Building a New Foundation for Education: Anshu Kumar’s Neev Ki Eent Foundation for Children of Bihar’s Brick Kiln Workers

In Bihar, numerous families migrate annually, many of whom are involved in brick kiln labor. This migration disrupts children's education as schools often reside far away and essential documents make it difficult to access government services. Anshu Kumar Jaiswal, a resident of Bihar, witnessed this challenge firsthand between 2019 and 2021 during his tenure as a Gandhi Fellow with the Piramal Foundation.

It was in Sheikhpura that he encountered the lives of families working in brick kilns, an experience that redirected his career path. He subsequently established the Neev Ki Eent Foundation (NKEF), dedicated to enhancing education access for children of brick kiln workers, aiding families in obtaining necessary documents, linking them to government welfare programs, and bolstering local leadership.

Anshu's educational journey and career evolved towards development and public institutions, culminating in a master's degree in social work with a focus on youth and community development. His roles in international youth programs, such as the ASEAN-India Youth Summit and a youth exchange in China, provided him with insights into government schemes and their implementation.

His experiences in Sheikhpura offered a unique perspective, enabling him to identify opportunities to improve children's education and facilitate their integration into schools.