Nirvanavan Foundation is a grassroots organization working in the remote areas of Alwar district in Rajasthan on educational, ecological and social issues. The Foundation is running 5 primary schools (Alternative Education Centers) in the villages of traditional prostitution.

The 'Nat and Kanjar' community in Alwar district of Rajasthan is traditionally into prostitution. The Foundation is providing free primary education to the children of sex-workers who are devoid of any kind of education.

The Foundation had conducted a door-to-door survey of 22 'Nat and Kanjar' villages collecting all the relevant and necessary data. Out of the 22 villages covered during the survey, 10 high risk villages were identified where the need for a primary school was obvious.

The Foundation was initially working in all of the 10 villages but had to withdraw from 5 due to lack of funds. The 5 schools are supported by a group of dedicated friends. The Foundation eagerly wishes to re-open the closed schools.

The Alternative Education Program for the 'Nat and Kanjar' community is an effort to bring the community into the main stream so that they can live with honor and dignity. The education program endeavors to empower the innocent children who have very little time before they enter the family profession. The average age of a girl child when she enters the profession is 14 years. The Foundation also on the other hand has very little time to work with them before they are lost in the dark alleys of a consumerist society. The 'Nat and Kanjar' community also runs a very high risk of getting infected and spreading the HIV/AIDS virus.

Nirvanavan Foundation is also running the CHILDLINE project in Alwar. CHILDLINE is a national, free phone service for the children in need of care and protection. The volunteers listen to all these children who need someone to talk to and help them.

Everyday the CHILDLINE volunteers come in contact with street children, orphans, abandoned children and new born babies who are in need of a home. The Foundation is hoping to be able to build a children's home for such children.

The Foundation would greatly appreciate support for the Alternative Education Program for the 'Nat and Kanjar' community. The implementation of the project at the grassroots will help pave the path for the community to break their social barriers and live a life of immense possibilities.

Nirvana Bodhisattva, Chairperson Nirvanavan Foundation