Dev Pratap Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Voice of Slum NGO based in Noida, has been transforming the lives of over 15,000 children living in poverty through education, nutrition, and skill-building initiatives since 2015.

Alongside co-founder Chandni Khan, Singh’s organisation facilitates formal schooling, vocational training, and social empowerment tailored to the needs of slum communities.

With support from 150+ volunteers and a network of donors, Voice of Slum continues to push boundaries recently launching creative projects like “Basti Frames” to foster youth talent.

Despite financial challenges, the NGO’s holistic approach tackles education, livelihood, and dignity issues, evidenced by impactful ration distribution and education programmes. ​

From Slum Roots to Visionary Leadership

Voice of Slum was founded in 2015 by Dev Pratap Singh and Chandni Khan, who both hail from slums and intimately understand the challenges faced by their community.

Singh, once a ragpicker himself, turned his life toward social impact with the firm belief that education and opportunity are the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty. His lived experiences fuel the organisation’s mission to create lasting change from within.

The NGO began as a small initiative in a slum hut in Noida but has since evolved into a youth-driven organisation with annual expenditures around ₹2 crores, supporting over 15,000 children to date. Singh comments, “Our children are our future if we do not nurture them, society fails.

Education is their right, not a privilege.” Singh and Khan’s leadership comes with grassroots credibility, inspiring hundreds of volunteers and securing donor confidence.

Education Access and Bridge Programmes

Voice of Slum focuses on bridging educational gaps that many slum children face, especially those aged 4 to 12 who are either out of school or have dropped out.

Their Bridge Program prepares these children for formal education by providing customised learning plans, life skills training, and emotional support. The programme currently educates over 825 children.

Further, 315+ students are enrolled in formal education, with the NGO assisting their academic journey through scholarships, mentoring, and counselling.

The curriculum extends beyond academics to include personality development and vocational training, preparing children for self-reliance.

Singh emphasises, “For these kids, school isn’t just a building; it’s a sanctuary that nurtures hope and ambition.” The Bridge Program’s success is a testament to the organisation’s child-centric approach, addressing not just academics but holistic development.​

Addressing Nutrition and Health: Feed the Slum

Recognising that malnutrition hampers learning and development, Voice of Slum implemented the ‘Feed The Slum’ project to supply 22 lakh+ meals to vulnerable families during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Singh explains, “Many children are mentally and physically exhausted due to hunger. Without nutrition, education is impossible.”

In addition to meals, the NGO distributes ration kits regularly to struggling families within their reach. In 2025, they expanded efforts to tackle period poverty by distributing sanitary napkins to over 35,000 girls and women, promoting health, dignity, and awareness in slum communities. This initiative underscores Voice of Slum’s comprehensive social vision beyond education alone.

Vocational Training and Creativity: Basti Frames Initiative

In line with skill development goals, the organisation launched “Basti Frames,” a creative filmmaking studio that offers young people from slums an opportunity to learn media skills, storytelling, and digital literacy.

This project, started in 2025, promotes self-expression and has the potential to open new livelihood avenues for participants.

The studio aims to break conventional skill barriers by empowering youth with cutting-edge technology and creative confidence, simultaneously spotlighting slum stories that often go unheard in mainstream narratives.

Singh reflects, “Talent resides everywhere; we just need to create platforms for it to shine.” Basti Frames exemplifies Voice of Slum’s strategy of holistic empowerment, combining education, skills, and emotional support.​

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Voice of Slum thrives on a committed network of over 150 volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and energy toward programme delivery and community welfare.

Volunteers range from local youth leaders to professional mentors who facilitate workshops, art classes, and career guidance.

Regular community workshops engage parents and local stakeholders, nurturing an integrated ecosystem that supports children’s education and well-being.

Singh states, “Change is sustainable only when the entire community is involved. We aim to create ‘Ambassadors of Change’ among parents and youth alike.”

The organisation also undertakes advocacy to raise awareness about child rights, sanitation, and education policies, collaborating with local authorities to further amplify the impact.

Financials and Sustainability Challenges

Operating with an annual budget of approximately ₹2 crores, Voice of Slum funds its activities through a mix of regular donors, corporate CSR partnerships, and one-time supporters. The NGO faces a common challenge: inconsistent funding streams that affect long-term planning.

However, its demonstrated impact education of thousands, millions of meals served, and vocational initiatives launched has bolstered donor trust. Singh hopes to expand sustainable revenue models, including social enterprises linked to vocational training outputs.

He remarks, “While funds are a challenge, our biggest asset remains the passion and resilience of our team and those we serve.”approach to upliftment, combining care, education, and empowerment with pragmatism and vision.​

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Voice of Slum is an inspiring model of how empathy rooted in lived experience, community leadership, and systemic focus can effectuate sustainable social change. Dev Pratap Singh and Chandni Khan’s journey highlights the profound possibilities when those who have overcome adversity dedicate themselves to giving back.

Their organisation’s comprehensive approach bridging not only educational gaps but physical, emotional, and social needs aligns with The Logical Indian’s ideals of peace, kindness, coexistence, and constructive dialogue. It challenges us as citizens to rethink charity, moving beyond transactional help toward partnership and empowerment.

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