Onika Maheshwari/New Delhi

Sana Khan, who founded the Rahat Foundation 16 years ago, has dedicated her life to support the underprivileged communities across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.

Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Sana Khan explained that one of her areas of focus is addressing the issue of girls dropping out of school.

Through her foundation, she works to bring these girls back into the education system, helping them secure admission to institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

Sana, 34, believes that education is the most important tool for success and a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of gender. Through her NGO, she has helped nearly 2,000 dropout students return to educational institutions.

Sana says that the Rahat Foundation provides comprehensive support to those in need.

In addition to education, the organization offers skill development programs and takes responsibility for helping beneficiaries find employment.

Courses include digital marketing, fashion designing, and other vocational skills. The foundation has also assisted around 256 underprivileged girls in Delhi in obtaining driving licenses.

According to Sana, approximately 1,000 young men and women have secured employment after receiving training through the foundation. Around 6,000 students have participated in digital marketing programs, while 4,000 young women have enrolled in fashion designing courses.

To ensure employment opportunities, Sana coordinates with fashion industry companies in Delhi's Okhla Phase II, as well as organizations in the IT sector, call centers, and companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola, helping skilled trainees connect with potential employers.

Sana’s own life story is one of resilience. She lost her father when she was in Class 8 and only 13 years old.

At the time, her family consisting of her mother and two elder brothers faced severe financial hardships.

She says it's hard for her to explain the challenges they endured.

During that difficult period, support from a charitable foundation changed her life. This help from an NGO inspired her to give it back and help others who are stuck in similiar situations.

Today, Rahat Foundation provides beneficiaries with educational support, including exam fees, books, and other necessities. While financial challenges occasionally arise, members of the community often contribute through donations and fundraising efforts.

Sana stresses the importance of transparency and accountability. Before providing assistance, the foundation carefully verifies each case to understand the individual’s genuine needs. Beneficiaries are then enrolled in the foundation’s programs and supported accordingly. She also emphasizes that Rahat Foundation serves both girls and boys, rather than focusing exclusively on one group.

Over the years, Sana has built a strong network of supporters. The organization now has a team of approximately 70 people working across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra to assist underprivileged communities.

Looking ahead, she plans to open a new center in Bengaluru, with a special focus on educating girls who have dropped out of school. The foundation also regularly organizes awareness camps to promote the importance of education. To date, Rahat Foundation has conducted between 500 and 600 such camps.

Recalling her early years, Sana said that after completing a mass communication course from South Delhi Polytechnic in 2010, she worked at Sahara. However, her true passion was always to help marginalized communities, which ultimately led her to establish Rahat Foundation.

The foundation’s work expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it distributed blankets, dry ration kits, medicines, school bags, and educational support to those in need. Sana’s contributions have earned her recognition not only in India but also internationally. She recently received an award in Dubai and has been honored on various platforms in cities including Delhi and Bengaluru.

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Sana Khan invites others interested in helping others join hands with Rahat Foundation.

She welcomes volunteers, supporters, and donors, and hopes that more people will connect with the organization through its website and social media platforms.

Operating from her office in Jasola Village, Delhi, Sana continues to expand the foundation’s reach and impact, guided by her belief that education is the key to empowerment and lasting change.