Building a better future for children and women in the Himalayas since 1997
While working in the National Capital Region, Gurgaon, Dr. Narender Sharma, a clinical psychologist, was moved to see the plight of intellectually disabled children from remote areas of the Himalayas. They did not have any kind of professional support in their rural communities and their parents were too poor, ignorant, or scared to send their kids to big cities.
Dr. Sharma made the biggest decision of his life. He quit his cozy job in the metropolis and started Sahyog Schools for disabled children in the rural Himalayas in 1997 with just five children.
Since then, Dr. Sharma's efforts have changed lives of over 2,000 children through Sahyog's residential and home-based programs. However, there are thousands more disabled children in the region who need professional care and support. Dr. Sharma's dream is to reach out to these left out less fortunate children.
As awareness about intellectual disability grows among people, the demand for support services has risen astronomically. However, there is still hardly any infrastructure and professional staff available in these rural areas. The governments are not in a position to meet their specialized needs and the nonprofit sector is still very weak in this specialized field.
In the small state of Himachal Pradesh, thousands of intellectually disabled children are still living marginalized and neglected. Even in urban areas, the situation is grim, as there is only one special educator per 7 schools.
In recent years, Sahyog has not only expanded its operations for intellectually challenged people but has also started a Half-Way Home for adults who are recovering from mental illness, as well as opened a Women Shelter Home for victims of domestic violence.
Advancing lives of disabled children by fostering their independence and interaction in society through education and rehabilitation.
We empower marginalized children and women in the Himalayan regions through specialized education, protection, therapy, and community support, creating lasting positive change in rural communities where professional support is scarce or non-existent.
A world where every child with special needs receives the education and care they deserve, and every woman lives free from violence and discrimination, with equal opportunities for growth and dignity.
We approach every individual with empathy, understanding, and unconditional support.
We believe in building capacity and self-reliance rather than creating dependency.
We work hand-in-hand with local communities to create sustainable change.
Our operating organization based in the Himalayan regions of India. Sahyog directly runs the schools and women's protection programs, employing local staff and working closely with communities.
Registered in India | 80G Tax Exemption Available
Our fundraising arm based in the United States. The foundation raises awareness and funds from American donors to support Sahyog's work in India, ensuring 100% of donations reach the programs.
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt | US Tax-Deductible Donations
Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can make a difference in the lives of children and women in the Himalayas.