Akanksha, which literally means “aspiration” is a non-governmental organization in Mumbai that provides less privileged children living in the city slums and the surrounding regions with non-formal education. The brain child of one woman, Shaheen Mistri, Akanksha started in 1991 with one educational centre, one teacher and fifteen children. It has grown into a huge organization with twenty-eight centers catering for over 1400 children. 

Each centre provides a complete learning experience. This includes personality development, the creative arts, sports, health and hygiene as well as more formal education with an emphasis on English language learning. It also helps integrate children into the formal education system. 

Twice a week, Akanksha children meet in an environment of fun and laughter to produce artwork for handmade greeting cards, bags, wall paintings, T-shirts and other items. The artwork is turned into products by the children’s mothers. In addition to being a source of income for Akanksha, the art project provides an income to the children and their mothers, channels their creativity towards a productive endeavour and serves as an important form of vocational training. 

The Savitri Waney Charitable Trust, together with the UK charity KINOE, organised a popular and successful exhibition of Akanksha children’s artwork in October 2002 at the Nehru Centre in London. The purpose was threefold; to raise funds for the continuation and development of Akanksha's work, to raise awareness amongst adults and children of what life is like for Akanksha children and perhaps most importantly to develop the children’s confidence and encourage them to work towards their aspirations by giving them a platform on which to demonstrate their abilities and receive recognition of their talent and creativity.

01.Eye-Care

02.Pain & Palliative care

03.Health provision

04.Community development

Art-work by small tribal children