Behind Every Educated Child is a Parent Who Sacrifices
Education is often seen as a child’s journey, supported by schools, teachers, and books. But behind every child who attends school, completes homework, and dreams of a better future, some parents silently sacrifice to make it all possible.
For many families in rural communities, education is not just an aspiration—it is a struggle. Parents work long hours, take on additional jobs, and even forgo personal needs to ensure their children stay in school. Despite these efforts, their role in the education system often goes unrecognized. They remain unseen, unheard, and in many cases, disconnected from the schools their children attend.
Recognizing this gap, the Traceable Giving Foundation launched an initiative that transformed a simple, everyday ritual—drinking tea—into a powerful movement for change.
This Republic Day, we took a step towards bridging the gap between schools and families through our initiative, Chai with Mom & Dad. The idea was simple yet impactful: gather parents, teachers, and school representatives over a cup of chai and create an open space for meaningful conversations about education.
With 32 volunteers visiting 35 schools across rural communities, the initiative aimed to honour the parents who, despite financial difficulties, prioritize their children’s education. It was a moment to acknowledge their resilience, hear their concerns, and create a stronger connection between families and schools.
Why Chai? & Why Parents?
Tea is more than just a beverage in India—it is a symbol of warmth, connection, and conversation. In villages, chai brings people together, fostering discussions that might not otherwise take place in a formal setting. By using this familiar and comforting ritual, we were able to break the ice and encourage open conversations between parents, teachers, and community members.
For many of these parents, the sacrifices they make for their children’s education are immense. Some skip meals to save money for school fees, while others take on physically demanding work to afford books and uniforms. However, they rarely have the opportunity to voice their struggles or receive recognition for their dedication.
Chai with Mom & Dad was designed to:
✅ Honor parents’ sacrifices – Acknowledging and celebrating their efforts in ensuring their children’s education.
✅ Deepen trust between families and schools – Encouraging parents to engage more actively in their children’s academic journey.
✅ Encourage inclusivity & collaboration – Strengthening the partnership between schools, educators, and families for a more holistic approach to education.
The Impact So Far
The response to this initiative was overwhelming. Across 50+ villages, our volunteers engaged with families, listened to their stories, and provided encouragement. The numbers speak for themselves:
📌 32 volunteers visited 35 schools
📌 17,000+ students impacted
📌 Strengthened school-family bonds through trust and engagement
More than just statistics, the real impact was seen in the emotions shared during these chai conversations. Parents expressed gratitude for being heard, teachers saw a renewed sense of involvement from families, and children felt a stronger support system around them.
Why This Matters for Sustainable Change in Education?
Education is not just about access to schools; it is about creating an ecosystem where learning is nurtured. Sustainable change happens when families feel involved in their children’s education, not just financially but emotionally and socially.
Chai with Mom & Dad is not just about providing financial assistance—it is about empowerment. When parents feel valued and supported, they become more engaged in their children’s academic journey, ensuring long-term impact. This, in turn, leads to higher attendance rates, better academic performance, and stronger community-driven support for education.
How You Can Make a Difference
While this initiative has already touched thousands of lives, there is still a long way to go. If you are an organization, corporate sponsor, or individual passionate about education, inclusion, and impact, we invite you to collaborate with us. Together, we can scale this initiative, reach more families, and build a future where education is truly a shared mission.
Your support can help us:
🔹 Expand this initiative to more villages and schools
🔹 Provide resources for parents to better support their children’s education
🔹 Strengthen community-led educational programs
By investing in such initiatives, you are not just funding a program—you are changing lives. Join us in empowering families, strengthening education, and shaping a brighter future for thousands of children.
Let’s make education a collective responsibility—one cup of chai at a time.