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Night School Transformation Program
Currently active in 102 night schools, impacting over 75000 students.
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Night School Transformation Program
Currently active in 102 night schools, impacting over 75000 students.
Objective
The Night School Transformation Program (NSTP) is a highly successful flagship initiative aimed at revitalizing night schools across Maharashtra. It is currently active in 102 night schools, impacting over 75000 students. The NSTP focuses on enhancing the educational experience for students who work during the day and attend school at night. It provides them with access to critical resources and works on improving the overall school infrastructure. Through close collaboration with school stakeholders, NSTP ensures that students, many of whom face financial and social hardships, receive quality education that helps them achieve brighter futures.
Background
Night schools play a crucial role in providing education to students who must work during the day to support their families.
These students, who are primarily between the ages of 14 and 30, are often school dropouts or migrants. Many work as courier boys, office assistants, or housemaids, earning an average monthly salary of Rs. 5000 to 8000. Despite these challenges, their determination to pursue education makes them the primary beneficiaries of Masoom’s Night School Transformation Program.
There are more than 150 night schools in Maharashtra, with over 110 in Mumbai alone. The majority of these schools cater to students in Grade 8, 9 and 10. However, these schools often face challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited supervision, and high dropout rates. Additionally, night school students, who mostly come from slum communities, encounter extra difficulties as first-generation learners and are susceptible to negative influences, including substance abuse. Despite these obstacles, these night schools play a crucial role in providing a pathway for upward social mobility. NSTP is dedicated to improving the educational environment and outcomes for these students.
Three-Pronged Approach
- Building and Supporting Educational Infrastructure: NSTP is committed to building and supporting educational infrastructure to benefit students. By providing access to critical resources such as nutrition, textbooks, science lab equipment, library books, computers, and audiovisual learning, NSTP ensures that students have the necessary tools to succeed in their education.
- Building Capacity: NSTP empowers key stakeholders — headmasters, teachers, students, parents, alumni, and community members through workshops and training, fostering a conducive environment for learning.
- Advocacy: This includes raising awareness about the importance of night schools and advocating for policy changes to ensure that night schools receive the same support and resources as day schools.
Impact of NSTP
NSTP has impacted over 75000 students since its inception, growing from 2 night schools in 2008 to 102 schools in 2024.
Reduction in Dropouts
More than 8000 out-of-school students and dropouts have been re-enrolled in education.
Higher Attendance
Student attendance rates have improved from 34% in 2008-09 to 60% in 2023-24.
The pass percentage for SSC exams has risen from 36% in 2008-09 to 84% in 2023-24.
The percentage of students securing a first-class distinction in the SSC exams has increased from 5% in 2008 to 16% in 2023-24.
Advocacy Impact of NSTP
Secured a government resolution providing hot, fresh evening meals to Grade 8 students at the night schools, ensuring they can focus on studies without hunger concerns.
Facility Access for Extra Classes
Facilitated access to playgrounds and classrooms on Sundays and holidays for night schools, enabling additional classes to complete the syllabus through discussions with BMC officials.
Statewide Policy Implementation
Signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to implement the Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra Policy across all night schools via the Night School Transformation Program (NSTP).
Masoom Supported Night Schools
Success Stories
Words of Endorsement
Ajay and Megha Kadam
Students, Social Service Night School, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ajay Kadam and his wife, Megha Kadam, overcame financial challenges to fulfill their dream of education. Both successfully passed the SSC 2022-23 exams, with Ajay scoring 51% and Megha achieving 44.20%. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to assist their children with studies. Enrolling at the Social Service Night School, Parel, reignited their learning journey. Thank you, Masoom, for your unwavering support and guidance.
Merchant Muhammed Maroof Aslam
tudent, People English Night High School, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Being a dropout from day school due to financial problems, I never thought I would study again. But here I am, enrolled in a night school and successfully securing 90%. Masoom supported me by providing educational materials such as textbooks, 21 sets, SSC exam material, and more. I am determined to build my career in the Medical Field.
Shriniwas Dattatray Chippa
Headmaster, Ramakrishnapan Bet Ratri Prashala, Solapur, Maharashtra
Masoom equips teachers with intensive training to improve teaching and school management. They provide principals with a two-day residential program, offer students educational materials, subject-specific teachers, and monitor attendance. Masoom also supports admissions through surveys and regular visits to resolve issues. Their efforts have significantly increased the pass percentage at Ramakrishnapan Bet Ratri Prashala, Solapur.
Chanchal Yadav
Rajhans Hindi Night High School, Dombivli, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Coming from a financially unstable family, completing my education was a dream for me. But with the help of Masoom, I have secured 89%. I have achieved more than I ever thought possible. Thank you so much, Masoom, for giving me wings to dream big.
Dr. Sachin Mantri
Trustee, The Social Service League’s Night High School, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Masoom’s Night School Transformation Program has greatly improved education quality at The Social Service League (SSL) Mumbai Night High School. This initiative has enhanced academic performance and encouraged student participation in activities, supporting their holistic development. I deeply appreciate Masoom’s NSTP team for their commitment to empowering night school students. I look forward to their continued support and wish them success.
Nilima Sonawane
Student, Sarvajanik Night High School, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra
I am a 10th grade student from Sarvajanik Night High School, Mahim. Managing work, household duties, and commuting from Dombivli left me with limited time for studies. Masoom’s extra classes and e-learning sessions made learning easier and helped me understand the 10th exam format better. I urge all youth to join night schools and fulfill their dreams with Masoom’s support. Thank you, Masoom!
Hemlata Parab
Ratra Vidyalaya, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Masoom is very good. I have completed three years of schooling without spending a single rupee, as Masoom has provided all the educational materials each year.
Sonali Babasaheb Ghumare
Student, Universal Night School, Dharavi, Maharashtra
Thank you so much, Masoom, for providing the educational materials, teachers, and nutrition. I am truly very grateful for all the support you provide.