From a single classroom to thousands of transformed lives
Gold Heart Foundation was born from the vision of Mrs. Sripriya – or "Priya ma" as the children lovingly call her.
After 25 years as a teacher, she found her true purpose in addressing the needs of school dropouts in Chennai's slums and beyond. Her belief was simple but profound: no child should be left behind simply because of where they were born.
In 2007, what started as a single after-school tutoring center has grown into a comprehensive ecosystem of programs touching thousands of lives. Our journey has been marked by challenges, breakthroughs, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed.
From establishing grooming centers in North Chennai to running residential homes, from providing scholarships to building mentorship networks, from reaching tribal villages to training youth in technology – our story is one of continuous evolution, always guided by the needs of the children we serve.
Launch of structured after-school centers in rural and underserved communities across Tamil Nadu, aimed at reducing 10th and 12th standard dropouts. Supported by college student volunteers receiving a small stipend, the initiative began with one center and has now grown to over 15 centers, creating consistent academic support and community-driven impact.
Launch of a one-of-a-kind annual celebration that brings together over 2,500 shelter home children, students, volunteers, and supporters from nearby districts in Chennai. More than just a festival, it creates a strong sense of family and belonging for children in our programs, celebrating Diwali at scale with cultural unity, joy, and shared experiences.
Introduction of a scholarship program to support students from Thadam Grooming Centers who, despite completing schooling, were unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. Initially focused on our students, the initiative expanded across rural Tamil Nadu and now supports around 100 students every year, helping them continue their academic journey.
Launch of an early childhood learning center in a remote tribal village where access to schools is limited due to distance. As a first step towards a larger vision, the play school provides foundational education and care, with a long-term goal of establishing a full-fledged higher secondary school to serve the community.
Launch of a structured mentorship initiative to bridge the industry skill gap, bringing together professionals from diverse fields to guide students through webinars, mentorship groups, and continuous learning support on an online platform. Gurukulam continues to support students throughout their higher education journey with evening and weekend sessions, and later evolved to inspire in-person learning extensions like Thadam Kanavu Pattarai.
Establishment of a residential home for girls in Chennai, focused on supporting children from underserved and tribal communities who are at risk of discontinuing their education. With two locations, Nandhavanam provides a safe and nurturing environment, access to formal schooling through the Chennai Corporation, and continuous academic support through grooming centers. Beyond education, the program emphasizes holistic development through mentorship, yoga, meditation, and extracurricular activities.
Establishment of our first dedicated foundation space with integrated computer labs, a library, and basic cafeteria facilities, creating a focused environment for undergraduate students to study and prepare for competitive exams such as civil services. The center also hosts regular in-person weekend mentorship sessions to support guided learning.
Launch of an intensive six-month residential software development training program under the Thadam initiative, designed as a structured bootcamp with continuous evaluation and dedicated placement support. Unlike Gurukulam's online mentorship model, this program provides immersive, hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world technology careers.
From a single center in 2007 to multiple programs touching thousands of lives, the journey of GHF is a testament to the power of love and education. Yet, our story is just beginning – and you are now part of it.