" I have the opportunity to challenge myself. That's what keeps me excited: Changes and challenges!"

Shruti Wamborikar - MANAGER, EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Programs at MarketPlace grow from the artisans' own needs and ideas. Education for Life, which takes the mission of MarketPlace into the community, came from the women's concern for their neighborhood children. While the Armaan Club works with the artisans' own children, these mothers knew that their neighborhood children also needed access to resources, academic assistance, and other counseling.

Shruti started with this concept and has collaborated with the community and other NGOs to design a program that addresses local needs. Coming from a family of engineers, she started out studying engineering before she realized her passion was in the area of social work and development. "I used to be a shy kid," she confesses, "but when I chose to switch to the development sector, I realized it would require a lot of social interaction. I had to come out of my comfort zone!" Her analytical and engineering talents have helped her organize programs and respond to new needs and discoveries. "I have the opportunity to challenge myself. That's what keeps me excited: Changes and challenges!" She sees EFL as not just another social program, but a school of life. "I do not want it to be a simple tutoring class, but rather an expansive program to help children to learn beyond academics by thinking and questioning and being exposed to new things".