Transforming Lives Through Holistic English Medium Education
Madanpura, a densely populated slum area in Mumbai, is home to over 1 lakh residents. Despite the growing demand for English medium education, the area lacked public English medium schools. As a result, many students enrolled in private English medium schools faced a high dropout rate due to their families’ inability to afford the fees.
In many cases, when families struggled to pay fees for multiple children, they prioritized one child’s education, forcing the elder sibling to drop out. These students were then admitted to Urdu or Marathi medium public schools, where education was free. While we respect all mediums of education, we recognise that many parents and students strongly desired an English medium education but were compelled by financial constraints to opt for other alternatives.
Our Vision & Mission
At Ahtesaab Foundation, we believe that education is the key to empowering individuals and transforming communities. Our vision is to provide holistic education through community empowerment, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to high-quality learning opportunities and develops their English proficiency.
Our mission is to create sustainable, community-driven education models that nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with 21st-century skills, confidence, English proficiency and resilience to succeed in life.
Challenges Hindering Quality Education
Despite the pressing need for quality education, several challenges hinder the holistic development of children in underserved communities:
Lack of English Medium Public Schools
Many low-income students have limited access to English medium education, restricting their ability to acquire essential skills for future opportunities.
The absence of affordable English education forces families to send children to private schools they cannot afford, leading to high dropout rates.
Limited Opportunities for Women in Education
A lack of access to skill development and professional training restricts women from gaining economic independence and social mobility. Many educated women in underserved communities are unable to pursue careers due to financial and cultural constraints.
Poor School Infrastructure
Public schools in marginalised areas lack basic facilities like proper classrooms, sanitation, digital resources, and extracurricular infrastructure. The absence of well-equipped learning environments limits students’ holistic development and engagement in education.
Our Solution: How We’re Making a Difference
To tackle these challenges, the Ahtesaab Foundation has designed a multi-faceted approach that focuses on accessibility, empowerment, and infrastructure development:
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model
In the academic year 2019-2020, we co-created and now manage two free schools in Madanpura, Mumbai, by supporting MCGM’s PPP Policy. Under this policy,
BMC provides the school building, and Ahtesaab Foundation manages the curriculum and day-to-day operations.
We ensure quality education by hiring and training teachers and integrating modern teaching methodologies.
Women’s Empowerment Through Education
We hire and train local women who are educated but don’t have opportunities to grow in low-income communities as teachers, enabling them to gain financial independence and professional skills.
Continuous training and upskilling programs are conducted to enhance their teaching capabilities and confidence.
Future-Ready Learning Environment (21st Century Skills)
Modern infrastructure: We have developed computer labs, a multipurpose turf, science labs, and self-defence training programs.
Extracurricular activities: Programs like football, swimming, karate, photography, visual arts, and entrepreneurship skills provide students with diverse skill-building opportunities.
Our Impact
School Operating
Mohd. Umar Rajjab MPS: Nursery to Grade 9
Address : Mohd Umar Rajjab Rd, Champa Compound, Madanpura, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008
School leader: Mr Pronoy Ghosh
Madanpura MPS: Nursery to Grade 2
Address : Shaikh Hafizuddin Marg, Nagpada, Madanpura, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008
School leader: Mr Pronoy Ghosh
Key Achievements | Engaged students and schools |Parent and Teacher Engagement | Parent and Teacher Engagement
Total Students Enrolled
Total Teachers
Student Attendance
Student retention
Learning & Support
Teacher Retention
Key Events & Initiatives: Annual Day Celebration
- All
- Annual day
- Educational Trip
- Sports and Fun Fair
- Student Leadership
Major Developments
FIFA-certified Multipurpose turf installed for sports development.
Boxing Ring Set
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
We are committed to scaling our impact and enhancing education quality through:
Expanding Our Reach
Adopting more schools under the PPP model.
Strengthening Teacher Development
Implementing training, performance monitoring, and incentive programs.
Enhancing Student Learning
Establishing language labs, digital classrooms, and indoor sports
Sustainable Community Partnerships
Engaging with stakeholders for long-term impact.
Every child deserves a quality education. Together, we can make it happen
School Teacher Testomonial
“Teaching at Mohd Umar Rajjab MPS for the past two years has been a rewarding experience. I've seen real progress in academics, student participation, and overall development. The supportive leadership and collaborative environment make it a great place to grow as an educator. I'm proud to be part of this journey.”
“I received a lot of support from the school and the Ahtesaab Foundation. When I had just joined, I was pursuing my D. EL. Ed. studies and had to go to Kurla for my college internship. During that time, the school gave me the time and support I needed, and that’s how I was able to continue my studies. If the school hadn’t supported me, I probably wouldn’t have been able to manage both my job and my studies together. When I realised that I was getting support and that I could handle both things at once, I proved it by actually doing it.”
“I am honoured to be a teacher at Mohammed Umar Rajjab MPS School under the Ahtesaab Foundation, where I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of my students. With the support and training from our respected Principal Sir and the Foundation, I strive to create a positive, engaging learning environment that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and confidence. This journey has allowed me to grow professionally, collaborate with dedicated colleagues, and make a meaningful impact in shaping young minds into future leaders.”
"I am deeply grateful to Athesaab Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to work with them to secure a job, and teach at Mohd Umar Rajjab MPS School. Getting into this school was an incredible decision, knowing that Athesaab Foundation believes in providing quality education to every child with all the modern teaching approaches that feature student-centred learning, technology-integrated learning. Satisfied how smoothly everything is going.”
“I, Yasmin Patel, Assistant Teacher at Mohammad Umar Rajjab MPS English School, feel proud to share my experience of the past two years at this wonderful institution. Under the leadership of our Principal, Mr. Pronoy Ghosh, the school has seen many positive changes and steady growth. He created a supportive and comfortable environment for both teachers and students. A computer lab was established, mass media awareness was introduced, and a turf was developed to promote sports activities. Events like Sports Day and the Annual Program are always well-organised and successful. Working in such a positive atmosphere has helped me grow professionally and personally.”
“I, Fatima Ansari, as a teacher at Mohammed Umar Rajjab MPS under the Ahtesaab Foundation, feel immensely proud to be part of a school that is constantly evolving for the better. Over time, I have witnessed many positive changes, from improved teaching practices and student discipline to enhanced infrastructure and resources. Our principal’s supportive and visionary leadership has played a key role in creating a positive learning environment. Regular teacher training programs have helped me grow professionally and stay updated with modern teaching techniques. I am also grateful to have such cooperative and dedicated colleagues who work together as a team, making every day a rewarding and enriching experience.”
“I, Ansari Benazir, mother of a 9th Standard Student at Md. Umar Rajjab MPS, expressed gratitude for the improvements made under the leadership of Pronoy Ghosh. The school, which earlier lacked basic facilities, now has a computer lab, turf ground, and free swimming classes. Students enjoy better learning experiences and outings like picnics, museum visits, and even an IPL match. I feel proud and thankful for the opportunities provided to my child and other students.”