The Covid crisis created huge obstacles for the education of young people everywhere. In wealthier countries, where most people have access to computers and cellphones, children were able to attend online classes, but in poorer countries like India that strategy has been impossible to implement, especially in the poorest communities. The public schools in Rishikesh were completely closed due to Covid, and most of the girls who attend our school had no access at all to computers or cellphones and were therefore unable to receive any education at all for the two years prior to the creation of Shakti School of Arts for Girls. You can imagine what a loss it is for a growing young mind to be deprived of education for two full years! More concerning is that with nothing constructive to do, young girls in the slums could easily fall into bad company and get into trouble. Shakti School of Arts has played a vital role in providing essential education and support for these girls, and given a special boost to help them recover for lost time. Now that their regular school as resumed, Shakti School continues as a high quality ‘after school program’, giving the girls a much richer educational experience than they would ordinarily receive through their public school. Our strong focus on mastering English, and self-expression through dance, art and music, will help them find new power in themselves, and bring out the greatness they all have within.