The annual day of Shaagird Foundation’s learning center, Gerda Philipsborn Center, and Bi Amma learning center unfolded as a vibrant celebration of achievement, enthusiasm, and dedication on January 15, 2026. The event showcased the children’s talents, recognized their efforts, and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to education, values, and development.
The program was filled with emotion, pride, and happiness as families witnessed how their children have grown in confidence, discipline, and learning over the months. More than a ceremony, the day reflected Shaagird’s mission of nurturing children through education, dedication, and commitment. Through events like Annual Day, the Shaagird Foundation aims at boosting the confidence of the children, making them feel loved, seen, and valued.
To make the event memorable, the Shaagird Foundation invited Dr. Ramsa Jaan, a researcher, educator, and social impact leader, and Syed Mohd Abdullah, co-founder of Dessine Art, as the chief guests of the event along with Aasif Mujtaba, founder and director of Shaagird; Ayesha Marjan, project coordinator of Shaagird; and Mantasha and Shaziya, educators of the learning centers.
The event started with a prayer—Surah Al Fatiha, Holy Quran by Hussain Shah, the student at the learning center, filling the day with peace and tranquility. To buttress the serenity, the prayer was followed by Nath performance of the children. The nath “Rab Ne Kar Diya” filled the air with placidness.
To maintain the composure, Shabnam, student of our learning center recited and translated Surah Al Falaq.
Happy Tears made the way
Along with spiritual spirits and calmness, nostalgia filled the air through a play based on “The Journey of Education and Shaagird.” Tears of pride and happiness appeared in the eyes of parents seeing their children perform the play with zeal and enthusiasm. “I am so happy to see my child perform with such confidence; I never knew my child was so talented,” said a parent after seeing the play. The happiness of the parents, teachers, and students snowballed as the event made its way towards distribution of certificates of excellent attendance.
On the 14th of January, the Shaagird Foundation conducted a sports day for the students of the abovementioned learning centers. The day witnessed various sports activities like, lemon and spoon race, basketball, balloon race and more. On the annual day, the Shaagird Foundation distributed the certificate of achievements to the children who won the races.
Seeing the broad smiles of winners on receiving certificates and medals, the hearts of the team of Shaagird Foundation warmed, and the day was filled with satisfaction. After all, we strive for their happiness and success!
At the learning centers, the Shaagird Foundation nurtures and mentors children in oration and effective communication. To demonstrate the skills, the children delivered a speech on ‘Importance of Education.’
The speech not only demonstrated the spirits of children but also made others aware of the imperative aspect of education.
Brilliance Bloomed
Moving towards the end of the annual day, the Shaagird Foundation organised islamic quiz competition which acted as a source of knowledge for everyone present. A sense of accomplishment filled the air as the quiz came to an end , appreciating the dedication of participants.
Meanwhile, when everyone was praised for their performance, how could the Foundation leave behind the educators who fueled the event? With this, the event came closer to the end, leaving behind the warmth that continued to linger in the hearts of everyone present.
“If difficult times come upon a community, then Allah also brings better days. If you are asked what the one thing that leads to success is, it is intention (niyat). I have a friend who comes from a place where there is no electricity, no proper paths, and no roads—yet today he is an IPS officer. His intention to study was strong. If your intention is sincere about learning, then no one can stop you,” Said Aasif Mujtaba, Founder & Director, Shaagird Foundation.
“It was truly heartwarming to see all the children sitting with such discipline. Education must be pursued with full honesty, as it teaches you discipline and consistency,” said Syed Mohd Abdullah, co-founder, Dessine Art.
“Since I entered this place, I have been trying hard to compose myself emotionally. I can see that this is not just a learning center—here, you are not merely teaching children but shaping their future. I see this learning centre like a garden, where not only seeds are being planted, but beautiful flowers are already blooming, ” Dr. Ramsa Jaan, Dr. Ramsa Jaan, a researcher, educator, and social impact leader said, with tears in her eyes, making the hearts of everyone filled with love.
Hearts overflowed with love and warmth
As winter swept gently over the city, Shaagird Foundation took the onus to protect its students from the cold. Keeping their comfort and well-being in mind, the Foundation arranged for the distribution of warm jackets and blankets for the children of its learning centers.
At the end of the Annual Day celebrations, this thoughtful gesture added another layer of meaning to the event. As students received their jackets and blankets, their smiles reflected not just warmth from the clothes, but the care and love behind them.
“Education is incomplete if we do not care for the basic needs of our children. These jackets and blankets are a small gesture to remind them that they are valued, protected, and loved,” said Ayesha Marjan, Project Coordinator, Shaagird Foundation.
About Bi Amma Learning Center: Shaagird’s Bi Amma Learning Center is committed to empowering underprivileged children from ragpicker families, slums, and low-income communities in Jamia Nagar and nearby areas. The center focuses on providing access to quality education, helping children gain knowledge and skills essential for personal growth and development. Beyond academics, the center fosters an environment where children can build self-confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. By addressing the challenges faced by these marginalized groups, Bi Amma Learning Center aims to create opportunities for a better future, enabling children to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential through education and support.
About Gerda Philipsborn Learning Center: The Gerda Philipsborn Center of Learning is a dedicated skill development initiative established by the Shaagird Foundation to uplift children, youth, and women from underserved and crisis-affected communities. Named in honor of Gerda Philipsborn—a compassionate humanitarian remembered for her unwavering service to vulnerable children—the center reflects her legacy of care, resilience, and equal opportunity. Through structured training, holistic support, and a nurturing environment, the center strives to equip learners with practical skills, confidence, and pathways to independence, ensuring that hope and opportunity reach those who need them most.
About Shaagird Foundation: At Shaagird Foundation, we fight for a world where education isn’t a privilege but a birthright. We act as changemakers, paving the way for marginalized children in India, removing the barriers that exclude them from classrooms and opportunity.
We believe every child holds the potential to create a meaningful change in society, a potential that burgeons with the power of knowledge.
Our mission is to rekindle that spark within, empowering children impacted by dehumanization acts, communal violence, and those from underprivileged communities. We work tirelessly to transform the distant dream of quality education into a vibrant reality.
By providing access to education, we empower these young minds to become the torchbearers of their own lives and the future leaders of our nation. We opine that together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable society, one bright mind at a time.
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