Philanthropy
Philanthropy
For a child battling cancer, the illness is only one part of the challenge. Long hospital stays, demanding treatment schedules and months away from school can disrupt education, friendships and the simple joys of childhood.
While medical teams focus on treating the disease, there is another question that deserves attention: how do we help a child continue to learn, grow and dream while they are undergoing treatment?
This is the question that lies at the heart of Samiksha Foundation.
Founded with the belief that “Knowledge Empowers and Happiness Heals,” Samiksha works with children affected by cancer and other life-limiting conditions, providing educational, creative and emotional support alongside their medical treatment. Its aim is not merely to keep children occupied, but to help them retain a sense of normalcy and continuity during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
An idea inspired by a child
The Foundation’s story began in 2007, when its founder, Sandhya Sharad, met a six-year-old girl named Samiksha at an oncology centre in Bengaluru.
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Samiksha was energetic, curious and full of life. But conversations with her mother revealed a larger concern. Many children undergoing treatment were unable to attend school, while their families struggled to keep them engaged during long periods in hospital.
The encounter sparked an idea: what if children could have a place within the hospital environment where they could continue their education, read, play and participate in creative activities?
In 2009, the first Samiksha learning centre was established.
Today, the Foundation has six learning centres across Bengaluru, working with hospitals and healthcare institutions to bring education and creative learning to children undergoing treatment. Teachers and volunteers help children continue their primary and secondary education, aligned with their school curriculum, so that treatment does not necessarily mean putting their education on hold.
More than education
At Samiksha, education is only one part of the intervention.
Children are encouraged to participate in art, craft, music, storytelling, poetry, creative writing and other activities. Yoga, meditation, art therapy and creative visualisation provide opportunities for emotional and spiritual support. The Foundation also works with caregivers, recognising that the emotional strain of childhood cancer extends to the entire family.
These activities serve an important purpose. In an environment where much of a child’s day is dictated by tests, procedures and treatment, they create moments where the child can simply be a child.
Samiksha’s “I am a Star” programme takes this philosophy further by focusing on the individual interests and aspirations of children, helping them discover and pursue activities that bring them happiness and confidence.
Ensuring the journey continues
The impact of cancer does not end when treatment does. Returning to school can be difficult for children who have missed months of classes and may have fallen behind academically. Financial constraints can make the transition even harder.
Recognising this, Samiksha launched its Scholarships Programme in 2018 to support young cancer survivors pursuing further education.
The programme reflects an important shift in thinking: survival is not the finish line. Children also need the opportunity to rebuild their education, pursue their ambitions and create a future beyond their illness.
Over the years, Samiksha’s programmes have reached thousands of children. The Foundation reports that more than 15000 children have benefited from its work since inception, with over 70% of children returning to school after treatment. Its scholarship programme has also supported thousands of young survivors in continuing their education.
The power of thoughtful philanthropy
Samiksha Foundation demonstrates how philanthropy can address the less visible consequences of a serious illness.
Childhood cancer can take away much more than health. It can interrupt education, isolate children from their peers and make them feel defined by their illness. By bringing learning, creativity and joy into the treatment environment, Samiksha helps protect some of the experiences that make childhood what it is.
Its work is a reminder that meaningful philanthropy does not always have to address the most obvious part of a problem. Sometimes, its greatest impact lies in protecting what might otherwise be lost along the way.
For a child undergoing cancer treatment, keeping a book open, a lesson going or a creative dream alive can be a powerful reminder that there is a life beyond the hospital.
Entrust Family Office would be happy to connect you with the Samiksha Foundation team and support you in your philanthropic endeavours.
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