“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
And the Inspire Learning Center lives on it. In the city of Kishanganj, near Delhi, lies a place that’s quietly changing lives. It’s not just a building or a classroom. It’s a lifeline for those who’ve faced struggles most of us can’t even imagine.
Founded in 2005, Inspire Learning Center started with a simple mission: to teach and uplift. Over time, its mission has grown, especially in recent years. When Mr. Philip joined the center in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, he saw challenges and opportunities that shaped the center’s journey in ways no one could have seen.
This is their story- their journey of changing lives!
A Turning Point in a Crisis
The pandemic wasn’t just about masks and lockdowns. For many kids, it meant losing access to education. Without phones, computers, or the internet, students couldn’t attend online classes. During a food distribution drive, the team at Inspire Learning Center came across the harshness of the world. “We saw how much they were struggling,” Mr. Philip shared. “That’s when we decided to step in and help.”
At first they started with just the normal tuition classes to bridge the gap between studies and the kids. Later, after realising the importance of digital skills, the center began offering computer education, teaching digital skills that would open doors for students in the modern job market. But things took a deeper turn when violence in Manipur forced many families to leave their homes. They came to Delhi, hoping for safety and new beginnings.
The harsh reality, though, was heartbreaking. “Out of 250 candidates we interviewed, only three or four got selected for jobs,” Mr. Philip said. “They lacked communication skills, confidence, and basic computer knowledge.”
That’s when Inspire Learning Center decided to focus on more than just teaching. With just eight Manipuri students, they began their journey of transformation in Kishanganj.
Building Skills, One Student at a Time
Today, Inspire Learning Center offers six comprehensive courses designed to equip students with the digital skills and other personality development qualities they need to thrive in the modern job market:
- Basic Computer Skills: A four-month course that lays the foundation for those new to technology.
- Advanced Excel and Data Analytics: A two-month intensive program for aspiring professionals.
- Accounting and Tally: Perfect for those aiming for roles in finance and bookkeeping.
- Graphic Design: A creative, six-month course for budding designers.
- Computer Basics for Children: A four-month introductory course that simplifies technology for young learners.
- Web Designing: An advanced program for students who want to create and manage websites.
Each course is carefully designed to provide not just theoretical knowledge but practical experience. Classes run from Monday to Friday, starting early at 9:30 AM and continuing until 6:30 PM across seven batches.
Stories That Stay With You
Behind every student is a story. Some will break your heart, while others will leave you all inspired and in awe of their resilience.
Mr. Philip recounted the journey of a young woman who fled Manipur with her family and joined the center. In just one week, she acquired the skills and confidence needed to land a job. “Her transformation was incredible,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “She went from being unsure of herself to becoming financially independent in just one week”
Then there’s the story of a brother and sister who walked into the center from a refugee camp. Their reality was harsh: no stable shelter, no regular meals, and little hope for a better future. Yet, they showed up every day, eager to learn. At the Inspire Learning Center, they didn’t just learn skills. They learned to dream again- to live again!
However, not all stories have a fairy-tale ending. Many students, desperate to support their families, drop out to take up low-paying jobs. “This is one of our biggest challenges,” Mr. Philip admitted. “But we do everything we can to keep them engaged, offering extra classes and flexible schedules to help them complete their courses.”
Apni Pathshala’s Support
The journey of Inspire Learning Center hasn’t been without hurdles. One of the biggest challenges has been a lack of resources. For a long time, students had to manage with outdated computers, which were evidently not enough for the students.
But, as they say- “Where there’s will, there’s a way”. Thanks to the efforts of the director of Inspire Learning Center, they came in contact with Apni Pathshala – an organization dedicated to supporting education initiatives by providing them with the necessary resources.
“Thanks to Apni Pathshala, we received ten new computer systems,” Mr. Philip shared. It was like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, students had the tools they needed to truly excel.
But the partnership went beyond those pc sets. Apni Pathshala introduced a requirement for weekly progress reports, including video recordings of student activities. Initially, this seemed like an extra task. Many students were camera-shy and hesitant to speak. But over time, these weekly reports became a confidence-building exercise.
“Now, our students can speak confidently in front of a camera,” Mr. Philip said with a smile. “It’s a skill they never imagined they’d have, and it’s all thanks to this partnership.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Talking about the vision for the Inspire Learning Center, it is simple yet powerful: to give young people the skills they need to find good jobs and build better lives. But there’s another dream, too—to make the center self-sustaining.
“We’re currently dependent on donations,” Mr. Philip explained. “But someday, we hope our students will earn enough to give back and keep the center running for future generations.”
This dream of self-sufficiency isn’t just about finances, it’s about creating a community that supports and uplifts itself. The vision is for students who once walked in uncertain and hesitant to return as mentors, role models, and contributors, ensuring that the cycle of education and empowerment continues.
Mr. Philip envisions Inspire Learning Center becoming a hub of transformation, where alumni take pride in their roots and pay it forward, helping the next generation of learners.
A Message from Mr. Philip
Mr. Philip’s words carry a quiet strength, a voice of experience rooted in both struggle and triumph. “Challenges might be there,” he often tells his students, “but stay focused, don’t give up, and keep trying. God will open doors for you—just be patient.”
Many of the students who walk through the doors of Inspire Learning Center carry heavy burdens. Some have fled conflict zones, seeking safety and stability, while others struggle with financial difficulties or overwhelming self-doubt. Yet, under Mr. Philip’s mentorship and the welcoming environment of the center, these individuals discover a spark of hope.
Through the center’s dedication and partnerships, countless such stories have emerged. Every student who enters the center leaves with more than just new skills, they leave with renewed hope and a sense of empowerment.
Inspire Learning Center’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. The institution has become a living proof of what’s possible when education meets compassion. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s always light ahead—sometimes, all it takes is someone to guide the way.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of organizations like Apni Pathshala. Their contributions, such as providing much-needed computer systems, have been instrumental in turning dreams into reality for so many students. If you believe in empowering young minds and creating a brighter future, consider supporting Apni Pathshala. Together, we can help more students find their spark and write their success stories.Visit Apni Pathshala’s website today to learn more about their initiatives and how you can make a difference.
