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Sukhdev Patel was born and raised in Ahmedabad, where he witnessed the harsh realities faced by many children in his community. Growing up in an environment where child labour was prevalent and educational opportunities were scarce, Patel felt a strong urge to make a difference. This motivation led him to establish Ganatar.org in 2006, with the mission of protecting child rights and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and receive a quality education

About

Sukhdev Patel, the founder of Ganatar.org, is a passionate advocate for child rights and education in India. His commitment to ensuring that every child has access to education and a safe environment has made a significant impact on the lives of many underprivileged children in Gujarat. Through his work, Patel has become a prominent figure in the fight against child labour and for the promotion of children's rights

The Mission

• **Ganatar.org, under Sukhdev Patel's leadership, aims to ensure that every child in Gujarat has the opportunity to attend school and enjoy their childhood. The organization focuses on addressing issues such as child labour, lack of access to education, and the violation of child rights. Through various initiatives and collaborations with local and national organizations, Ganatar.org has made significant strides in improving the lives of children in the state.**

• The mission of Ganatar is not just about providing education; it encompasses a holistic approach to child welfare. This includes advocating for better living conditions, health care, and psychological support for children in need. By addressing the root causes of child exploitation, Ganatar.org strives to create a safer and more nurturing environment for every child.

Key Objectives:-

• Promote Education: Ensuring access to quality education for all children.
• Combat Child Labour: Working to eliminate child labour practices in the region.
• Raise Awareness: Educating communities about child rights and the importance of education.

Right To Education Act 2009

• One of Sukhdev Patel's key priorities is to ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in Gujarat. The RTE Act, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, has been in place since 2009. However, Patel recognizes that there is still much work to be done to ensure that every child in the state is enrolled in school and receiving quality education.

• Through awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts, Ganatar.org has been pushing for the demarcation of areas around government schools as per the RTE Act. This measure aims to curb child labour by ensuring that children in the demarcated areas are enrolled in school. Patel believes that by holding the government accountable and demanding the implementation of the RTE Act, Ganatar.org can make a lasting impact on the education landscape in Gujarat.

Role in Promoting RTE Compliance:-

• Demarcation of School Areas: Patel has been vocal about the need for demarcating areas around government schools to prevent child labour. This measure is crucial for ensuring that children in these areas are enrolled in school.
• Awareness Campaigns: Ganatar.org conducts campaigns to inform parents and communities about the RTE Act and their rights under it.

Community Engagement

• **Ganatar.org has been actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness about child rights and the importance of education. Through workshops, street plays, and door-to-door campaigns, the organization has been able to reach out to thousands of families and empower them to become advocates for child rights.**
• These community engagement efforts are crucial in changing mindsets and breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance that often leads to child exploitation. By educating parents about the importance of education and the rights of their children, Ganatar.org is fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility. This grassroots approach not only empowers families but also strengthens the community as a whole.

Challenges and Obstacles