MESKP Build a School Campaign Success Story: In the dusty lanes of rural Bihar, where poverty often overshadows childhood dreams, a quiet revolution is taking place. Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad, through its visionary “Build a School” campaign, is working tirelessly to change the narrative for underprivileged children. The campaign does not just aim to construct schools it seeks to build futures, empower communities and create spaces where children can dream without fear.
On 26 September 2025, this mission took on a vibrant, colorful form when the NGO organized a painting competition as part of the campaign. For many of these children, it was the first time they held a brush, dipped it into colors, and painted their hopes onto paper. The event became more than an activity, it was a symbol of possibility, creativity and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Build a School Campaign: A Vision for Change
The campaign was born from a painful reality. According to Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad, nearly 11 lakh children drop out of school in Bihar each year at the primary level. Poverty, long distances to schools, lack of resources and economic pressures force children out of classrooms and into fields, factories or household chores.
MESKP envisioned a bold response, to create India’s first chain of free schools, accessible to every child regardless of their background. The idea was not only to build physical structures but also to design schools that cater to every aspect of a child’s growth.
These schools, once complete, will offer:
- Modern classrooms equipped for interactive learning.
- Free books, uniforms, and stationery so that no child is held back due to financial constraints.
- Mid-day meals to fight hunger and keep children in school.
- Science laboratories and libraries to nurture curiosity and imagination.
- Smart classrooms that connect rural children with the digital age.
The campaign is a powerful reminder that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right. By building schools, MESKP is building confidence, dignity, and opportunity for generations to come.
A Canvas for Dreams: The Painting Competition
To make the campaign more engaging and meaningful, Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad organized a painting competition on 26 September 2025. The event was designed to give children a chance to express their dreams through colors.
The response was overwhelming. Children, many from marginalized families, arrived with eager smiles. For some, it was the first time they were provided with sheets, paints and brushes of their own.
The atmosphere was electric. Tiny fingers dipped in bright reds, yellows, and blues began sketching worlds that spoke louder than words. Some painted classrooms filled with books and benches, others imagined green villages with schools at their center. A young girl, drew a simple picture of a teacher writing on a blackboard with children smiling in front, her way of saying she longed for a school in her village.
Each painting carried a story. These paintings weren’t just drawings, they were silent appeals for a better tomorrow.
Community Spirit and Togetherness
The event turned into more than a competition. Parents, many of whom had never seen their children celebrated, came to watch with pride. Mothers smiled shyly as their children’s names were announced, while fathers clapped and some even wiping tears from their eyes.
Local artists, teachers and social workers acted as judges. Their admiration was genuine as they were moved not just by the skill but by the sincerity in each painting. While certificates and prizes were awarded to winners, every child received encouragement, small gifts and loud applause.
One mother from the community said softly, “Today my child’s smile tells me that he is seen. We never thought someone would come here to celebrate them. Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad has done something unforgettable.”
Behind the Scenes: Volunteers at Work
The campaign and the competition would not have been possible without MESKP dedicated team of volunteers. They planned every detail, arranging supplies, reaching remote areas, motivating children and setting up art spaces.
One volunteer shared, “When we gave the children their paintbrushes, many just held them, unsure what to do. We gently guided them, and slowly they began painting. By the end, we could see confidence glowing in their eyes. It was magical.”
These volunteers are the lifeline of the campaign, bridging the gap between the NGO’s vision and the ground reality.
Why Creativity Matters in Education
The painting competition was not just an add-on event, it symbolized MESKP belief that education must go beyond textbooks. For children to thrive, they must be encouraged to express themselves, think critically and nurture creativity.
Through such activities, the NGO ensures that children not only learn to read and write but also gain confidence, self-worth and courage to dream. Creativity becomes a tool of empowerment by helping children see themselves as more than victims of circumstance.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
MESKP is not stopping here. Building schools and nurturing creativity are just the beginning. Plans are underway to:
- Expand the “Build a School” campaign to more villages.
- Conduct regular creative competitions like painting, storytelling and drama.
- Organize health and hygiene workshops within the schools.
- Introduce digital learning modules to prepare children for the future.
A spokesperson for Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad summarized it best:
“When we build schools, we build hope. When we organize competitions, we build confidence. Together, these are the foundations of a strong future.”
How You Can Help
The success of the Build a School campaign depends on collective effort. Donors, volunteers and well-wishers play a crucial role. You can support by:
- Donating to fund school infrastructure, books, meals or art supplies.
- Volunteering your time and skills in teaching, mentoring or organizing events.
- Spreading awareness about the campaign so that more people join the cause.
Each small act contributes to a bigger change. A single brushstroke added to a child’s canvas, a small donation towards a book or a day spent volunteering could transform lives.
Conclusion: Painting Brighter Futures
The painting competition on 26 September was not just an event, it was a mirror of the dreams hidden in Bihar’s villages. It showed that children may lack resources, but never imagination. With the right opportunities, they can soar higher than anyone expects.
Mahila Evam Shishu Kalyan Parishad’s Build a School campaign is giving these children more than classrooms, it is giving them dignity, creativity and hope. Each school built is a promise that no child will be left behind and each event organized is proof that education can be joyful, inclusive and life-changing.
Together, through education and creativity, MESKP and its supporters are painting a brighter tomorrow for Bihar.
“One child, one brushstroke, one school at a time”