PRAYASAM, Kolkata

The vision of a couple of committed individuals germinated in the slums of kolkata in 1996. It led to the creation of prayasam, which today reaches out to a million children. Unicef, which parented the birth of prayasam, continued fostering it for the next 10 years together with the association of several prominent citizens of the city. The founders, after much deliberation, decided to tackle the problem of health headlong. Ngos like vikramshila education resource society has also partnered prayasam to strengthen and spread its peer educator concept. As we look back on another year and reflect on achievements and obstacles, let us reiterate the two key elements that make prayasam unique: its replicable and strong foundation, a broad vision, encompassing an inclusive geographical approach, a complete coverage, coupled with close links and co-operation with the government, certainly distinguishes it from other non-governmental organisations.