Jivan’s Children

Who founded the organization where and when?

Jivan’s Children, also known as “Les Enfants de la Vie” was created in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India in the Spring of 2010 by Sathyana Giroux, Anne Wahli, and Paula Giroux Meichtry

Why was the organization formed?

The organization was formed after Sathyana Giroux began tutoring poor street children, from the Dalit (untouchable) caste in Bodhgaya, India. Jivan, meaning “children of life,” became a place for children to go to be tutored in their schoolwork by qualified teachers.

How has the organization changed over time? (cause, main focus, methods)

Along with tutoring, the organization is now a place for children from nursery age to 12th grade to attend and receive the necessary tools and instructions in all subjects. It offers college prep and fee coverage for students wishing to pursue higher education. It is also a place for students to participate in leisure activities from football and cricket to dance classes and fun group outings.

Where are the organization’s headquarters?

14 avenue Lucien Français, 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine, France. 

How many members does the organization have?

14 in France, India, and Switzerland combined.

In which cities does the organization have offices?

Bodhgaya, Bihar. 

In which countries does the organization operate (if very many, then just put how many or which continents)

The organization operates in India.

Who are the organization’s main supporters/sponsors?

The organization receives support from public donations to sponsor children.

Who else does the organization associate or collaborate with?

No one yet.

What are some of the organization’s most used methods?

1. Allowing children, their families, and people working with the organization to have
    access to proper living conditions that respect the fundamental rights of the human
    being, as found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

2. Ensuring the organization is working in conjunction with the local school in Bodhgaya.

3. Ensuring the education of children and covering the majority of the cost it creates.

4. Encouraging people in Switzerland, France … to invest in the association.

5. Raising awareness and informing the public of social issues in India.

What are some of the organization’s biggest achievements?

Many of the first students taken in during the organization’s inception are now finishing college and earning prestigious degrees.

What is the organization best known for?

Supporting Dalit children’s educational needs to help them succeed in their studies.

What are some of the organization’s biggest goals and challenges?

Find funds to keep the school open and to send as many students as possible to higher studies

Annual report:

The most recent report found is from 2016:

https://jivanschildren.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/ra_jivans_2016.pdf

What does the organization do to improve?

Sashi Kapur, volunteered with the program and maintained contact and had the opportunity to accept a higher position, as a manager of the after-school program. He already knew the needs and was able to support the organization in a deeper way. In 2020, Jivan’s Children opened a child-sponsoring system, in which people can pay monthly fees and get a special contact with a child at the school through exchanging letters, videos, pictures. Sponsors can also visit the children at the school.

What does the organization do to collaborate with others?

Bring in volunteers as teachers’ aid for short periods of time.