In many countries, the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected the prospects and opportunities of young people, exacerbating the existing generational wealth gap. At least one institution in India is trying to reverse this trend.
The Aga Khan Hostel in Hyderabad strives to provide students from underserved regions of India with a safe residential environment, academic and socio-emotional support, and appropriate guidance in various aspects of life.
It is managed by the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES) in India, which is ranked amongst the country's top 10 most respected education and early childhood education brands according to Education World India.
The hostel's dorm parents — teachers trained in critical areas, including community life, interpersonal skills, and health and safety — have demonstrated commendable work in the holistic development of thousands of students. Today, 130 hostel students are supported by nine dorm parents to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become contributing members of a pluralist society.
In alignment with AKES’ objectives, the hostel's mission has always been to enable every generation of students to acquire the knowledge and wisdom needed to strive toward the highest levels of fulfilment.
However, the hostel has also adapted to the changing times and needs of its students. It’s offering today includes daily tutoring, access to an IT-enabled library, indoor and outdoor recreational activities, sports coaching, and field trips. Leadership workshops at the hostel encourage students to harness the power of teamwork and thrive in a competitive environment.
According to Aliya Parveen, Head of Hostel, the environment “augments students’ academic performances through foundation courses for core subjects, subject matter sessions by academic experts, theme-based activities for understanding subject concepts, field trips, and extracurricular activities.”
The hostel also welcomes diversity and celebrates multi-cultural events and festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas, and Diwali.
With the help of the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) in India, the hostel arranges career programmes for students to explore potential future professions, based on their aptitudes and interests. AKEB's Rise and Trendsetter programmes are specially designed to support students in their career development.
Hostel alumnus Nuruddin Samnani, aged 29, reflected on the impact of these programmes as a student.
“2009 was a life-changing year for me,” he said. “During that year, AKES conducted the career guidance programme… and evaluated my interests and abilities. I decided to pursue Chartered Accountancy.”
Nuruddin graduated from Grade 10 in 2009 and has now achieved his aspiration of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Other alumni acknowledged the hostel’s efforts in supporting their holistic development across both academics and sports. They appreciated the many opportunities to explore computer science, data analytics, and other advanced programs.
One such alumnus is Rinkesh Virani, aged 28, who completed a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the India Institute of Technology (IIT) in Madras, and now works at HyperVerge, a Silicon Valley company specialising in Artificial Intelligence.
“All of my achievements were possible because of the environment I grew up in at Aga Khan Hostel,” Rinkesh said. “The excellent education, facilities, and mentors made me what I am today. I will be indebted forever to all those involved in my journey.”
