impact of dedication and kindness in creating lasting change. Her work has not only transformed the lives of countless children but has also inspired others to believe in the power of education and community support. As The Ashoka Tree continues to grow, Ms. Reethika remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that every child in India has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Activities and Achievements: The Ashoka Tree has implemented a variety of activities and initiatives aimed at improving early childhood education and community living across the country. Working through unaided playschools, the organization has established community-based learning centers and libraries. They have also emphasized the need for child-proofing, first-aid kits, and health camps, providing a safe and stimulating environment for young children. The programs focus on holistic development, including early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

To ensure the provision of quality education, The Ashoka Tree conducts capacity-building workshops for teachers and caregivers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Through partnerships with local volunteers and teachers, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, benefiting over 80,000 children and their families in five states across India.

Just three months into 2024, The Ashoka Tree has already garnered significant recognition, winning an NGO Leadership Award from World CSR Day in February 2024 and the Kerala Leadership Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Consciousness in March 2024.

Overcoming Obstacles: The journey of The Ashoka Tree has not been without its challenges. To overcome these obstacles, the organization adopted a multi-faceted approach. Engaging actively with local community leaders, retired teachers, mothers, and adolescents, they raised awareness about the importance of early childhood education. Collaboration with corporate partners and other philanthropic organizations secured funding and resources, which was crucial for sustaining their initiatives.

To address the issue of limited access, The Ashoka Tree developed innovative strategies like the “Athi-Sundar” Libraries, where libraries in anganwadis serve as centers for community outreach programs for women and children. They have also worked with local volunteers to ensure that programs initiated by The Ashoka Tree continue regardless of their physical presence. These efforts have enabled the organization to overcome many challenges and expand its reach to more communities in need.

Learning and Growth: The journey of The Ashoka Tree has been a continuous learning experience, contributing significantly to its growth as an organization. One of the most valuable lessons learned is the importance of collaboration. Building strong partnerships and collaborations has been crucial in maximizing our impact.

Sustainability has also emerged as a key focus. Recognizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve, we have understood that no one formula fits all. Each area requires a tailored plan to ensure the sustainability of our programs. Staying up to date with changing policies and technology is imperative, especially in an economy that is constantly growing.

Community engagement has been another cornerstone of our growth. Our experiences have highlighted the significance of grassroots initiatives and the power of engaging with the community. We have deepened our understanding of the complex challenges faced by women and children in India and are committed to finding innovative solutions to address them.

Our ability to reach over 80,000 children in unaided play schools across India today is a testament to the incredible support of our dedicated team. An enthusiastic group of volunteers and interns play a crucial role in our daily operations, contributing to the number of children we are able to support each day.

The Ashoka Tree has made significant strides in improving early childhood education in India. Through our dedicated efforts, we have created a more inclusive society, spreading positive change in the lives of thousands of children and their families. We advocate for equal rights for women and children and remain committed to our mission. Throughout our journey, we have learned that everyone we meet has a story to share, whether an older lady or a young child. Listening without judgment has taught us invaluable lessons and shaped who we are today.

The recognition of shared experiences and stories holds immense power. Taking the time to listen or offer a smile can make a significant difference. The power to create change lies within each of us. If you choose to help, you can—and you will be the change you want to see in the world.