Aequs Foundation: Nurturing Futures with Compassion and Purpose

Founded in 2016, the Aequs Foundation is the CSR arm of the Aequs group. Ever since it has been a beacon of hope for communities around our campuses in North Karnataka.

Driven by a deep commitment to the holistic development of students from local government schools, the Foundation first made its mark with an eye-check-up camp at two schools, where over 600 students received life-changing spectacles.

From these humble beginnings, the Foundation\'s initiatives have blossomed to include robust STEAM programs, now at the heart of its mission. Facilities like the Anasuya Melligeri Science & Technology Centre in Hubballi and various Mobile Science Labs have become critical in bringing these educational programs to life, illuminating young minds across the region.

With every learning hour—over 31 lakhs so far—the Foundation isn’t just educating: it’s nurturing dreams, building confidence, and transforming lives. At its heart lies a profound belief: when you invest in children, you invest in the future of a community, a nation, and the world.

Nearly eight years into its journey, the Aequs Foundation partners with 152 schools and touches the lives of 33,000 students across the districts of Belagavi, Hubballi, and Koppal

TRANSFORMATIVE PILLARS 

The core of Aequs Foundation’s activities stands on four major programs. 

Cognitive Development Program: This program reaches the youngest learners in Anganwadis and primary schools, helping them build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. By involving mothers as active partners, the Foundation creates a nurturing ecosystem where learning thrives both at school and home.

STEAM Education Program: More than just science and technology, this program inspires curiosity and confidence in students through hands-on learning. science fairs, after-school centers, and teacher training initiatives ensure knowledge blossoms in every corner.

Student Excel Program: By providing workbook support, career orientation, NMMS training, and scholarships, the Foundation empowers students to achieve excellence in their academic and extracurricular pursuits, paving the way for brighter futures.

Health Awareness Program: Recognizing that health is vital for education, the Foundation has built toilet blocks, installed water purifiers, and provided health education on hygiene, adolescent health, and more. Eye and ear check-ups, along with hearing aids and spectacles, ensure students’ well-being is prioritized.

Beyond its core programs, the Foundation’s commitment extends to engaging employees in its mission. Through the flagship notebook donation drive, employees contributed 61,000 notebooks last year, doubling the impact to benefit over 9,000 students.

COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS 

As Aequs believe in engaging with communities around our ecosystems, the Foundation also strongly understands the importance of collaboration and partnership with likeminded stakeholders and institutions. Therefore, it has partnered with several other NGOs and partners to make a significant impact on the community. One such partnership is with Pratham Education Foundation for the \"Humara Gaon Project” which aims to improve basic literacy and numeracy for children aged 3-14 in 25 villages in Karnataka’s hinterland. The program provides in-school and in-community support, focusing on Anganwadis and primary schools. Dedicated instructors are employed in schools, while in communities, mother and children\'s groups ensure learning continues beyond school, benefiting around 5000 students. 

This project stands out because it not only empowers children but also involves mothers, making it a comprehensive package for both. Our goal in including mothers was to amplify the learning ability of children while also engaging the parents for a greater community impact. Our success is measured by the children\'s ability to read, write, and perform basic math, and we\'ve seen remarkable progress in these areas, thanks to our partnership with the Pratham Education Foundation.

Likewise, the Yuvacharya initiative is yet another transformative initiative by Aequs Foundation, in association with Agastya International Foundation, it redefines the future of education by empowering aspiring teachers from B.Ed. colleges to create joyful and impactful learning experiences. This program equips budding educators with practical, hands-on training and innovative tools to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build confidence in children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In partnership with three B.Ed. colleges, Yuvacharya has established micro science centers featuring state-of-the-art learning labs, where experiential education takes center stage. The program trains aspiring teachers in interactive teaching methodologies, equipping them with the skills to bridge the gap between traditional and modern education practices.

To date, Yuvacharya has trained over 1000 students, inspiring them to become role models and catalysts for change in their communities.

What truly sets Aequs Foundation apart is its lifecycle approach—ensuring interventions from primary schooling to career development support. It’s not just about solving immediate challenges but creating pathways to sustained success and empowerment.