Rang De: Bridging the Funding Gap for Night School Entrepreneurs

At Masoom, our mission has always been to reduce school dropouts and enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students. Through scholarships, skill-building initiatives, and livelihood programs, we aim to provide holistic support that enables our students to overcome financial hardships and achieve their dreams.

Every day, we witness inspiring stories of resilience and determination—students who juggle demanding jobs during the day and attend Masoom’s Night Schools and Colleges in the evening. Alongside their pursuit of education, many of these students dream of becoming entrepreneurs, envisioning a future where they not only uplift themselves but also create opportunities for their communities. However, financial constraints often stand as barriers, preventing them from turning these aspirations into reality.

The Masoom-Rang De Partnership

Rang De stands out as a transformative force by providing financial support to students in night schools and colleges who aspire to become entrepreneurs. It effectively addresses the vital funding gap that prevents these students from turning their dreams into achievable realities. For those who do not have access to Rang De, the alternatives are limited to banks and local moneylenders. However, banks often require extensive documentation and collateral, which can pose a challenge for students with low asset ownership and creditworthiness. On the other hand, moneylenders typically charge exorbitant interest rates, which can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. These financial barriers create significant obstacles for aspiring entrepreneurs, making it nearly impossible for them to take their first steps toward building a sustainable livelihood.

Rang De’s support transcends traditional financial aid; it represents an investment in the aspirations of young changemakers. These students, often emerging from low-income backgrounds, are committed to building sustainable livelihoods and securing brighter futures for their families. Many serve as the principal wage earners, skillfully balancing the demands of financial obligations and family responsibilities while pursuing their education and business dreams.

With an unwavering belief in their potential, Rang De empowers these students to transform their visions into reality. By providing the necessary resources, Rang De not only facilitates their transition from dreamers to doers but also equips them to establish businesses that significantly alleviate their families’ financial challenges and uplift their communities. 

Thanks to Rang De’s robust support, students have successfully launched a variety of retail businesses— from stalls selling fresh vegetables, eggs, and fish to beauty salons, tailoring shops, and food carts. These entrepreneurial ventures have been instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty while simultaneously contributing to the local economy by offering essential goods and services.

Impact So Far

Thanks to Rang De’s partnership, aspirations are being turned into tangible achievements, and dreams are being realized. Many students have received funding through Rang De, and a total of ₹62 lakhs has been disbursed, directly enabling entrepreneurial ventures that create lasting change.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to Rang De for believing in the potential of our students and becoming a true catalyst for change. Together, we are not just making dreams come true; we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Paul Remedios
Placements Officer, Masoom