Reducing Inequalities by Youth
The Raksha Foundation is a global youth-led organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Raksha strives to inspire youth to use their creativity and talents to harness interaction with the underprivileged, enhancing the emotional impact of resources and advancements provided through service.
In less than two years, Raksha has facilitated a new approach to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of “Reduced Inequalities” through dozens of local, national, and international programs and initiatives dedicated to enhancing sustainability and well-being in various realms of life for multiple demographics. By starting with small community events, Raksha mobilized a dedicated community of 450+ youth and families, teaching them the true impact behind providing a resource rarely addressed by higher entities: personal connection. Through artistic and interactive events, drives, and fundraisers, Raksha was able to enhance the memory, mental well-being, and self-expression of hundreds of dementia seniors, hospitalized children, refugees, homeless children, and hungry families.
Raksha’s partnership with World Relief, an international Christian humanitarian organization, allowed them to expand their reach within and beyond the Chicagoland area by crafting an innovative Self-Discovery Program for 600+ refugee children from dozens of countries. With the vision of uniting various backgrounds under one common imagination, Raksha’s team and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide refugee children with immersive experiences delving into complex career paths (scientific experimentation, 3D modeling, business strategy, public safety, etc.) through play. By fostering a close connection between Raksha’s volunteers and the refugee children, the program was incredibly successful in inspiring young refugees to be the leading light their families wish to have when adapting to a new country.
Raksha’s dedication to alleviating loneliness and inequality through “creative interaction” became the leading force for its substantial impact in India through its International Sustainability & Education Program (RISEP). Having pitched the program to earn guidance from India’s TATA Education Excellence Program, Raksha’s team traveled to Jamshedpur, India to advance sustainability and accessibility to sanitation and educational resources for 1,050+ students, seniors, and homeless children in less than three days. With $7,010+ worth of monetary support from hundreds of contributors, organizations, and representatives, Raksha personally connected with those they served while installing water coolers and sanitation systems, distributing essential school infrastructure and equipment, and providing nutritional support and everyday clothing. This international program aimed at normalizing the implementation of interaction and personal connection with those in need into the execution of corporate social responsibility, allowing to shorten the gap between underprivileged individuals and those who strive to alleviate their needs.
The Raksha Foundation continues to grow beyond the $60,000+ worth of resources they have distributed to 7,300+ individuals globally. Through its four international branches, Raksha works toward making youth the leaders who craft a more equitable and emotionally interconnected world, bringing greater long-term value to the resources and advancements provided in service. As their founder, Dev Sharma, states, “Raksha’s aid isn’t just a moment for those in need…it’s a memory.”
Learn more about Raksha at https://rakshafoundation.weebly.com/.