PROJECT AIM:
#BeTheLight 2.0 aimed to distribute stationery kits and T-shirts to underprivileged and specially-abled children, promoting educational empowerment, social inclusion, and community care.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Conducted on January 12, 2023, at Panihati, Sodepur, the event—titled “Empowering Young Minds”—was a cloth and stationery donation drive in collaboration with the Panihati Association for Handicapped People. The project focused on supporting children from underprivileged backgrounds, including those with special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.
The event began at 4:00 PM and brought together a compassionate group of volunteers who distributed new/gently used T-shirts, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other educational materials. The goal was to enhance the learning environment and promote inclusive education, while also fostering dignity and equality among beneficiaries.
The donation process was driven by:
- Online platforms, primarily Instagram
- Crowdfunding contributions from Rigel Foundation’s extended community
The project was led by Suraj Kr. Midya and approved by Ms. Sayantan Chakraborty, with an approved budget of ₹10,000.00.
GOALS AND IMPACT:
The event served to:
- Empower children through access to essential learning tools
- Promote inclusivity, especially for children with disabilities
- Encourage social responsibility among youth and community members
- Create a culture of compassion and giving back within local networks
The emotional connection created during the distribution, combined with the community’s overwhelming support, amplified the project’s social value.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES:
- Underprivileged children in need of basic educational supplies
- Children with special needs, including those with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Physical disabilities
By focusing on these groups, the project directly addressed educational inequality and social marginalization.
PROMOTION AND PARTICIPATION:
The drive was promoted through:
- Instagram campaigns that encouraged followers to donate and support
- Word-of-mouth and community referrals, enabling deeper outreach
- Active crowdfunding efforts, contributing to both awareness and donation success
The initiative saw strong public response, with participants engaging wholeheartedly in both the donation process and the distribution event.
CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Though organizing donations for a sensitive and diverse beneficiary group posed logistical and emotional challenges, the event achieved:
- Successful community collaboration
- Efficient collection and distribution of items
- Positive emotional impact on both givers and recipients
The love and support from donors poured in from across digital platforms, and the volunteers played a key role in ensuring dignified delivery to every child.
CONCLUSION:
#BeTheLight 2.0 was a resounding success—a heartfelt initiative that stood firmly beside the specially-abled and underprivileged children of the community. The project bridged compassion with action, turning the audience’s love and support into tangible change. The Rigel Foundation looks forward to continuing such inclusive, empowering projects in the future, further illuminating lives with hope, dignity, and opportunity.
